-
New Podcast Episosde: From JW to Bible College – A Journey of Questioning, Manipulation, and Spiritual Discovery – Part 1 + Full Transcript
SummaryIn this episode David LeBlanc interviews Jeramiah, he notes that his questions of faith began with questioning the Jehovah’s Witness teachings, particularly in relation to the New Testament. His early objections were based on inconsistencies he found within the text and the interpretations provided by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. This led him to explore other religious… Continue reading
-
New Podcast Episode: Dr. Dennis MacDonald reveals Mythic Parallels, Homeric Echoes, and Literary Imitation in the Gospels + Full Transcript
In this podcast episode, Jeramiah Giehl and Dennis MacDonald delve into their personal backgrounds and the origins of their interest in studying Christian origins. MacDonald shares his research findings on the Gospels, revealing his discovery of classical Greek poetry imitations within them. He contends that the Gospels were crafted as works of historical fiction rather… Continue reading
-
New Podcast Episode: An Entire Messianic Congregation Converts to Judaism – A Conversation with Richard Cortes – Part 2: Foundational Faith + Full Transcript
This podcast episode is about the journey of Richard Cortez, the leader of FOTW, a former messianic pastor who converted to Judaism and is now leading a Torah education center in Show Low, Arizona. Cortez describes his conversion process and how he came to start FOTW. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of working… Continue reading
-
Exploring Diverse Perspectives on who the Historical Jesus Within Judaism: Insights from James Tabor, Geza Vermes, and the Jesus Seminar
“The Jesus Seminar’s view of Jesus is one of the most important contributions to Jesus scholarship in recent years.” – John Dominic Crossan There are a number of reasons why the Historical Jesus scholarship and particularly the Jesus Seminar believes that the Gospels are not reliable sources of information about the historical Jesus. One reason… Continue reading
-
Was Paul’s Initial Message About Jesus Rooted in Gnosticism, with Influences from Jewish Mysticism and the Essenes at Qumran?
Paul’s connections to mysticism are a subject of intrigue and speculation among scholars. One notable aspect of Paul’s life is his “three years in the desert,” which bears similarities to Josephus’ account of his three years of study with the Essenes. This parallel has led some to explore the potential influence of Essene teachings on… Continue reading
-
Later Additions: Absence of “Eat My Flesh” and “Drink My Blood” in the Oldest Extant Manuscripts of New Testament!
Some scholars consider the references to “eat my flesh” and “drink my blood” in the Gospel of John, to be possible Eucharistic interpolations. Additionally, the earliest known manuscript of the Gospel of Mark, Papyrus 45, which dates from the late 2nd or early 3rd century, does not include Chapter 14 which includes doesn’t these words… Continue reading
-
Roman Catholic Suppression of All Others Sects
The Theodosian Code was a collection of laws issued by the Roman emperors Theodosius I and II. The code included a number of laws that restricted religious freedom. In 388, a prohibition was issued that forbade any public discussions of religious topics. This effectively made it illegal to disagree with the Church, which was the… Continue reading
-
Is the Gospel of John, a Gospel created by or redacted by a Marcionite community?
Scholars generally agree that Marcion did indeed edit a version of Luke’s Gospel. This version of Luke’s Gospel is known as the “Gospel of Marcion.” The Gospel of Marcion is a heavily redacted version of Luke that was tailored to fit Marcion’s particular theological views. However, the relationship between Marcion’s gospel, the Gospel of John,… Continue reading
-
New Podcast Episode: An Entire Messianic Congregation Converts to Judaism – A Conversation with Richard Cortes – Part 1: Transitional Faith + Full Transcript
The podcast episode commenced with Richard Cortes and Jeramiah Giehl providing introductions. Jeramiah presented the Pulling the Thread podcast and delved into Richard’s background, emphasizing his role as the founder of Foundation of the Word, a previous Messianic congregation that later embraced Judaism. Richard then shared his personal journey, recounting his initial exposure to Hasidic… Continue reading
-
The Influence of Paul’s Writings on the Gospels
Scholars widely acknowledge the influence of Paul’s writings on the Gospels, with many proposing that the gospel writers were influenced by Paul’s theological concepts and ideas. The gospels were written after Paul’s writings, and the gospel writers were influenced by his theological concepts. For example, John Dominic Crossan, a New Testament scholar, argues that Paul’s… Continue reading
-
Roman Influences on the New Testament: An Agenda To Pacify Jewish Zealots
