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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 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.
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!
Racism In early Christian communities?
We can't look to antiquity to find the model for classless (raceless) society, but some ancient writers do help us consider whether our divisions are based on theologically sound viewpoints.
What of the Christian Canon?
The canonical books of the Christian New Testament are foundational spiritual texts for Christians, but they are not the only texts written by early Christians.
Valentine’s Day Treat: Love, from Odes of Solomon
Throughout the Odes of Solomon, the writer praises the source of love that wells up and overflows into love for everything and everyone.
Finding God in the Secret Revelation of John
This was the God I learned in Jesus. Someone in the second century knew something very important about this God that encourages me even now.
It Takes Courage to Cross Religious Boundaries
We simply relate to God and God’s role on earth differently, even though we read the same scriptures and worship what we think of as the same God.
Is There Any Such Thing as a ‘Gnostic’ Gospel?
Irenaeus and others claimed that certain books contained "gnostic" heresy. ... "Gnosis" simply means "knowledge," and in fact, many considered having "gnosis" a good thing.
The Big Questions about Jesus, God, Christians, and the Rest of Us
These ancient books and gospels, written by people who wanted to understand and follow Jesus after he was gone, fill in many of the gaps from what we find in the New Testament writings and church teachings.
Questions or Suggestions for future blog posts?
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