Most people assume Jesus must have made plans for who would take over the leadership of the church, or movement, he began with his preaching and healing ministry, after his death. But there is no reliable evidence that this is true. The gospel that has Jesus giving Peter the "keys to the kingdom" was written long after Jesus' death and after Paul had been preaching the gospel to the Gentiles and establishing churches in different parts of the world. It was up to these two visible leaders with very different personalities, backgrounds, and gifts to determine how the movement begun by Jesus would continue. Join Karen and E.J. as they compare and contrast the two leaders and explore how the church developed under their joint leadership.

Most people assume Jesus must have made plans for who would take over the leadership of the church, or movement, he began with his preaching and healing ministry, after his death. But there is no reliable evidence that this is true. The gospel that has Jesus giving Peter the "keys to the kingdom" was written long after Jesus' death and after Paul had been preaching the gospel to the Gentiles and establishing churches in different parts of the world. It was up to these two visible leaders with very different personalities, backgrounds, and gifts to determine how the movement begun by Jesus would continue. Join Karen and E.J. as they compare and contrast the two leaders and explore how the church developed under their joint leadership.

Peter and Paul—The Fisherman and The Tentmaker

The Apostles were recorded in the gospels to perform miracles, not only while Jesus was with them, but also after his resurrection and ascension. Peter was the established leader of the Apostles after Jesus' ascension, and in the gospel account, had been given the mantle of leadership from Jesus, although scholars believe this was inserted later to establish that legitimacy. But Peter was undoubtedly influential, and in leadership in many ways, including performing healing miracles himself. We will explore these miracles, and consider their implications and meanings, how they compare with Paul's miracles in the first part of the series, as well as what they can teach us about our own spiritual lives.

The Apostles were recorded in the gospels to perform miracles, not only while Jesus was with them, but also after his resurrection and ascension. Peter was the established leader of the Apostles after Jesus' ascension, and in the gospel account, had been given the mantle of leadership from Jesus, although scholars believe this was inserted later to establish that legitimacy. But Peter was undoubtedly influential, and in leadership in many ways, including performing healing miracles himself. We will explore these miracles, and consider their implications and meanings, how they compare with Paul's miracles in the first part of the series, as well as what they can teach us about our own spiritual lives.

The Miracles of Peter, Part 2

The Apostles were recorded in the gospels to perform miracles not only while Jesus was with them but also after his resurrection and ascension. Paul, who proclaimed himself an Apostle, is recorded to have performed miracles in the Acts of the Apostles and by his own accounts. We will explore these miracles and consider their implications and meanings as well as what they can teach us about our own spiritual lives.

The Apostles were recorded in the gospels to perform miracles not only while Jesus was with them but also after his resurrection and ascension. Paul, who proclaimed himself an Apostle, is recorded to have performed miracles in the Acts of the Apostles and by his own accounts. We will explore these miracles and consider their implications and meanings as well as what they can teach us about our own spiritual lives.

The Miracles of Paul, Part 1

In Mark 5, Jesus performs an unusual healing of a man possessed by many demons by directing the demons into a herd of pigs grazing nearby, that promptly stampede off the cliff, into the lake, and drown. This story has long confounded easy understanding as innocent animals are sacrificed by this healing act of Jesus. Join E.J. and Karen as they tackle this story from metaphysical, historical, social, and symbolic angles to derive understanding for our own lives today.

In Mark 5, Jesus performs an unusual healing of a man possessed by many demons by directing the demons into a herd of pigs grazing nearby, that promptly stampede off the cliff, into the lake, and drown. This story has long confounded easy understanding as innocent animals are sacrificed by this healing act of Jesus. Join E.J. and Karen as they tackle this story from metaphysical, historical, social, and symbolic angles to derive understanding for our own lives today.

Redirecting Energy: Another Way to Heal

Of all the stories of Jesus' miracles and healing, there is one story where the one seeking healing went to great lengths to reach Jesus. The story is so dramatic that it catches Jesus' attention in his teaching, and he is moved by the faith of those who are bringing the paralyzed man as much as the man himself. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore this story of healing and faith through several lenses of interpretation, and gain insight for yourself!

Of all the stories of Jesus' miracles and healing, there is one story where the one seeking healing went to great lengths to reach Jesus. The story is so dramatic that it catches Jesus' attention in his teaching, and he is moved by the faith of those who are bringing the paralyzed man as much as the man himself. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore this story of healing and faith through several lenses of interpretation, and gain insight for yourself!

Raising the Roof: A Story of Healing

As we take a look at the familiar story of the biblical hero, Samson, we will focus in on some of the details that most have forgotten or never heard. These details lend dramatic flavor, but also telling details about the nature of Samson and perhaps, heroes themselves. Join Karen and E.J. as they use different lenses of the Bible to examine the hero story of Samson and apply the lessons to our lives today.

