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The Bible and Beyond presents explorations of historical and spiritual questions about Jesus, women, salvation, healing, the meaning of life, and where Christianity came from.
You can read articles and blog posts, listen to our podcasts, and participate in our Monday textual discussions.
And don’t be shy! Comments are open on all the articles, posts, and podcasts. Your thoughts help the whole community see from a broader perspective. Comment policy is available here.
Your questions and ideas about The Bible and Beyond will help guide what topics are chosen for discussion, so don’t hesitate use the form at the bottom of this page to share your suggestions with us.
The Shepherd of Hermas: All Slaves of God
"For Hermas, self-control meant a redirection of desire by taking pleasure in the joy of helping the poor. Such redirection was a means to overcome double-mindedness by reorienting wealthier members to focus on the community rather than themselves."
The Odes of Solomon: Jewish Wisdom and Christian Worship
"Virtually unknown until ancient manuscripts began to surface in 1785, this surprising and superlative collection of odes offers a rare glimpse into the unbridled spirituality of early Eastern followers of Jesus."
What 1 Timothy Says about Women
"[The text] prohibited women from teaching only in that time because it was important that they first learn and only then begin to teach."
Living Church Practices, Not Static Creeds
"Practice is somewhat flexible [and] allows those who practice to make adjustments and grow."
How Can Jesus Promise Eternal Life?
"This ancient text sheds light on the link between the stark limitations of mortality and the possibilities of eternal life."
Look Beyond the Biblical Canon
"I hope that this blogpost signals to you the open-ended ways life comes toward us in the same way an open-ended Canon could help us be more alive. "
Charles Hedrick and Nag Hammadi Manuscripts
"One of my hobbies was to read things from antiquity that nobody else had ever read before. … Preparing a translation for publication is separate from translating as you put it together." An interview with Dr. Charles Hedrick.
What the Apostles Did after the Resurrection
"Christian believers for the past two millennia haven’t distinguished between canonical and noncanonical sources. Lots of stories in noncanonical texts have been just as much true stories for believers as canonical texts. Lots of stories in noncanonical texts have been just as much true stories for believers as canonical texts." An interview with Dr. Janet Spittler.
Shapira Deuteronomy Fragments: Forgery or Authentic?
"I would suggest keeping a cool head and reserving judgment. Good scholarship takes time—thinking about … all the stuff that comes out on the internet very, very rapidly." An interview about the Shapira Scroll with Dr. Tony Burke.
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. Hal Taussig, who leads the sessions, shares a well-framed overview of the particular text, and gives time for all participants to ask questions or share their own insights about the meanings and potential for these texts.
Questions or suggestions for future topics?
Have a question or suggestion you’d like to be addressed in the future? Here’s the form for you!
For longer comments or questions, it will be easier to use the contact form here.