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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, or arrange for a presentation on one of several topics offered by Shirley Paulson, PhD..
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."
Legions of Laughter: What’s Up with Those 2,000 Pigs?
Here’s to humor that paints a dark, funny, and different perspective. Here’s to letting the people who look like they are in trouble chuckle about their future. Here’s to violent legions rushing toward their own demise.
Consequences of Biblical Translations: Only as Good as the Original
A translation can become fixed, immutable, and sacred. … All too often a translation becomes an idol. Bible translations tend to become THE BIBLE for a community and substitute for the original languages.
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.
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.
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.
What Kind of Person Was Judas Really?
Jesus is explaining it’s not a good thing that you’re going to have to do, Judas. But it’s part of what must happen for God to set the universe right. An interview with Dr. David Brakke.
How Illness and Heresy Became Entangled in Christianity
From then on, illness is associated with heresy, mostly because of the way it spreads. Diseases spread [when] you talk to somebody, and the ancients were aware of that type of dissemination. An interview with Dr. Jennifer Barry.
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.
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.