Home » The Bible and Beyond Blog
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.
Please share your insights in the comments area of each post. Also, come on over to the Early Christian Texts Facebook page for more conversation, or share posts on Twitter to invite others to join in. Your thoughts can 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. Please use the form at the bottom of this page to share your suggestions.
Thank you for joining in this great conversation!
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.
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.
Questions or Suggestions for future blog posts?
Have a question or suggestion you’d like to be addressed in future blog posts? Here’s the form for you!
For longer comments or questions, it will be easier to use the contact form here.