Here are some personal reflections on the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, and the New Testament. Do they represent, at their core, the same basic faith in the Creator God, the ethical Way, and the eschatological Future of humankind? I find them a rather troubled coupling. The Christians were wise…
Here is my CORE view of Easter morning, based on a careful historical investigation of our sources. This is not the typical “skeptical” or “atheistic” view of things–but a careful analysis of how faith that Jesus was “raised from the dead” arose among his followers–not in Jerusalem on Easter, but…
Over the decades I have heard dozens of interviews with John Crossan, listened to his lectures, read his books, and spent time together in Jerusalem in 2007 with him and his wife Sarah, in endless conversation, visiting some of the “off the beaten tourist paths” places with Shimon Gibson. He…
It is noteworthy that Paul’s testimony in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 remains our only firsthand autobiographical account of such an experience from the ancient world. The idea of Jesus “ascending to heaven” after his resurrection from the dead is a theme well known in our culture. Along with his “resurrection from…
I am continuing to post the materials that I have used in my courses for 45 years now–free for anyone to see and use. You are welcome to print out, read, and share the link via social media, but please do not repost or reproduce without permission. One can compile a…