As we take a look at the familiar story of the biblical hero, Samson, we will focus in on some of the details that most have forgotten or never heard. These details lend dramatic flavor, but also telling details about the nature of Samson and perhaps, heroes themselves. Join Karen and E.J. as they use different lenses of the Bible to examine the hero story of Samson and apply the lessons to our lives today.

Another Look at Samson

Reading the Bible literally and in the sequence in which it appears is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses or levels of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

Reading the Bible literally and in the sequence in which it appears is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses or levels of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

The Lenses of the Bible, Part 4

Reading the Bible literally and in the sequence in which it appears is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses or levels of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

The Lenses of the Bible, Part 3

Reading the Bible literally and in the sequence in which it appears is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses or levels of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

Reading the Bible literally and in the sequence in which it appears is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses or levels of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

The Lenses of the Bible, Part 2

Reading the Bible literally, and in the sequence in which it appears, is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses, or levels, of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses, and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

Reading the Bible literally, and in the sequence in which it appears, is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses, or levels, of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses, and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

The Lenses of the Bible, Part 1

The Bible is the most widely read but least understood of all sacred scriptures. Cohosts Revs. Karen Tudor and E.J. Niles introduce a biblical topic each week from a cultural, historical, psychological, and symbolic perspective that will help you discover spiritual Truths about yourself!The ideas and opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect the teachings of Unity. Unity respects a wide range of spiritual thoughts and beliefs, as reflected in the diverse range of subjects presented on Unity Online Radio.

Jesus repented? From what?!? He is the sinless messiah!! What a bunch of ignorance

As a woman, I was expecting some fun insight into women of the Bible by women of today. I found a feminist perspective that definitely promoted women, even claiming that certain women helped Jesus figure out why he was on earth, what His work was to be about. The only Biblical part was the stories that were read. I don&#39;t think this podcast exegetes the verses properly at all.

Sorely disappointed

The Bible is the most widely read but least understood of all sacred scriptures. Cohosts Revs. Karen Tudor and E.J. Niles introduce a biblical topic each week from a cultural, historical, psychological, and symbolic perspective that will help you discover spiritual Truths about yourself! The ideas and opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect the teachings of Unity. Unity respects a wide range of spiritual thoughts and beliefs, as reflected in the diverse range of subjects presented on Unity Online Radio.

Biblical Power for Your Life

The writings in the New Testament had many cultural and philosophical influences present during the life of Jesus which were heightened after his death. Zoroastrianism was prevalent in the 200 years before and after Jesus' life, and its influence on the thinking of evangelists and theologians of the early Christian church is evident. Join Karen and E.J. as they explore the world view presented by Zoroastrianism and its affect on Christian Scripture.

The writings in the New Testament had many cultural and philosophical influences present during the life of Jesus which were heightened after his death. Zoroastrianism was prevalent in the 200 years before and after Jesus' life, and its influence on the thinking of evangelists and theologians of the early Christian church is evident. Join Karen and E.J. as they explore the world view presented by Zoroastrianism and its affect on Christian Scripture.

Zoroastrianism and the New Testament

Ed Townley

Rev. Ed Townley has written a new book titled, Kingdom Come: Understanding the Book of Revelation,  which decodes the Scriptures to reveal a navigational guide to spiritual progress—what writer Joseph Campbell called “the hero’s journey.” Kingdom Come challenges the popular view of Revelation as a prophecy of end-times—with eternal bliss for the chosen and hellfire for everyone else. Townley asserts that the kingdom of heaven is not the reward of an afterlife but the product of an expanded consciousness that allows us to fully embrace our human experience. Join E.J. as she hosts Ed and discusses his view of this most controversial of biblical writings.

Rev. Ed Townley has written a new book titled, Kingdom Come: Understanding the Book of Revelation,  which decodes the Scriptures to reveal a navigational guide to spiritual progress—what writer Joseph Campbell called “the hero’s journey.” Kingdom Come challenges the popular view of Revelation as a prophecy of end-times—with eternal bliss for the chosen and hellfire for everyone else. Townley asserts that the kingdom of heaven is not the reward of an afterlife but the product of an expanded consciousness that allows us to fully embrace our human experience. Join E.J. as she hosts Ed and discusses his view of this most controversial of biblical writings.

Interview With Rev. Ed Townley

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were, and what theological intentions they may have had. In this two-part edition, Karen and E.J. will examine different versions of the same story, as told by different Gospel writers. The differences underscore the perspective of the authors and provide interesting twists for our spiritual lives!

