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In The Bible and Beyond blog, you’ll read explorations of historical and spiritual questions about Jesus, women, salvation, healing, the meaning of life, and where Christianity came from. This blog, curated by Shirley Paulson and Hal Taussig, opens the conversation that will help us – writers and readers – unlock some of the mysteries from extra-canonical books, forgotten scriptures, so-called “gnostic” gospels, and the Bible.
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The Gospel of Thomas: A Fresh Gospel Perfectly Suited for a New Yet Ancient Spiritual Practice
Spend five to ten minutes a day contemplating just one saying, letting it roll around in your head and heart and noticing what else it brings into your mind.
Certainty of Compassion in Uncertain Times
I feel the tears in my city and from people everywhere who have become untethered from the promise of security. … a voice is speaking. “It is I, the compassionate.”
The Thunder: Perfect Mind
She has much power, speaks her own truth even when it is not easy, brings different persons and characteristics together in herself, and enacts surprising connections.
What Can I Do about Systemic Problems?
Am I (and everybody else) supposed to work on my own behavior alone with God, or … should I sell everything I have and give to the poor, as Jesus teaches (Mark 10:21)?
How Can Ancient Texts Help Us Find Meaning in Our Lives?
I have worked for thirty-plus years on early texts from the Christ movements, the rest of the Bible, and all kinds of ancient writings, because it has been one of the ways I claim meaning.
The ‘Immovable Race’: A Christian Antidote to Racism?
But it’s neither a form of escapism, nor privilege for a favored few. It requires faithful living with the gifts of the spirit, not the alluring attractions of materialism.
Great News! Hal Taussig Joins Early Christian Texts
He brings what we love most about the Early Christian Texts project: his willingness to listen like a pastor, his eagerness to probe the scholarly questions …, and a healthy dose of surprise.
Praying While Vulnerable During Coronavirus
Somewhere in all this, I rebel. Is God really unwilling or unable to help? Can prayer do something to help the vulnerable during a pandemic?
Saying #5 in Gospel of Thomas: How To Do More Than Wear a Face Mask
I started to wonder: what else (besides an invisible virus) might be right in front of my face that I may not be noticing?
Finding Comfort During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Dialogue of the Savior
It could be that my mother’s confidence in this greater good – this ‘presence’ – is what prepared me to appreciate the calming messages in many of the ancient Christian texts.
Sing One of the Odes of Solomon Today
We’re so accustomed to reading about early Christians, but now try to imagine them singing! And today, we invite you to sing again.
The Contagion of Calm: Tips on How to Spread Calm Instead of Coronavirus in the Gospel of Truth
Right now, we’re in an “all-in-it-together” world. Why not consider the power of the contagion of calm to see what happens while we’re figuring out how to deal with this “all-in-it-together” experience the best way?
Demons, Magic, Healing, and the 91st Psalm: A Video Interview with Dr. Tupá Guerra
It's very likely that other demons were associated with other particular things. And it's interesting that he says this demon – that's the ‘noonday demon’ – is the demon represented in Psalm 91.
What Would Jesus Do in the Face of Violence and Injustice Today?
I don’t think I’ve ever heard this message preached in church, in self-help books, or even among friends! What an unusual way to respond to fear, violence and injustice! To heal others.
Does Extracanonical Biblical Study Strengthen Faith?
I understand study leads to loss of faith. But I also want to bear witness to the way this study can be the source of deeper faith and trust.
Your Path to Empowerment: Hints from Early Christian Texts
Dr. King drew on Biblical imagery for his conviction in this empowerment, and he would undoubtedly have appreciated the powerful message in support of his cause from the then-unknown extracanonical texts.
Do You Need the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in Order to Have Christmas?
I was afraid to consider the implications, because Christmas had become a profoundly religious experience for me by now. Was this discovery going to shatter my faith?
Happy Thanksgiving! You Might Be ‘Doing’ Religion without Even Realizing It
The simple willingness to be grateful inspires others to notice something good and do something about it.
The Power of Gratitude in the Prayer of Thanksgiving
I’m intrigued with examples of transformation I’ve seen from the writers of the Bible and extracanonical texts: … “We are happy. You have taught us about yourself.”
Gospel of Judas: Sorrow is Not the Master of Life
This author is angry that people would mourn and agree to limitations and suffering, instead of throwing out the powers of darkness. This message of optimism is not naivete, but a rebuke to acquiescence.
No Private Thoughts? Desire in The Shepherd of Hermas
His thoughts are not private. God sees into his mind. His mind has become a stage for the performance of his virtue. God is the audience for the performance on the stage of his mind.
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