In this episode of The Torch, we gain insight into early Christianity, Jesus, and his apostles by examining the fascinating texts known as the Christian Apocrypha. […]
The New Testament gives us 27 canonical texts—gospels, letters, and more—but these works are only a tiny fraction of the many volumes written about the life of Jesus, his family, and the apostles. This alternative body of literature falls under the category of “apocrypha,” which means “hidden” or “secret,” and it offers fascinating insights into the early Christian world and how different groups understood the teachings of Jesus and the first apostles. […]
While Mary is present in the Canonical gospels, its really in the early Christian apocrypha that she becomes the leader among the saints. Explore several key texts to uncover what we know about Jesus’ mother, her relationship with the disciples, and what makes her unique among the New Testament figures. […]
The story of Jesus’ life can be found similarly told in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In fact, they are so similar in parts, that many scholars believe that one of these Gospels was used as a source for the other two. […]
Saint Paul’s role in the development and spread of Christianity helped define it as a major world religion, instead of a sect within Judaism. Surprisingly, his writings rarely mention Jesus’ teachings at all… […]
Where, and when did Buddhism begin? How did it become so popular, capturing the hearts and minds of millions of faithful followers around the globe? Delve into the life of Siddhartha Gautama and the tenets of his philosophy, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path to enlightenment. Then find out how these ideas developed and spread world-wide. […]
‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’ is a popular carol, But we’re not sure that ‘The Three Wise Men were kings, were three, were from the Orient, or were wise. […]
By John L. Esposito, Ph.D, Georgetown University The Hajj is one of the five Pillars of Islam and is probably the most well-known among non-Muslims: the pilgrimage to […]
By Professor Charles Kimball, University of Oklahoma Prophets are people who convey God’s words or messages to their communities. Contrary to the popular image that […]
By Luke Timothy Johnson, PhD, Emory University The way of love is emphasized by Jalal ad-Din Rumi, whose dates are 1207–1273. He is called Mawlana, […]
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