“Reclaiming the Bible” sounds noble, but it’s really like trying to reclaim the Confederate flag. You can stitch new slogans on it, but the violence is baked in. The canon wasn’t handed down from heaven. It was stitched together by male bishops who crushed female-led churches and silenced the voices they couldn’t control.
We don’t need “progressive” Christianity that tries to polish those scraps. We need restorative Christianity. The kind that brings back the Gospels of Thomas, Philip, and Mary. The New New Testament does that. It doesn’t reclaim. It restores. It puts the mystics and women back at the head of the table where they always belonged.
T Mark, you nailed it with “Christian Empire” being an oxymoron. But let’s not forget the fine print: Athanasius was the one who drew the line in 367, declaring what counted as “authorized” and burning the rest. That’s how we lost Thomas, Philip, and Mary—gospels that gave women authority and offered a mystical path the empire couldn’t control.
Fortunately, those texts weren’t lost forever. They were buried, hidden from empire, and 1700 years later they rise again. Which is why I say we don’t need “progressive” Christianity that keeps pretending the canon is enough. That just props up another form of exclusion. What we need is restorative Christianity—bringing back the voices that empire tried to erase.
Thanks. I met Elaine Pagels back in 2005 when she was promoting her book "Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas"--you would like it--it's quite a personal book and inspirational too. I will get a hold of her earlier book you mention herein. Thanks!
Thank you Brendan and Marianne.James Talarico is a leader that I admire and I hope Americans support him. Here in Australia we are appalled about what is happening in the
USA. Many Australians are thinking what can we do to help you except pray and send you the strength and courage to resist your developing dictatorship.
Indeed, Wayne, protect your country from experiencing what's happening in America. And thanks for thinking of us. It helps to know there's a collective force of energy that can be working to aid us at this time in history.
Marianne, an absolutely important discussion! I learned from listening closely to you and Brandan, and I got new, important insights. Also, I agree with your concern about the left pushing away from language as it relates to references about spiritual ideas or religious sentiments which can and do play an important role surrounding moral perspectives worldwide.
When you ran for President, and I was supporting your endeavor. I tried to explain who you are and your moral views without dwelling upon any discussion of religion. Many of my so-called lifelong friends weren't quite getting it. So, indeed, secularism has its drawbacks!
I enjoyed hearing Brandan's view of Jesus since it mirrors how I think of Him too--someone striving to uplift each person's consciousness to live a life of love, understanding, and acceptance of all without such harsh judgments! Thanks for this nuanced yet powerful conversation. Joan
I haven’t read this article but just the headline inspires me to say that this is a false dichotomy. these aren’t the only options that are happening right now
Progressive Christianity isn’t even possible. People who believe in liberal ideas such as transgenderism can’t be Christians because they don’t accept the basic concepts of morality taught by Jesus Christ. Now, they may in some sense be “saved” in that at some point they accepted Jesus as their savior. But they cannot be “Christ-like” at all if they believe sin is acceptable. This is like saying a vegan can be a member of a club that regularly consumes barbequed spareribs. It’s an incompatibility.
Excellent interview. Please offer one on the Opus Dei movement in the Catholic Church. J.D. Vances conversion to Catholcism I suspect is into the Opus Dei arm and it has been reported that Charlie Kirk was also leaning toward Catholicism. Two books that address this are Opus and Operation Gladio. Also the podcast "The Flying Kitchen" is hosted by a woman who was involved in Opus Dei and now alerts the world as to their intentions. Her husband is a retired military officer and they live in Germany. Thank you for your contribution all these decades. Deep bows and gratitude.
I really get what you are saying here and it's extremely important to have this perspective and knowing of motive but in a sense you become what you hate in conversations like this because you are saying the exact same thing about the other side. Maybe just not in a extreme way, it's very subtle. I really wish you would get involved in the builders movement instead and focus more on common ground first. Connection before correction so to speak and change your way of "fighting" DT. There's no way that "we can wake up one day and love everyone" when both sides see each other as the enemy. This is competition just in a very different way.
Promoters or one selected promoter? You ask any God fearin' Chrostian what they're definotion of Christian Nationalism is and they'll respond " I'm a Christian who is Proud og this Nation. The USA..
Twist out of it you want, does not change the definition.
No, it is not based on Christianity. I will take Thomas Jefferson’s opinion over yours. of course we are a constitutional republic. We are also a representative democracy. It’s like saying we have doors and windows as well. I know the promoters of Christian nationalism, etc. would have us believe we’re not a democracy, so people won’t care that they are seeking to destroy it. Such ignorance will not find converts on this page.
Thank you Marianne and Brandan! With deep appreciation and respect! Sending love and light to all!
“Reclaiming the Bible” sounds noble, but it’s really like trying to reclaim the Confederate flag. You can stitch new slogans on it, but the violence is baked in. The canon wasn’t handed down from heaven. It was stitched together by male bishops who crushed female-led churches and silenced the voices they couldn’t control.
We don’t need “progressive” Christianity that tries to polish those scraps. We need restorative Christianity. The kind that brings back the Gospels of Thomas, Philip, and Mary. The New New Testament does that. It doesn’t reclaim. It restores. It puts the mystics and women back at the head of the table where they always belonged.
https://www.virginmonkboy.com/p/the-empires-bible-started-christian-nationalism
Yes!!
