Insights

• The Gospel of Thomas is a collection of the sayings of Jesus and does not have a narrative like the other Gospels.
• The Gospel of Thomas was suppressed by early church leaders, particularly those who opposed the Valentinians.
• The Gospel of Thomas was found in 1945 in a clay jar buried in the desert.
• Scholars have dated the Gospel of Thomas to the early second century and believe it may have served as a Q document.
• The teachings in the Gospel of Thomas emphasize the oneness and connection with God and challenge hierarchical structures in the early church. The early Christian church adopted hierarchical, patriarchal, and uniform beliefs and practices after the Roman Empire adopted Christianity as its national religion.
• The Gospel of Thomas offers wisdom for steering the church towards a more egalitarian and community-based structure.
• Realizing our connection with God and one another is essential for loving and caring for others.
• The early church practiced secret teachings, and the shift towards hierarchical structures was a departure from the teachings of Jesus and Paul.

Chapters

Introduction and Keith Giles' Podcasts

Discovering the Gospel of Thomas

Dating the Gospel of Thomas and its Relationship to the Q Document

The Discovery of the Gospel of Thomas

Keith Giles' Interest in the Gospel of Thomas

Hierarchy, Patriarchy, and Uniformity in the Early Christian Church

The Gospel of Thomas: Wisdom for a More Egalitarian Church

Realizing Our Connection: The Key to Loving and Caring for Others

The Shift from Secret Teachings to Hierarchical Structures

Links:

Buy the Book Here: https://shorturl.at/JG3b0

Read the Blog here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/keithgiles/

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All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree

• The importance of stripping away layers of interpretation to reveal the true essence of Christ.
• The challenges of countering Christian nationalism and the significance of speaking the truth in love.
• The concept of God as a being and the implications of this understanding.
• The connection between spiritual formation and the inspiration behind the book 'Jesus Unpainted.' The nature of God is explored through the lens of personal relationship and the concept of 'I thou' rather than 'I it'.
• Faith is validated through personal relationship with God, not just by accepting principles or statements of faith.
• The LGBTQ community faces challenges within religious institutions, often experiencing a lack of genuine love and acceptance despite the language of inclusion.
• Inclusive churches should not only welcome but also empower and involve all individuals, ensuring accessibility for everyone in the community.
• Engaging with the local community and serving the parish is essential for meaningful church impact and relevance in the present age.
• A gentle leader embodies self-care, community counsel, humility, and a commitment to serving the needs of others.
• The concept of 'Little Lights' and 'Oboedire' provide platforms for daily meditation and deeper engagement with the author's writings and thoughts.

Links:

Connect to his Blog here: https://oboedire.wordpress.com/

Connect on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/little.lights.2024

Find books on Amazon here: https://shorturl.at/lGF9M

Chapters:

Introduction and Retirement Reflections

The Quilt and Its Story

Stripping Away Layers of Interpretation

Countering Christian Nationalism

Understanding God as a Being

Exploring the Nature of God and Faith

Challenges Faced by the LGBTQ Community in Religious Institutions

The Role of Inclusive and Accessible Churches

Engaging with the Local Community and Serving the Parish

Qualities of a Gentle Leader

Connecting with 'Little Lights' and 'Oboedire'

Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow

Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living

All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree

• Advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Church of the Nazarene is a complex and challenging endeavor, involving theological, social, and personal dimensions.
• The conversation sheds light on the tensions and complexities within the church and society regarding LGBTQ+ issues, highlighting the need for thoughtful dialogue and understanding.
• Thomas Jay Oord's journey of advocacy and the challenges he faces within his denomination provide insight into the evolving landscape of Christianity and the ongoing pursuit of inclusivity and social justice. The evolving understanding of LGBTQ+ issues has led to a shift in language and terminology, reflecting a broader and more inclusive perspective.
• Personal experiences, including interactions with LGBTQ+ individuals, have played a significant role in shaping perspectives and fostering empathy and understanding.
• The intersection of faith, science, and love is a complex and evolving space, with implications for theological discourse and social justice.
• The challenges faced by the Church of Nazarene reflect broader issues within denominations, including the retention of youth and the impact of LGBTQ+ inclusivity on membership and identity.
• Thomas Jay Oord's commitment to love, justice, and the pursuit of a more inclusive and empathetic faith community is evident throughout the conversation.

Buy his book here: https://shorturl.at/xYX5O

Check out his author page here: https://shorturl.at/1uDO4

Watch his YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbWoc_HfnC0

Chapters:

Denominational Charges and Consequences

Biblical Interpretation and Aesthetics

The Desire for Certainty and Authority

Evolving Language and Understanding of LGBTQ+ Issues

Personal Experiences and Empathy

Intersection of Faith, Science, and Love

The Question of Sin and Healthy Behavior

Love, Listening, and Humanizing the Issue

Challenges Faced by Denominations

Impact on Youth Retention and Future of Denominations

Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow

Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living

All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree