Elaine Pagels

Elaine Pagels, Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University, dives deep into the origins and evolution of Satan across Jewish and Christian traditions. She discusses how Satan transformed from a biblical adversary to a symbol of ultimate evil, shaped by historical contexts like Roman occupation. Pagels also critiques the portrayal of good versus evil in the New Testament and the roots of Christian anti-Judaism, revealing how these narratives have influenced societal perceptions and biases throughout history.

Elaine Pagels discusses the Gnostic Gospels, their discovery in 1945, and their unique teachings challenging traditional Christianity. The podcast delves into the secrets of these texts, their portrayal of Jesus, and the presence of feminine energy, offering alternative perspectives on divinity and spiritual knowledge.

Elaine Pagels, a renowned religion professor at Princeton and author of "Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus," dives into the intricate tapestry of early Christianity. She shares her transformation from a scientifically-minded teen to a passionate seeker of faith through a profound encounter with evangelism. Pagels discusses the controversies surrounding biblical texts, the exclusion of Gnostic writings, and the enduring questions about Jesus’s birth and resurrection. She emphasizes the deep connections forged through spirituality and the invisible realms of belief.

Elaine Pagels, a renowned religion scholar and professor at Princeton, dives into the complexities of early Christianity and her personal faith journey. She discusses her new book, addressing controversies like the virgin birth and resurrection. Pagels contrasts canonical Gospels with Gnostic texts, revealing why the former gained dominance. Through her reflections on loss and spirituality, she argues that belief often overshadows the deeper realities of ritual and community. Her unique perspectives offer a fascinating look at the intersection of history and faith.

In 1945 fifty-two papyrus texts were found concealed in an earthenware jar buried in the Egyptian desert. They turned out to be early Christian writings, some dating all the way back to the first few centuries AD. Elaine Pagels, a historian of religion at Princeton university, has dedicated her life to studying and interpreting these texts and it turns out that there are some surprisingly powerful connections between some of the teachings in these ancient texts and the doctrines of the Restored Gospel. In this episode, Zach Davis spoke with Elaine about her life and research, the importance of wrestling with the big questions of existence, and how religion can open transformative new relationships and perspectives.Elaine Pagels is a historian of religion and the Harrington Spear Paine Professor at Princeton University. Her ground-breaking books include The Gnostic Gospels, The Origin of Satan, and the New York Times best-seller Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas. Her most recent book tells her own story and why she loves investigating the history of religion: Why Religion? A Personal Story.