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were, and what theological intentions they may have had. In this two-part edition, Karen and E.J. will examine different versions of the same story, as told by different Gospel writers. The differences underscore the perspective of the authors and provide interesting twists for our spiritual lives!

Origins of the Gospels: #7 Different Story Versions, Part 1

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were, and what theological intentions they may have had. The Gospel of Luke is traditionally attributed to a Greek writer who sought to emphasize the inclusiveness of Jesus’ message and to attract Jews living outside of Israel to his life and message. Join Karen and E.J. as they explore this Gospel for the spiritual gems found only in Luke that apply to our lives today.

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were, and what theological intentions they may have had. The Gospel of Luke is traditionally attributed to a Greek writer who sought to emphasize the inclusiveness of Jesus’ message and to attract Jews living outside of Israel to his life and message. Join Karen and E.J. as they explore this Gospel for the spiritual gems found only in Luke that apply to our lives today.

Origins of the Gospels: #3 Gospel of Luke

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were, and what theological intentions they may have had. In this segment, we will examine the five Gospels and compare and contrast their messages and their theology as we find new insights for ourselves in the process! 

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were, and what theological intentions they may have had. In this segment, we will examine the five Gospels and compare and contrast their messages and their theology as we find new insights for ourselves in the process!

Origins of the Gospels:  #6 Comparisons and Contrasts

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were, and what theological intentions they may have had. The Gospel of John is traditionally thought to be written by the John known as the "beloved disciple" of Jesus. But this author's style is strikingly different from the other four Gospel writers and contains many strongly Gnostic ideas that were influential in the early church. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore this Gospel for its rich spiritual message that we can use in our own lives.

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were, and what theological intentions they may have had. The Gospel of John is traditionally thought to be written by the John known as the "beloved disciple" of Jesus. But this author's style is strikingly different from the other four Gospel writers and contains many strongly Gnostic ideas that were influential in the early church. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore this Gospel for its rich spiritual message that we can use in our own lives.

Origins of the Gospels: #4 Gospel of John

After Jesus' death and before the gospels were written, the Jesus Movement consisted of groups who considered radical ideas for living as a community. Some of these ideas came from philosophies of the day but were fueled by the teachings of Jesus and his followers. In this series, E.J. and Karen will explore some of the philosophical ideas about community life that were developing at that time and that would inform what would be captured as the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, which were written down later. The excitement of this possible way of life had a life of its own and informed the beginnings of Christianity. Join Karen and E.J. in rediscovering the excitement of these world-changing ideas.

After Jesus' death and before the gospels were written, the Jesus Movement consisted of groups who considered radical ideas for living as a community. Some of these ideas came from philosophies of the day but were fueled by the teachings of Jesus and his followers. In this series, E.J. and Karen will explore some of the philosophical ideas about community life that were developing at that time and that would inform what would be captured as the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, which were written down later. The excitement of this possible way of life had a life of its own and informed the beginnings of Christianity. Join Karen and E.J. in rediscovering the excitement of these world-changing ideas.

Christianity Before the Gospels, Part 1

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were and what theological intentions they may have had. The Gospel of Thomas is a sayings Gospel that does not describe the life events, healings or death of Jesus. It merely enumerates a list of presumed sayings of Jesus and provides a richer view of the teachings of Jesus. Join E.J. and Karen as they mine some of these insights for our lives today. 

To anyone who has read the five Gospels about the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that there are similarities, contradictions and stark differences in style and content among them. Scholars have given us much insight into who the authors may have been, who their intended audiences were and what theological intentions they may have had. The Gospel of Thomas is a sayings Gospel that does not describe the life events, healings or death of Jesus. It merely enumerates a list of presumed sayings of Jesus and provides a richer view of the teachings of Jesus. Join E.J. and Karen as they mine some of these insights for our lives today.

Origins of the Gospels: #5 Gospel of Thomas

Biblical scholars believe that a source document existed from which the synoptic Gospels were drawn. The source document, known as "Q," may have been one of several sources that are not available to us today or have not yet been recovered. It is believed that Q may contain the most original ideas or teachings of Jesus that have been captured. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the various documents that have been classified as "Q" that show the evolution of early Christian thought about Jesus' teachings, his life, his death and his resurrection.

Biblical scholars believe that a source document existed from which the synoptic Gospels were drawn. The source document, known as "Q," may have been one of several sources that are not available to us today or have not yet been recovered. It is believed that Q may contain the most original ideas or teachings of Jesus that have been captured. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the various documents that have been classified as "Q" that show the evolution of early Christian thought about Jesus' teachings, his life, his death and his resurrection.

