Who wrote it, who chose it, and who was left out.
The Bible you have today is the result of choices made by councils between the 2nd and 4th centuries. Understanding those choices doesn't weaken the texts that survived. It explains why some important ones didn't make it in.
The Red Letters
Every recorded saying of Jesus in the four Gospels. What he actually said, the historical context, and what it means for how we live today. Organised by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
ReadHow the Canon Was Built
The councils of men who decided which texts were scripture and which were heresy. The political pressures, the theological disputes, and the votes that shaped every Bible on every shelf in the world today.
ReadExcluded Books
Over 45 texts that circulated in early Christian communities and were excluded from the canon. The Gospel of Thomas. The Book of Enoch. The Shepherd of Hermas. What they said and why they were removed.
ReadGender and Authority in Early Christianity
The texts kept to silence women and the texts removed to erase their authority. Disputed interpolations. The individual women: Mary Magdalene, Thecla, Junia: whose leadership was systematically written out of the record. What Jesus actually did.
ReadEaster and the Resurrection
The historical Passover versus the institutionalised Easter holiday. How a pagan festival was merged with the Resurrection message. How followers of the Way can celebrate daily through acts of liberation and good deeds.
ReadRESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The historical and textual claims in this section are drawn from mainstream biblical scholarship. Key sources include Bruce Metzger's work on the New Testament canon, Lee Martin McDonald's research on canon formation, Bart Ehrman's work on early Christianity, Karen King's scholarship on the Gospel of Mary, and Eldon Epp's research on women apostles. Where scholarly opinion is divided, this is noted in the text. Inline citations are provided on each subpage. We welcome corrections and additions from biblical scholars and historians.
"The truth will set you free."
John 8:32