Almost Heretical

Could one ancient cloth change how we see the resurrection? Dr. Jeremiah Johnston joins us to unpack the Shroud of Turin, its baffling science, strange history, and the image that no one can explain. Does this relic prove Jesus physically rose from the dead, or is it just a misunderstood artifact? We explore what happens when modern science collides with first-century faith. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening discussion, the hosts dive into burning questions about hell and biblical authority. They scrutinize whether Jesus truly preached eternal torment and what to make of scripture that clashes with modern values. The evolving interpretations of Gehenna and hell in early Christianity are explored, revealing a tapestry of beliefs from early church fathers. The podcast encourages a personal connection to faith, emphasizing the importance of questioning and understanding the historical context of resurrection beliefs.

This discussion dives into the fascinating question of why Jesus didn't write anything during his life. It contrasts his lack of written texts with other religious figures and explores the importance of oral tradition in preserving his messages. The hosts highlight the cultural and logistical challenges of writing in Jesus' time, suggesting that his teachings were meant to resonate with the immediate, less literate audience. This choice invites listeners to consider the relevance of his message in a contemporary context, challenging traditional views of scripture.

What if the stories at the end of Genesis weren’t just family drama—but political storytelling? In this episode, Nate and Shelby revisit six key moments from Genesis 27 to 50—including Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing, Dinah and Shechem, Judah and Tamar, and Joseph’s rise in Egypt—to explore how these stories may have been written to explain Israel’s political identity, tribal dynamics, and national origin. We talk about: Why Jacob and Esau’s rivalry reflects Israel vs. Edom What Jacob’s wrestling match really says about the name "Israel" How the story of Dinah might not be about justice at all The subversive role of Tamar and why she’s called righteous Why Joseph marrying an Egyptian priest’s daughter created tension later And how Genesis closes by blessing tribes that already existed These aren’t just ancient stories—they’re layered political texts that reveal how Israel saw itself and its neighbors. Join us as we read Genesis a little more historically, and a little more honestly. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the FULL episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/128901088 Listeners sent us 49 pages of questions and comments—and in this bonus episode, we tackle some of the best. We explore whether Paul’s theology rewrote the faith, how James and Paul define “salvation” differently, and why First Timothy might not even be Pauline. We also dive into whether Jesus really talked about hell more than heaven, what “saved through childbearing” could mean, and why Acts and Galatians paint two conflicting timelines of Paul’s journey. Other highlights include: Did Paul influence the Gospels? Why doesn’t Paul quote Jesus? Is Acts trying to legitimize Paul? What even is Gehenna, and should we rethink hell? Where do Nate and Shelby land with their own faith? Plus, an honest conversation about community, politics, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and how to live together with deep differences. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

→ Download the Practice Christianity Without Paul reflection booklet here (https://www.patreon.com/posts/jesus-faith-and-128319083) → Access the Paul-Free Church Statement of Faith (https://www.patreon.com/posts/church-statement-128321301) What does it mean to be a Christian without Paul? In this series finale, we walk through five alternate paths the Jesus movement could have taken—and still can—without relying on Paul’s theology. From mystical wisdom to Jewish observance to political resistance, we explore practical ways to follow Jesus that aren’t rooted in Pauline doctrine. Nate and Shelby also unveil a brand new “Paul-Free” Statement of Faith and share a reflection booklet for premium members. Paul Series:Part 1 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/123045409)Part 2 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/124165907)Part 3 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/125186503)Part 4 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/126248455)Part 5 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/128318250) Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Existence of Paul and His Influence 12:06 Imagining Christianity Without Paul 22:28 The Ebionites and Early Christian Movements 23:26 Exploring Early Christian Beliefs 28:35 Potential Paths of Early Christianity 30:05 Modern Reflections on Following Jesus 37:36 Paths of Justice and Action 41:31 Reimagining Faith Without Paul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes. To get the full bonus episode (37 minutes long), click here.How did Paul’s teachings overshadow James’s vision for Christianity? Could a Paul-free faith have survived as a Jewish sect? Does the Didache reveal a Christianity untouched by Paul? Why do Paul’s words sometimes feel at odds with Jesus’? We also explore faith, works, and navigating today’s political divides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the fascinating world of early Christianity as the discussion unpacks Paul’s overwhelming influence on the New Testament. Discover how some epistles might not actually be by Paul and what it means for understanding church history. The complex relationship between Paul’s teachings and those from the Jerusalem movement is critically examined. There's also an exploration of the Gospels and how contextual factors shape interpretations. Finally, consider the implications of studying Jesus without the lens of Pauline theology.

Dive into the tension between faith and works as Nate and Shelby explore Paul’s radical vision versus James’ traditional views. What if the Jesus movement had thrived without Paul's influence? Join their thought-provoking discussions that challenge established beliefs, reexamine core doctrines, and question the Nicene Creed’s portrayal of Christ. With intriguing listener debates, this episode invites you to rethink the foundations of Christianity and explore the dynamics of belief and action.

Discover how Paul’s radical vision reshaped early Christianity, overshadowing the original Jesus movement led by James. Explore the tensions between them, focusing on Gentile inclusion and differing interpretations of faith. Delve into Paul's mystical revelations and the strategic ways he spread his teachings across major Roman cities. The discussion raises intriguing questions about the trajectory of Christianity—what if the Jerusalem community had prevailed? Rethink the origins and evolution of a faith that continues to impact billions.