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.
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.
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
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.
A Womanist Preacher Inspires Her Congregations with Extracanonical Texts
"I saw that I was womanish. I saw myself in it…. In the feminist movement, it was about being a woman. In the womanist tradition, it’s about being a woman in community." An interview with Rev. Stephanie A. Duzant.
Ancient Roman Families and Household Models Elucidate the Biblical Book of Philemon
"It’s interesting to read (Paul’s) letter to Philemon and imagine yourself hearing it as Onesimus. We do not often imagine life from the viewpoint of the slaves in the ancient world. " An interview with Elli Elliott, PhD.
Why You Should Read New Testament Apocrypha
"There are some strange things in these texts, and even Thomas’s skin is one of them. But … there’s plenty of strangeness in the New Testament as well. " An interview with Dr. Tony Burke.