A doctoral thesis from Columbia University titled Attitudes Towards the Natural Philosopher in the Early Roman Empire (100 B.C. to 313 A.D.) marks the academic beginning of Richard Cevantis Carrier. Born in Ontario, California, in 1969, the American historian and philosopher has established his career focusing on naturalism and the Christ myth theory through extensive writing and public debates.
Academic Background
Carrier holds a doctorate in ancient history, earned at Columbia University in 2008, where he specialized in the history of science in antiquity. His formal education also includes time at the University of California, Berkeley. Before focusing on ancient history, he served in the United States Coast Guard, an experience he credits alongside his study of Western philosophy as pivotal in his move toward metaphysical naturalism.
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From 1996 to 2008, Carrier served as a frequent contributor and editor for The Secular Web. His work there provided the framework for his 2005 book, Sense and Goodness without God: A Defense of Metaphysical Naturalism, which explores physicalist accounts of consciousness and naturalized moral realism. He has appeared at numerous secular and skeptic conventions, including the Freethought Festival and gatherings hosted by American Atheists.
The Christ Myth Theory
While initially regarding the non-existence of Jesus as a fringe concept, Carrier eventually became a proponent of the view following crowdfunded research. He has participated in numerous formal debates on the topic, facing individuals such as Craig A. Evans and Trent Horn. His perspectives on biblical canon, Gospel authorship, and the potential allegorical nature of the Gospels were featured in the 2020 film Marketing the Messiah.
Debate and Criticism
Carrier has engaged in public debates regarding naturalism and the historicity of the Bible against opponents including William Lane Craig and Michael R. Licona. His work on the historicity of Jesus has faced rejection within academic scholarship, where it is generally considered fringe. In 2007, he publicly challenged the alleged conversion of English philosopher Antony Flew to deism, arguing that Flew's final book did not accurately represent his philosophical positions.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Ontario, United States
- Doctorate: Ancient history, Columbia University, 2008
- Fields of study: Naturalism, Christ myth theory
- Notable book: Sense and Goodness without God (2005)
- Documentary appearance: The Nature of Existence (2009)
- Former spouse: Jennifer Robin Carrier (m. 1995, div. 2015)
Questions readers ask
What is Richard Carrier's stance on the historicity of Jesus?
Carrier is a proponent of the Christ myth theory, which posits that Jesus was not a historical person.
What subjects did Carrier study during his doctoral program?
He studied the history of science in antiquity, specifically focusing on attitudes toward natural philosophers in the Early Roman Empire.
Achievements
- Fields: naturalism and Christ myth theory
