What Did Jesus Teach about Wealth and Poverty?
Jesus taught how the very riches that were supposedly proof of divine favor could instead become the stumbling blocks that prevent the divine experience.
A Jew and a Christian Discover Commonality
This blew me away. This was a reminder, one of the things both as a Jew and somebody who works to end discriminatory thought and action, I thought this was a game-changer. An interview with Dr. Jennifer Stollman
How the Secret Revelation of John Saves Us from Ancient and Modern Demons
The second part of the series on the 'Secret Revelation of John' is all about demons. Demons were ubiquitous in antiquity, and they had special powers over everyone, from the lowest to the highest in social ranking. Presenter: Dr. Shirley Paulson (with host Hilary Barner)
How Early Jesus Followers Understood the Meaning of Salvation
The meaning of salvation has shifted from an original focus on rescue from danger, disease and sin. The Secret Revelation of John is an example.
Why Should We Believe Anything in the Secret Revelation of John?
The canon is not something that is happening in the second century. It becomes an issue particularly in the fourth century. Canon, before, simply meant “these are the top ten books in my group.” A discussion between Dr. Shirley Paulson and Dr. Art Dewey.
Healing and Salvation in the Secret Revelation of John
This month, we looked at the plan for healing and salvation in the Secret Revelation of John. This ancient book is arguably the most important book in the Nag Hammadi Library. It appears three times in the entire collection and was well-known in antiquity, having spread at least as far as from France to central Egypt, probably farther. It’s the first Christian writing known to include a complete story of creation and salvation. Presenter: Dr. Shirley Paulson (with host Hilary Barner)
The Secret Revelation of John: Not without Controversy
For those who want to hold power and authority over others, the value of this ancient text remains controversial, because it discusses the kind of freedom that offends authoritarian control.
Sophia (Wisdom) in the Bible and Other Christian Texts
Wisdom is ideally prepared to save humanity from its sinful ways precisely because she is wise enough and experienced enough to understand all the tempting ways of the devil.
Noncanonical Texts Illuminate the Bible
"This is the biggest thrust from After Jesus Before Christianity. How will we end up talking about those first two centuries, now that you’ve exposed that these words don’t work right?" An interview with Dr. Shirley Paulson.
Where Is God When Things Go Wrong?
Using the myth of the demiurge, the author of the Secret Revelation of John shows why humans feel the kind of pain and sorrow that God never inflicted on them.
The Immovable Generation: Spreading the Contagion of Calm
We might discover a greater healing power in our conversations when we consider the means of becoming part of the "immovable generation."
Do Only Christians Go to Heaven?
Surprisingly, even this description of torture and eternal punishment offers no hint of punishment due to a flawed, sinful nature. . . . People suffer from their own choices, not from an almighty judge.