Almost Heretical

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.

This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes. To get the full bonus episode (43 minutes long), click here.Did Paul’s vision of Jesus redefine faith, or did James’ focus on works hold the truth? In this bonus episode, we tackle your burning questions about faith vs. works, Paul’s outsized role in Christianity, and what might have been if the Jesus movement prevailed. Join Nate and Shelby as they dive into listener debates, challenge assumptions, and rethink biblical narratives. Share your thoughts in the comments—what do you think Christianity would look like without Paul? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

(Part 1 here) Who should guide your faith—James, Jesus’ brother, or Paul, the visionary apostle? We dive into early Christianity history to explore a battle of beliefs. James rooted his leadership in the Jewish roots of Christianity, blending faith with works. Paul preached faith alone, shaping a global faith. We uncover their clash—faith and works: Paul vs James—through the Didache and the Ebionites’ rejection of Paul. Tune in to decide whose voice speaks to you today.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and after shows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. 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

The discussion highlights the striking contrast between Paul and Jesus, questioning how Paul's letters often overshadow Jesus' teachings. They explore Paul's pivotal role in shaping Christianity and the discomfort it brings. Tensions around gender roles in church leadership are examined, challenging traditional interpretations of scripture. Additionally, the podcast delves into Paul's influence on modern Christian beliefs, raising questions about authenticity and church dynamics, all while inviting listeners to engage in rethinking their faith.

Sodom and Gomorrah is one of the Bible’s most infamous stories, but was its destruction really about homosexuality? What does the Bible actually say about the sin of Sodom? And why did Abraham nearly sacrifice Isaac—was child sacrifice common in his time? Plus, what’s the real meaning behind Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt? We unpack these troubling Genesis stories, explore their ancient context, and reveal how Jewish interpreters wrestled with them for centuries.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.comBecome a premium member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners)Become a premium member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the after show with Dr. PerrinIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Andrew Perrin, an expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, discusses the significance of these ancient texts and their impact on our understanding of the Bible. The dialogue explores the human element behind the texts, the intersection of faith and academia, and the importance of critical thinking in religious education. The conversation also touches on conspiracy theories surrounding the scrolls and the ongoing relevance of these discoveries in contemporary discussions about scripture and spirituality.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. 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! Abraham’s story is packed with unexpected twists, but two figures often get overlooked—Melchizedek and Hagar. Who was Melchizedek, and why did New Testament authors care so much about him? What do the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about his strange biblical role? And why does Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman, end up being the only person in the Bible to name God?Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. 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 after showTony Jones opens up about his journey from the pulpit to the wilderness, sharing how personal struggles led him to rediscover spirituality in nature. He challenges the ethics of modern meat consumption, advocates for mindful hunting, and critiques the church’s failure to support struggling pastors.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and after shows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: https://almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices