Three "Myths" Atheists Believe (vIDEO)
Welcome to the home of Episode 192 of the Misquoting Jesus Podcast with Bart Ehrman. Below, you can watch the entire episode, read its description, and see links to related resources.
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episode description
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Atheists often criticize religious believers for accepting myths without sufficient evidence—but do atheists have foundational beliefs that function in much the same way? In this episode, Bart Ehrman explores what he means by "myth" and argues that everyone, including atheists, relies on narratives that cannot ultimately be empirically verified yet profoundly shape how they understand reality.
Rather than defining myths as simply false stories, Bart adopts a broader definition drawn from religious studies: myths are narratives that provide meaning and explain our place in the world, regardless of whether they can be historically or scientifically demonstrated. Using this framework, he examines three examples that many atheists accept: the Big Bang, the origin of life from non-life, and the emergence of consciousness. Bart emphasizes that he believes all three are true, but argues that none can currently be fully explained or empirically demonstrated in their ultimate origins.
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The discussion also explores why people react defensively when cherished beliefs are labeled myths, whether anyone can live entirely without myths, and how recognizing our own foundational assumptions can foster greater intellectual humility and generosity toward those with different worldviews.
In the bonus Q&A, Bart discusses historical inaccuracies in The Da Vinci Code, why he doubts Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, the Jewish origins of Satan in apocalyptic thought, and whether the author of Luke-Acts depended on the writings of Josephus.
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