The Roman Empire was known for absorbing and assimilating aspects of the cultures it conquered, including their religious beliefs and practices. This process of cultural assimilation played a significant role in the spread and development of various religions within the Roman Empire, including Christianity. One notable example is the assimilation of Mithraism, a Persian mystery… Continue reading
-
The Ancient Near Eastern Roots of the Story of Abraham, and Impact on the Development of the Ten Commandments & Torah Judaism
Scholars hold diverse theories regarding the potential impact of various Near Eastern myths on the development of Judaism. These myths include the Epic of Gilgamesh, Enuma Elish, Inanna and Dumuzi, the Hammurabi Code, as well as the influences of Zoroastrianism and suzerainty treaties. While the precise nature and extent of these influences are subject to… Continue reading
-
Jewish-Christian Origins – Nazarene Judaism Versus Ebionite Judaism: Exploring Early Jewish-Christian Identities and Controversies – Judaizing Heretics or Authentic Jewish Followers of Jesus
In his Epistle 75, to Augustine, stated, “What shall I say of the Ebionites who pretend to be Christians? To-day there still exists among the Jews in all the synagogues of the East a heresy which is called that of the Minæans, and which is still condemned by the Pharisees; [its followers] are ordinarily called… Continue reading
-
Early Jewish-Christianity’s Influence on the Islamic View of Jesus
Early Jewish Christianity appears to have had an influence on the Islamic understanding of Jesus. The Islamic perspective on Jesus shares similarities with the viewpoints of the Ebionites and Nazarenes, two early Christian sects that eventually diverged from one another. There is evidence suggesting that the Islamic view of Jesus may have been shaped by… Continue reading
-
Is James Secret Teaching to the Ebionites the foundation for our current political climate?
Pharaoh’s attempt to emasculate the Jews by killing their firstborn sons was a reflection of his belief that the Jews were a threat to his power. He saw the Jews as a virile and independent people, and he feared that they would one day overthrow him. By killing their firstborn sons, Pharaoh hoped to weaken… Continue reading
-
The Process of Canonizing the Tanakh (also known as the Old Testament)
The Hebrew Tanakh, also known as the Jewish Bible or the Old Testament in Christian tradition, is a collection of sacred texts that were compiled over a period of time. The process of canonization for the Hebrew Tanakh was not a single event but rather a gradual development that spanned several centuries. The exact time… Continue reading
-
My Theory of Roman Provenance Is Very Nuanced
The Gospels were written during a time of great political and religious upheaval in the Roman Empire. The Flavian dynasty, which ruled from 69 to 96 CE, was a time of great prosperity for Rome, but it was also a time of great conflict between Jews and Christians. The Roman provenance of the Gospels is… Continue reading
-
New Podcast Episode: Loosing His Religion: A Discussion With Former Pastor Mark Peralta’s Journey of Deconstructing Faith + Full Transcript
Former Pastor Mark Peralta and Jeramiah Giehl engage in a profound dialogue concerning their diverse religious upbringings and encounters with various churches and denominations. They openly share their personal journeys through theological studies and linguistic exploration, alongside their growing disenchantment with specific aspects of contemporary theological thought. The discourse delves into the employment of manipulative… Continue reading
-
The Hebrew Tanakh is More Reliable than the Greek New Testament
The Hebrew Tanakh has undergone meticulous preservation by Jewish scribes throughout the centuries. A longstanding tradition of conscientious copying of the Hebrew text was upheld, and scribes received training to detect and rectify errors. Conversely, the Greek New Testament did not receive the same level of careful preservation from early Christian scribes. A multitude of… Continue reading
-
Was Paul Invented by Marcion Based Upon the Life of Josephus?
The theory that Paul was invented by Marcion is based on the similarities between the two men. They both spent time in the wilderness and worked for Rome to pacify the Zealots. Some scholars believe that these similarities are too great to be a coincidence. They argue that Marcion may have created Paul as a… Continue reading
-
Did Constantine Actually Convert to Christianity or Did He Simply Want To Control Christianity: Constantine’s and the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in the process of Roman Provenance!
The exact nature of Constantine’s religious beliefs and motivations behind his support for Christianity have been a subject of scholarly debate. Some historical scholars suggest that Constantine and his father may have been henotheists who believed in Sol Invictus, a popular Roman sun god. The historical context of Constantine’s time and his actions do raise… Continue reading
-
What Power Did Constantine Exert of the Development of Christianity?
