Those who have immersed themselves in these texts have been strengthened, shocked, inspired, and healed by relating to them. They contain extraordinary gems of wisdom, but also challenge preconceived notions about what it meant and what it means to identify as a follower of Jesus.
Ancient Christian Texts for Modern Healing is an introduction to early Christian writings and their challenges or promises for transforming the world. This course is offered through the website, Udemy. There are plans to offer many more!
Taught by Shirley Paulson, PhD, the introduction course provides a good foundation for continued study. Learn more about the course here.
For more about Early Christian Texts, visit the About page.
Once a month, at 8–9 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday nights (generally the fourth of the month), the Tanho Center sponsors a presentation and discussion of one of the early Christ movement texts. Each Monday session is led by a trained scholar of these texts. Discussion leaders will share a well-framed overview of the particular text, and give time for all participants to ask questions or share their own insights about the meanings and potential for these texts.
Conference Presentations and Similar Events
Title: “Early Christian Disciples”
Type: 45-minute Presentation
Date: May 17, 2020
Where: Clearview Home
Description: Jesus’s followers had to figure out what to do when he was no longer there to guide them. Their prayers and actions inspire our discipleship today.
Title: “Heart-to-Heart Conversations with Christian Neighbors”
Type: One Week Course, Principia Summer Session
Date: June 8-12, 2020
Where: Principia College in Elsah, Illinois
Description: This five hour course, covers basic ecumenical ideas and practices. Registration for the Summer Session required in order to attend.
Title: “Women Who Followed Jesus”
Type: One-hour Presentation
Date: June 10, 1:15 pm, 2020
Where: Principia College in Elsah, Illinois
Description: This one-hour presentation is a first-person enactment of eight women throughout Christian history who devoted their lives to following Jesus.
Visit the Event page to learn more about Early Christian Texts presentations.
Please use the contact form for more information on upcoming events.
The Bible and Beyond Blog
The Bible and Beyond blog explores historical and spiritual questions about Jesus, women, salvation, healing, the meaning of life, and where Christianity came from. This blog opens the conversation that will help all writers and readers unlock some of the mysteries from extra-canonical books, forgotten scriptures, so-called “gnostic” gospels, and the Bible. Read Shirley Paulson’s introductory post here.
The Bible and Beyond Podcast
The Bible and Beyond podcast is a series of interviews with scholars who are able to unlock mysteries from extra-canonical books, forgotten scriptures, so-called ‘gnostic’ gospels, as well as the Bible. Host Shirley Paulson, Ph.D., and her guests explore historical and spiritual questions about Jesus, gender, women, salvation, healing, and the meaning of life. The discoveries these scholars share don’t always fit with what we’ve been told, but time and again they lead us toward a deeper intimacy with Jesus.
Click here to visit the podcast information and archive page.
Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and TuneIn.
Jesus Taught Us that Women Are as Valuable as Men in Q
“It’s not like Jesus is the only person in antiquity to think of women as people. But I do think that he innovated this style of teaching: these parable pairs.” An interview with Sara Parks, PhD.
What’s at Stake When Heresy Sells?
"Orthodoxy glorifies martyrs. So the stories of women martyrs are lifted up, but women who speak up or stand up in any other way are criticized and challenged." An Interview with Deb Saxon, PhD.
Biblical Violence Can Be Helpful or Harmful According to the Way You Read It
A singular reading is often done from a dominant position. People with power are the ones who have their story told…But I have found these multiple readings have strengthened my faith." An Interview with Karri Whipple, PhD.