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The Bible and Beyond Discussions Recording Archive
Monday Textual Study Archives
Once a month, at 8:00–9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday nights (generally the fourth of the month), Early Christian Texts hosts a presentation and discussion of one of the early Christian texts. Dr. Shirley Paulson generally leads the sessions by first sharing a well-framed overview of the particular subject and after that providing time for all participants to ask questions or share their own insights.
There is no charge, but attendees are invited to donate or become a Bible and Beyond patron. You may attend any or all sessions — you are welcome any time. We look forward to your participation.
What Does the Soul Long For?
We explore how Nag Hammadi texts transformed an ancient myth into a powerful reflection on longing, identity, healing, and our journey toward wholeness. An interview with Rikki Liu
The Teachers Behind Early Christianity
When we think about early Christian monks and nuns, we often imagine illiterate men and women whose lives are devoted to prayer, solitude, and spiritual discipline. But how did these communities learn? An interview with Dr. Lillian Larsen
Bible and Beyond: Moving Into the Mainstream
This month's Bible and Beyond Discussion celebrates eight years of the Bible and Beyond. A time in which the Nag Hammadi texts have been moving from the “fringe” toward mainstream Christianity. An interview with Dr. Shirley Paulson
The Demon Lilith and the Biblical Tradition
This discussion will focus on Lilith, who is arguably the most feared demon in the history of Judaism. We give some basic overview of her key features, such as the long-held view that she attacks pregnant women and their children, and also examine her appearance in the biblical tradition. Oddly for a demon who is so important in Judaism, she only appears once in the Hebrew Bible—Isaiah 34:14. An interview with Dr. Matthew Goff
The Bible as Idol
Deconstruction isn’t the end of faith. James McGrath explores how critical Bible study can lead to deeper understanding and renewed faith. An interview with Dr. James McGrath
The “Parting of the Ways” between Judaism and Christianity
When, how, and why did the Jesus movement—a small Jewish group born and nourished within a first-century Jewish matrix—come to be "Christianity," a religious movement that defined itself as separate from, and even in opposition to, Judaism? An interview with Dr. Adèle Reinhartz
The Gnostic and Magical Solomon
How did King Solomon wind up in later Christian traditions? The Revelation of Adam—a second-century book from Nag Hammadi—claims that the great Seth became incarnate in a human being who was born of a virgin. He sounds a lot like Jesus with a twist! An interview with Dr. David Brakke
The Fate of the Apostles in the Gospel of Judas
The Gospel of Judas is often read as a harsh rejection of Jesus’s disciples and their successors. But when the disciples express remorse and ask Jesus to cleanse them, does the text show unexpected sympathy?. An interview with Dr. Lance Jenott
Wishing You An Apocryphal Christmas
Ever wonder why Mary was chosen or how shepherds knew of Jesus’s birth? Early Christians filled in the missing details with imaginative stories that deepened faith in Jesus as God’s promised messiah. An interview with Dr. Tony Burke
Jesus’s Childhood in Historical Context
Join the conversation with scholar Joan Taylor, exploring the world Jesus was born into. Discover how Roman violence, and migration to Nazareth shaped his earliest years and influenced the man he became. An interview with Dr. Joan Taylor
Christian History: Re-thinking Eusebius
Most of what we know about early Christianity comes from Eusebius—but recent scholarship shows his story is misleading. Join us to explore dynamic new perspectives that reveal a far more diverse and complex Christian past. An interview with Dr. Lillian Larsen
Did Jesus Fulfill Prophecy?
Looking closely at particular prophecies and New Testament depictions of Jesus’s fulfillment of them shows that the reality is far more complex—and more interesting—than traditional Christian beliefs imply. An interview with Dr. Robert J. Miller
Why Is John So Different from the Other Gospels, and Why Is It So Important?
The significant differences between the Gospel of John and the other canonical gospel raise several important questions to account for. Which gospels tell the history, which tell the theology most accurately? An interview with Dr. Paul N. Anderson
Apocalypse: Now or Never?
Are we ripe for apocalypse? The author of Revelation looks critically at the Roman imperial enterprise and sees through it. As it nears its economic zenith, he hears the laments: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon!” An interview with Dr. Arthur Dewey
Slavery and Power in Ancient Households
Through the image of an enslaved woman painted on a wall in Roman Ephesus this Discussion is about how slavery was foundational—not incidental—to ancient household codes, including those in the New Testament. An interview with Dr. Katherine A. Shaner
Christian-Jewish Relations on the Eve of Islam
Beyond helping us engage the complex realities of Jews and Christians interacting, knowledge of the pre-Islamic era also offers a clearer understanding of Arabian peoples had witnessed when Islam came to power. An interview with Dr. Christine Luckritz Marquis
The Manichaean Story of Adam and Eve
All religions find ways to explain evil. The Manichaeans’ story led to an unusual and unique sexual ethic, but this important story had an enormous and lingering impact in world thought. An interview with Dr. Paul Dilley
The Easter Women
We do not hear about these women, as if neither we nor early Christians believed they were important. Yet some early Christians apparently believed that these women were of extraordinary importance to the faith. An interview with Dr. Ally Kateusz
Forgotten Scripture: Apocrypha
By themselves, the Apocryphal writings are fascinating, and historically, they have much to tell us about the ancient state of religious thought. An interview with Dr. Matthew Goff
Questioning Our Assumptions About the Bible
Dr. McGrath took us through some typical questions about the Bible and helped us notice our false assumptions. Reconsidering these issues helps us understand the stories, the wisdom teachings, and the context better. An interview with Dr. James McGrath
Easy Access to the Extracanonical World
When people begin to realize the treasures of the Nag Hammadi Library, the Gospel of Mary, and other extracanonical writings, they'll be happy to find more English translations to read on two excellent websites. An interview with Mark M. Mattison and Rachel Bousfield.
Talking About the Gospel of Thomas (“Thom”)
Toto works with the Gospel of Thomas in a contemporary setting, helping readers think of the meaning of the messages in a personal and relevant way. It’s like a “dialogue gospel,” not a narrative gospel. Presenter: Toto Tay with host Dr. Shirley Paulson
Demonic Origins and Magdalene
This discussion explores the origins of demons in Christian traditions, focusing on their role in shaping spiritual beliefs, the concept of demons as malevolent forces, and Mary Magdalene’s association with demons. Presenter: Dr. Tupá Guerra with host Dr. Shirley Paulson
Biblical Authority, Bishops, and Monks
Early Christian monks who lived in monasteries sought spiritual guidance from biblical characters and elder monks, rather than church leaders and theologians. Their stories illustrate the struggles with early Christian authority. Presenter: Dr. Joshua Schachterle with host Dr. Shirley Paulson
The Quest for the Historical Mary, Mother of Jesus
Women like Mary, the mother of Jesus, were influential leaders and have been largely written out of the story. But Mary—more like the 'Godmother'—is rightly the real 'Founder' of the movement. Presenter: Dr. James Tabor with host Dr. Shirley Paulson