The original Bible was compiled by the Roman (Empire) Catholic church oligarchs. "Christian Empire" is an oxymoron!
T Mark, you nailed it with “Christian Empire” being an oxymoron. But let’s not forget the fine print: Athanasius was the one who drew the line in 367, declaring what counted as “authorized” and burning the rest. That’s how we lost Thomas, Philip, and Mary—gospels that gave women authority and offered a mystical path the empire couldn’t control.
Fortunately, those texts weren’t lost forever. They were buried, hidden from empire, and 1700 years later they rise again. Which is why I say we don’t need “progressive” Christianity that keeps pretending the canon is enough. That just props up another form of exclusion. What we need is restorative Christianity—bringing back the voices that empire tried to erase.
Fascinating. I have read about Thomas but didn't know other scripts have been found, like the dead sea scrolls? Source please.
"The Gnostic Gospels" by Elaine Pagels is a wonderful book
Thanks. I met Elaine Pagels back in 2005 when she was promoting her book "Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas"--you would like it--it's quite a personal book and inspirational too. I will get a hold of her earlier book you mention herein. Thanks!
Thank you Brendan and Marianne.James Talarico is a leader that I admire and I hope Americans support him. Here in Australia we are appalled about what is happening in the
USA. Many Australians are thinking what can we do to help you except pray and send you the strength and courage to resist your developing dictatorship.
Indeed, Wayne, protect your country from experiencing what's happening in America. And thanks for thinking of us. It helps to know there's a collective force of energy that can be working to aid us at this time in history.
Marianne, an absolutely important discussion! I learned from listening closely to you and Brandan, and I got new, important insights. Also, I agree with your concern about the left pushing away from language as it relates to references about spiritual ideas or religious sentiments which can and do play an important role surrounding moral perspectives worldwide.
When you ran for President, and I was supporting your endeavor. I tried to explain who you are and your moral views without dwelling upon any discussion of religion. Many of my so-called lifelong friends weren't quite getting it. So, indeed, secularism has its drawbacks!
I enjoyed hearing Brandan's view of Jesus since it mirrors how I think of Him too--someone striving to uplift each person's consciousness to live a life of love, understanding, and acceptance of all without such harsh judgments! Thanks for this nuanced yet powerful conversation. Joan
I haven’t read this article but just the headline inspires me to say that this is a false dichotomy. these aren’t the only options that are happening right now
Progressive Christianity isn’t even possible. People who believe in liberal ideas such as transgenderism can’t be Christians because they don’t accept the basic concepts of morality taught by Jesus Christ. Now, they may in some sense be “saved” in that at some point they accepted Jesus as their savior. But they cannot be “Christ-like” at all if they believe sin is acceptable. This is like saying a vegan can be a member of a club that regularly consumes barbequed spareribs. It’s an incompatibility.
Marianne-
Can we discuss the intersection of Christian Nationalism and Christian Zionism?
Ghandi said Christianity is great but your Christians are another story (or that idea).
Excellent interview. Please offer one on the Opus Dei movement in the Catholic Church. J.D. Vances conversion to Catholcism I suspect is into the Opus Dei arm and it has been reported that Charlie Kirk was also leaning toward Catholicism. Two books that address this are Opus and Operation Gladio. Also the podcast "The Flying Kitchen" is hosted by a woman who was involved in Opus Dei and now alerts the world as to their intentions. Her husband is a retired military officer and they live in Germany. Thank you for your contribution all these decades. Deep bows and gratitude.
I really get what you are saying here and it's extremely important to have this perspective and knowing of motive but in a sense you become what you hate in conversations like this because you are saying the exact same thing about the other side. Maybe just not in a extreme way, it's very subtle. I really wish you would get involved in the builders movement instead and focus more on common ground first. Connection before correction so to speak and change your way of "fighting" DT. There's no way that "we can wake up one day and love everyone" when both sides see each other as the enemy. This is competition just in a very different way.
The yardstick of being a loving human should be “ Beatitudinal behavior “.
A yardstick of being a
Promoters or one selected promoter? You ask any God fearin' Chrostian what they're definotion of Christian Nationalism is and they'll respond " I'm a Christian who is Proud og this Nation. The USA..
Twist out of it you want, does not change the definition.
Your misconceptions.
#1. Constitution IS based on Christianity. Fact.
2. Definition of Christian Nationalism?
Simple. Christian that are Proud of this nation.
"Progressive" Christains??
No such thing. Invented.
A "Tik tok" pastor?? Really. A chinese app that purports Christian values?
Lastly... GOD does not want doormats.
You take one example of one crazy pastor. Typical. Tske one example and include all into that one, small secy. How "democratic".
This repetition of that word is most damaging of all.
It's Constitutional Republic.
No, it is not based on Christianity. I will take Thomas Jefferson’s opinion over yours. of course we are a constitutional republic. We are also a representative democracy. It’s like saying we have doors and windows as well. I know the promoters of Christian nationalism, etc. would have us believe we’re not a democracy, so people won’t care that they are seeking to destroy it. Such ignorance will not find converts on this page.