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Early Christian Texts Events
Interested in booking Shirley Paulson of Early Christian Texts to speak or present a series or workshop? Click here to request booking information.
A variety of presentations on early Christian texts, including seminars, classes, workshops, and lectures
Some topics include:
- Relationships between the Bible and extracanonical texts
- Issues in the early formation of Christianity
- Exploration of divine and human vulnerability
- Spiritual practice emerging from study of extracanonical texts
- Healing ideas from the ancient texts
- Theological and spiritual concepts from the ancient texts
Presentations and events can be created to work perfectly with your event. If you have a specific topic related to the early Christian texts, be sure to send a message to ask about it.

Fragment from the Gospel of Mary, unknown photographer, public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.
Conference Presentations and Similar Events
“This was the best webinar yet. The information was clear and has implications to think about. Shirley Paulson gave the webinar a superb start with her visual easy-going start to invite us into the presentations. Her conversational style is easy to listen to.” — David
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.
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.
Testimonials
I was very interested in Dr Paulson’s talk on healing among early Jesus followers. I now know what it means to be an “early Jesus follower” and why that term is used. The context of life at the time, the overview of the Secret Revelation of John, the ideas shared on the beliefs and practices during Jesus’ day were fascinating. After this talk, I look forward to learning more! — Bonnie Jean Schlaepfer, Denver, CO
One thing you can always count on when Shirley Paulson speaks: her passion and conviction about her subject. She takes complex material and breaks it down for a newcomer to the material to understand. Her tremendous academic training has prepared her to share these early texts in new, fresh ways that bring the latest scholarship to bear. Enjoy! — Madelon Maupin, Newport Beach, CA (Founder, Bible Roads)
Recently I was privileged to take a fascinating 2-week course from Dr. Shirley Paulson, based on her years of research on early Christian texts. To be able to study extracanonical texts, discovered in 1945, added greatly to my understanding of theological issues both then and now. — Lucy Harper, Atlanta, GA
Your message was incisive, powerful, and focused … Your broader theme assures us that, regardless of whatever outward turmoil seems to be present, by keeping our focus on the three gems, we can experience the harmony of God’s creation right here and now. — Dennis Page, Trabuco Canyon, CA, Attorney at Law
From anonymous evaluation forms:
Such amazing, eye-opening, helpful information. The fruits of your study research digging are so helpful…
Getting exposed/acquainted to the ancient extracanonical texts for the first time – now I need to go home and study them.
Interested in non-canonical healings; how early Christian churches organized; explanations about the Council of Nicea and its impact on history; closer historical context; great perspective: explanations through good metaphors.
There was so much here that I could take this again and continue to learn more — have more texts been found? Grateful for all. I think you were very thorough. I appreciate your bibliography and back-up for many of the ideas given.
I enjoyed all of it and got a lot out of it.