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In The Bible and Beyond, 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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Thank you for joining in this great conversation!
Seven Stunning Gifts from the Gospel of Mary
"If I’m right that it is a really good, short book from 1800 years ago, then you may want to just mull over what some parts of it mean to you."
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."
Surprising Remedy for American Decline in Religion: Ancient Religious Texts
How strong and vibrant Christianity will be during these next two decades depends primarily on how much creativity and vitality it can produce.
A Lesson from Jesus on How to Heal in the Gospels of Thomas and Matthew
If I’m reading this right, it sounds like the power to heal in the Gospel of Thomas … belongs to those who love unselfishly and unpretentiously.
Wisdom: The Intentional Consciousness of Present Good in the World Today
I recommend this kind of presence [Wisdom] in our lives. It asserts good sense, broad learning, and spiritual intuition.
According to the Gospel of Mary Our Conflicts Can Yield to Wholeness
We fight wholeness, even as we struggle to gain it. This paradox brings to mind the conflict in the Gospel of Mary.
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.
Questions or Suggestions for future blog posts?
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