Lawrence native to join KC debate on Christ’s Resurrection

A Lawrence native and theologian has released his latest book.

Bart D. Ehrman, professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, has released “God’s Problem” ($25.95, HarperSanFrancisco), which explores the Bible’s responses to why there is suffering in the world.

Ehrman, who grew up attending Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vt., is scheduled to be in Kansas City, Mo., later this month. He will debate Christian apologist Mike R. Licona on the topic, “Is the resurrection of Christ provable?” at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“We are thrilled to have both Bart D. Ehrman and Mike R. Licona on campus addressing the questions many people ask these days,” says R. Philip Roberts, the seminary’s president and the debate’s moderator. “Apologetics, the science of defending the Christian faith, are very important. Our culture is looking for an answer. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Christian community and others to learn if the claims of Christ are defensible.”

Ehrman has written 20 books and perhaps is best known for “Misquoting Jesus.” He’s appeared on NBC’s “Dateline,” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and CNN.

Ehrman also will be in Lawrence April 11 to 14 as the theologian in residence at the Ecumenical Christian Ministries.