Constantine the Great, also known as Constantine I, was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 306 to 337 AD. He played a significant role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire and had a profound impact on the development of Christianity. In 313 AD, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance to Christians… Continue reading
-
The Mark of the Beast is actually 616 not 666
Intriguingly, our earliest Greek manuscript 𝔓115 presents a distinct perspective on the number of the beast in Revelation 13:18, indicating it as 616 (chi, iota, stigma ΧΙϚ), contrasting with the widely known reading of 666 (chi, xi, stigma ΧΞϚ) found in Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus. Remarkably, this fragment, dated around 1,700 years old as of 2017,… Continue reading
-
New Podcast Episode: A Candid Conversation with Former Worship Leader, Apostate Anne on Faith, Relationships & Deconversion + Full Transcript
SummaryJeramiah Giehl engages in a dialogue with Apostate Anne, unraveling her journey from a pastor’s wife to apostasy. They delve into shared encounters with prophecy, healing, and spiritual practices such as speaking in tongues and laying on of hands. The discussion extends to the performative aspects of ministry, exploring the use of music and lighting… Continue reading
-
Was Moses a Real Person: Man, Myth, or Legend? – The Quest for the Historical Moses!
“I have suggested that Moses, the traditional hero-founder of later Israel, is a figure of folklore and legend, a cultural hero perhaps based originally on the exploits of several great leaders, but invented as a national hero for Israel only in the later monarchic period.” – William G. Dever, archaeologist and scholar The official Torah… Continue reading
-
Scholars Dispute the Historical Accuracy of the Gospel of John, the Synoptic Gospels, and the Acts of the Apostles
David Jenkins, a former Anglican Bishop of Durham and university professor, has stated that “Certainly not! There is absolutely no certainty in the New Testament about anything of importance.” Further, W. D. Davies and E. P. Sanders state that, “on many points, especially about Jesus’ early life, the evangelists were ignorant … they simply did not know and,… Continue reading
-
The “Son of Man” and “Son of G-d” According to Judaism: Countering Christian Attempts to Use the Tanakh or Judaism to Support a Trinitarian View
Judaism does not believe in the Trinity, or the idea that there are two or more powers in heaven, which is considered heretical. This is because Judaism teaches that there is only one God, and that God is not divisible. Judaism does not believe in a “two powers in heaven” or a “holy ghost.” The… Continue reading
-
The Essene influences on Roman Catholic Priesthood – Celibacy and Ascetic Monostotic Practices are Apparent
The influence of the Essenes on the Roman Catholic priesthood is evident in certain practices, notably celibacy and ascetic monasticism, can be observed. The Roman Catholic Church’s adoption of celibacy and an ascetic monostotic lifestyle reflects an echo of the Essene influences on the early Jewish Christian movement, particularly the Ebionites, from which Pauline Christianity… Continue reading
-
How Greeks Took Jesus, a Marginal Jew and Turned Him Into a Mythological Deity
The “two power heresy” is one of many heterodox views in Hellenistic Jewish thought that were amalgamated to form the mythical figure of Jesus in Christianity, distinct from the historical Jesus. The New Testament writers, including Paul, also drew upon the concept of the Memra from Apocryphal books of the Tanakh, which were not accepted… Continue reading
-
Book Overview: The Jesus Dynasty by James Tabor
In “The Jesus Dynasty,” James Tabor puts forth a thought-provoking perspective on the life of Jesus Christ. Tabor, a historian, argues that Jesus was a descendant of King David and part of a larger family of messianic leaders. He supports his claims through a meticulous analysis of early Christian documents and recent archaeological findings. Tabor… Continue reading
-
Exploring the Impact of Platonic Philosophy on Paul’s Thought: Investigating the Intersection of Philosophy and Early Christianity
Paul, known for his exceptional education and knowledge, was profoundly influenced by the ideas of Plato, a renowned philosopher of ancient Greece. Through his writings, it becomes evident that Paul was familiar with Greek philosophy, including the works of Plato, which played a formative role in shaping his thinking. In numerous passages, Paul’s writings exhibit… Continue reading
-
Exploring the Influence of Enochian Judaism on Pauline Christianity and the Development of the Christ Myth
Pauline Christianity, which emerged from the teachings of the apostle Paul and the early Christian community influenced by him, incorporated elements from Enochian literature and Enochian Judaism to shape the development of the Christ myth. Enochian Judaism, which had an impact on various early Jewish and Christian religious and mystical traditions, including the Sadducees, Hellenistic… Continue reading
-
Reevaluating Jesus: Examining His Role as a Violent Revolutionary Figure
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” – Matthew 10:34 The question of whether Jesus was a violent revolutionary is a topic of debate among scholars. There are some suggestions within the New Testament and modern scholarship like Reza Aslan… Continue reading
-
Toldot Yeshu: Unveiling a Polemical Jewish Narrative of Jesus
