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 Gospel of Thomas Goes Public
The Gospel of Thomas Goes Public is the first course in the Nag Hammadi series.
Presenters Dr. Shirley Paulson and her co-instructor, Dr. Hal Taussig, explain the complex but extremely important relationship between the recently discovered Gospel of Thomas and the Bible, and help learners gain confidence in their own ability to interpret and make use of the text. Sign up and purchase on Udemy.
Ancient Christian Texts for Modern Healing
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.
Monday Textual Studies
Once a month, at 8–9 pm Eastern Time on Monday nights (generally the fourth of the month), Dr. Hal Taussig presents an online discussion of one of the early Christ movement texts. These discussions, hosted 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.
Conference Presentations and Similar Events
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.
Did Paul Really Say That?
"I might say [Paul]’s working out a theology. Maybe in all of the letters. Trying to explain… what it is to be in Christ, or in the body of Christ." An Interview with Dr. Nina Livesey
Is Practical Theology a Contradiction in Terms?
"Sometimes people think theology is some kind of criticism, but it’s about seeing the world more richly and fully." An interview with Dr. Stephen Pattison.
Conservative Christian Finds Biblical Egalitarianism
"I really believe the Holy Spirit fosters equality. You know the Holy Spirit is the great Energizer, but also the great Equalizer." An interview with Margaret Mowczko.