Early Christian Texts: The Bible and Beyond
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.
The Bible and Beyond Discussions
Once a month, at 8–9 pm Eastern Time on Monday nights (generally the fourth of the month), Early Christian Texts presents an online discussion pertaining to the early Christ movement texts. These discussions, hosted or presented by Shirley Paulson, PhD, begin with a well-framed overview of the particular text, and then participants ask questions and share their own insights about the meanings and potential for these texts.
Events and Live Appearances
Visit the Event page to learn more about Early Christian Texts events.
Please use the contact form for more information on upcoming events.
Illuminating the Secret Revelation of John: Catching the Light
The Book by Shirley Paulson
The Secret Revelation of John was probably written around the same time some of the later books of the Bible took shape, but it was lost and buried around the 4th century. Although it was hidden throughout most of Christian history, its message seems especially relevant today because it appeared at a time somewhat like our own. Shirley Paulson introduces readers to the ancient text in her new book, Illuminating the Secret Revelation of John: Catching the Light.
Learn more here!
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.
Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Podcasts, and TuneIn.
Unraveling the Blood Curse in the Gospel of Matthew
The irony is that the history of Israel embodies the suffering innocent one. . . reminding us why we have to stay aware of the innocent one in our midst. An Interview with Dr. Arthur Dewey
The Biblical Meaning of Resurrection
In fact, God has made him alive. . . the experience of Jesus and the power of the experience of Jesus is the same before his death and after. An interview with Dr. B. Brandon Scott
The Bible and Beyond Podcast’s 50th Episode
It was tough trying to select snippets of the top ten... But just a glimpse of these highlights ought to inspire you to go back and listen to some of the complete podcasts again. A retrospective with Dr. Shirley Paulson
The Bible and Beyond Articles
The Bible and Beyond articles take readers beyond the surface of some of their favorite ancient texts, to show what’s happening behind the scenes and why these writings can be so meaningful to us today. Some texts are obscure, and few people know about them. Others are well known, but their meaning remains a mystery.
Bible and Beyond Presentations
Introductory and In-Depth Online or In-Person Presentations by Shirley Paulson, PhD
The Bible and Beyond Presentation series offers courses and workshops designed for use by churches, conferences, and organizations. Providing a unique opportunity for participants to experience introductory or in-depth classes on various aspects of early Christian texts, the presentations can be offered in-person or online. The combination of Shirley Paulson’s experience with healing, scholarship, and research in Practical Theology evokes ever-new questions and conversations based on ancient texts. Shirley has nearly two decades of experience presenting lectures, classes, and workshops on early texts. Learn more about the variety of presentations offered.