Home » The Bible and Beyond
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."
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.
What Does the Biblical Book of Revelation Mean?
But based on the two predominant views, the Revelation to John has never made sense to many—often most—Bible readers, much less to non-Christians.
What Really Happened When Jesus Healed Someone?
The lessons he taught concerning the realm of God may well have touched the soul and caused the kind of awakening that actually healed the sick.
Early Christians Answer “Where Is God When Things Go Wrong?”
The modern world is so impoverished in its ideas. We have such a narrow range of ways of responding to situations and issues compared to all the ideas that people had before. An interview with Dr. Jason BeDuhn.
What Is the Apocrypha and Why Read It?
Apocrypha give us some real insights into beliefs and practices across Judaism and Christianity, across many cultures and thousands of years. An interview with Dr. Brandon Hawk.
Was Adam the Original Sinner?
Who actually is the culprit in the book of Genesis? Is it Adam? Is it Eve? Is it God himself? The main story is in Genesis. An Interview with Dr. Lance Jenott.
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.