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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, participate in our monthly discussions, take one of our online courses, or arrange for a presentation on any of several topics.
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.
Early Christian Texts creates online courses for those who want to find out more about the ancient texts. Learn about the remarkable spiritual gems these texts contain, gems that illuminate the Bible and strengthen its meaning in everyday life.
Online courses are available through the Udemy learning platform and the People’s Catholic Seminary. Early Christian Texts offers live online hybrid courses throughout the year, which combine online lectures with several interactive Zoom discussion sessions.
Learn more about the Bible and Beyond Courses.
What Did Jesus Look Like?
Looking past popular depictions of Jesus to get a sense of how he would have appeared to others is hugely important because his appearance tells us a lot about who he was and what he really taught.
Five Misconceptions about Jesus
Did Jesus study with Buddhist monks in India? Were the official documents from Jesus’s trial before Pilate kept in Rome? Did Jesus establish the Christian church?
What Did Jesus Teach about Wealth and Poverty?
Jesus taught how the very riches that were supposedly proof of divine favor could instead become the stumbling blocks that prevent the divine experience.
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.
Unraveling the Blood Curse in the Gospel of Matthew
The irony is that the history of Israel embodies the suffering innocent one. . . reminding us why we have to stay aware of the innocent one in our midst. An Interview with Dr. Arthur Dewey
The Biblical Meaning of Resurrection
In fact, God has made him alive. . . the experience of Jesus and the power of the experience of Jesus is the same before his death and after. An interview with Dr. B. Brandon Scott
The Bible and Beyond Podcast’s 50th Episode
It was tough trying to select snippets of the top ten... But just a glimpse of these highlights ought to inspire you to go back and listen to some of the complete podcasts again. A retrospective with Dr. Shirley Paulson
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.
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."
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.