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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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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.
How the Gospel of Thomas and the Secret Revelation of John Can Inform Our Thinking on Climate Change
One of the biggest problems in our global concern with climate change is the fact that people are angry and divided over the right course of action.
Is Salvation Your Choice or Your Destiny in the Secret Revelation of John?
In the Secret Revelation of John, the disciple John asks the Savior a crucial question: does everybody get saved? No, if we look at it one way. But yes, if we look at it another way.
Could Baptism be Inclusive Instead of Exclusive?
I can imagine how comforting those words would be for anyone who has been rejected, oppressed, or considered unclean. … This is a different picture from the way baptism works in my life today.
Extracanonical Teachings: What’s the Matter with Matter?
In many different forms of the biblical message, I learned there was a difference between a perception of the not-enough-world and the abundance of the heavenly realm as Jesus taught it.
New Clues for Ascent of the Soul in the Gospel of Mary
Since translating the fifth-century version of The Gospel of Mary, I’ve often pondered its central feature – a story about a soul’s perilous journey upward past seven malevolent Powers that seek to restrain it.
Jews and Christians: Our Shared Foundation
If the long-held distrust between the two faith communities is found to be built on shifting sands, perhaps the day will come when Christians and Jews can unite in a real mutual love of the Shepherd (Psalm 23).
Startling Discoveries of Ancient Christian Art Change Views of Women
Watch and listen as Dr. Ally Kateusz explains the historical and theological significance of the modern-day discovery and interpretation of ancient Christian art.
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