Jesus and the Q Document, Part 1

Beyond the canonical Gospels there are myriad of other gospels and writings that give us a view of how Christianity developed in its early days. As there were gospels and letters that served the various views of early Christians, we find they range from purporting to tell stories about Jesus's infancy and life; about his words, teachings, and works; and about the universal or cosmic meaning of his life including predictions about the end of the world and his return on earth. Join E.J. and Karen as they share what biblical scholars have learned about the make-up of the New Testament and how it came to be.

Beyond the canonical Gospels there are myriad of other gospels and writings that give us a view of how Christianity developed in its early days. As there were gospels and letters that served the various views of early Christians, we find they range from purporting to tell stories about Jesus's infancy and life; about his words, teachings, and works; and about the universal or cosmic meaning of his life including predictions about the end of the world and his return on earth. Join E.J. and Karen as they share what biblical scholars have learned about the make-up of the New Testament and how it came to be.

Lost Christianities #3: The New Testament Writings and the Canon

The writings in the New Testament had many cultural and philosophical influences that were present during the life of Jesus but heightened after his death. Gnostic ideas and influence can be found throughout the canonical and noncanonical Gospels, pointing to a mysticism that defines early Christianity. While scholars debate the extent of Gnosticism in early Christian thought, there is evidence of the use of Gnostic ideas and world view that have shaped Christianity through the ages. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore these ideas and influences in how we read the Christian Bible today.

The writings in the New Testament had many cultural and philosophical influences that were present during the life of Jesus but heightened after his death. Gnostic ideas and influence can be found throughout the canonical and noncanonical Gospels, pointing to a mysticism that defines early Christianity. While scholars debate the extent of Gnosticism in early Christian thought, there is evidence of the use of Gnostic ideas and world view that have shaped Christianity through the ages. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore these ideas and influences in how we read the Christian Bible today.

Gnosticism and the New Testament

Biblical scholars believe that a source document existed from which the Synoptic Gospels were drawn. The source document, known as "Q," may have been one of several sources that are not available to us today or have not yet been recovered. It is believed that Q may contain the most original ideas or teachings of Jesus that have been captured. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the various documents that have been classified as "Q" that show the evolution of early Christian thought about Jesus' teachings, his life, his death and his resurrection.

Biblical scholars believe that a source document existed from which the Synoptic Gospels were drawn. The source document, known as "Q," may have been one of several sources that are not available to us today or have not yet been recovered. It is believed that Q may contain the most original ideas or teachings of Jesus that have been captured. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the various documents that have been classified as "Q" that show the evolution of early Christian thought about Jesus' teachings, his life, his death and his resurrection.

Jesus and the Q Document, Part 2

Was Jesus an apocalyptic prophet or a savior? Could he have been both? Or neither? Or some combination of the two? Join Karen and E.J. as they explore the Gospels and intertestamental and apocryphal texts to see the derivation of the end-times philosophy and whether the historical Jesus taught these ideas or whether they were inserted into the Gospels later. We will also discuss how this philosophy has shaped our image of Jesus to this very day.

Was Jesus an apocalyptic prophet or a savior? Could he have been both? Or neither? Or some combination of the two? Join Karen and E.J. as they explore the Gospels and intertestamental and apocryphal texts to see the derivation of the end-times philosophy and whether the historical Jesus taught these ideas or whether they were inserted into the Gospels later. We will also discuss how this philosophy has shaped our image of Jesus to this very day.

The Eschatological Jesus

Was Jesus an apocalyptic prophet or a savior? Could he have been both? Or neither? Or some combination of the two or what? Join Karen and E.J. as they explore the Gospels and intertestamental and apocryphal texts to see the derivation of the end-times philosophy and whether the historical Jesus taught these ideas or whether they were inserted into the Gospels later by others. We will also discuss how this philosophy has shaped our image of Jesus to this very day.

Was Jesus an apocalyptic prophet or a savior? Could he have been both? Or neither? Or some combination of the two or what? Join Karen and E.J. as they explore the Gospels and intertestamental and apocryphal texts to see the derivation of the end-times philosophy and whether the historical Jesus taught these ideas or whether they were inserted into the Gospels later by others. We will also discuss how this philosophy has shaped our image of Jesus to this very day.

The Eschatological Jesus, Part 2

We introduced the idea of love through mysticism and the use of erotic and romantic imagery in the language of the Christian mystics in our last episode. Today we will explore the thread of mysticism that runs through every level of consciousness using references from Hebrew and Christian scriptures as well as that of other faith traditions. Join us!

We introduced the idea of love through mysticism and the use of erotic and romantic imagery in the language of the Christian mystics in our last episode. Today we will explore the thread of mysticism that runs through every level of consciousness using references from Hebrew and Christian scriptures as well as that of other faith traditions. Join us!

Evolution of Love Through Mysticism

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