“Toldot Yeshu” is a medieval Jewish text that presents a early narrative about the life and death of a figure named Yeshu (Jesus). This is a collection of legends and stories that emerged in Jewish communities. It is considered a polemical work, reflecting the tensions and disputes between Judaism and Christianity at the time. The… Continue reading
-
Preserving Meaning: The Significance of Studying Original Languages to Avoid Loss in Translation
It is important to study original languages and cultural context because many things often get lost in translation. For example: Why do we read torah in Hebrew? As sages and Rabbi’s say that “to translate is to lie.” Translation often leads to the loss of nuanced meanings and cultural expressions. This is why the study… Continue reading
-
New Podcast Episode: Unraveling Jewish Perspectives on Christianity: A Thought-Provoking Interview with Rabbi Tovia Singer + Full Transcript
Summary: A Thought-Provoking Conversation with Rabbi Tovia Singer Exploring the Complexities of Jewish and Christian Beliefs, the Historical Jesus, Pauline Theology, and the Jewish Perspective, the Challenge of Discerning Fact from Mythology in Ancient Texts, and the Importance of Understanding the Historical Context of Religious Beliefs. Rabbi Tovia Singer discusses the Jewish perspective on Christianity,… Continue reading
-
Is Faith Healing Merely Psychosomatic Manifestation (and What are the Dangers of Delayed Treatment): Exploring Psychological Factors in Belief Perseverance, the Placebo Effect and Cognitive Dissonance
“There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that people can be healed through faith. In fact, there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that faith healing is simply a placebo effect. People who believe that they are going to be healed are more likely to experience a remission of their symptoms,… Continue reading
-
How Christianity Was Formed: The Roman Imperial Codex of Governance over Christianity
The Codex Theodosianus is a compilation of laws issued by Roman emperors that was created between 429 and 438 AD during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II. It is one of the most significant legal compilations of the late Roman Empire. The codex contains a wide range of laws covering various aspects of Roman life,… Continue reading
-
Uncovering Marcion’s Influence on The Early Transmission of the New Testament
Is The Roman Catholic Greek New Testament Primarily a Creation of Marcion based upon his views of Paul? The New Testament, comprising the foundational texts of Christianity, has a rich and complex history of transmission. While the earliest extant copies of the New Testament date after 150 CE, a closer examination reveals fascinating details about… Continue reading
Podcast available on Spotify, Stitcher, Pandora, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Deezer, Radio Public, Cast Box, and many more…
About The Pulling the Thread Podcast
Pulling the Thread is a captivating podcast that delves into a plethora of thought-provoking topics. With its engaging episodes and insightful discussions, it offers a fresh perspective on various subjects, serving as a valuable source of inspiration and knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned podcast enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Pulling the Thread guarantees to captivate your mind and keep you coming back for more. So, gear up and embark on an intellectual journey with this exceptional podcast!
The Pulling the Threads Podcast’s primary objective is to study and analyze Jesus within his Jewish context through the lens of Judaism before Christianity. Our primary objective is to study and analyze Jesus within his Jewish context, specifically from a pre-Christianity perspective. Seeking a Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, relying on Jewish and secular biblical scholars who specialize in Second Temple Judaism, the Qumran community, the Parting of Ways around 90 CE, the Historical Jesus, and Textual Criticism. Some notable scholars mentioned include Geza Vermes, Hyam Maccoby, Alan Segal, Carol Harris-Shapiro, Lawrence Kushner, Samuel Sandmel, Bart Ehrman, James Tabor, Robert Eisenman, Paula Frederiksen, and Hugh Schonfield.
The site aims to approach the New Testament using the historical-critical method and textual criticism within the realm of secular Jewish scholarship, reflecting the perspectives of mainstream Judaism today. Engaging in scholarly and polemical discussions, the group seeks to question and challenge established Christian doctrines. The main goal is to establish an independent Jewish understanding of Jesus, emphasizing his significance within a Jewish context and distancing him from centuries of Christian interpretations. Furthermore, the group aims to conduct a comprehensive historical examination of Jesus, employing textual criticism to counter Christianity’s claims regarding the New Testament. The focus is on understanding Jesus within Judaism based on the Torah and Talmud.
This is about Jewish and Secular Scholarship into the New Testament using the Historical Critical method and Textual Criticism within Jewish scholarship. For us Jews, the Tanakh and Talmud inform our view of scripture. In the modern age, as Jews, we struggle with texts with an academic approach. The site is pro-Tanakh and will explore history, archaeology, and textual criticism to comprehend the development of the Jesus movement before the parting of ways with Judaism. It aims to emphasize that Jesus and his followers were seen as Jewish and part of Judaism, and that the conversion of Gentiles to Judaism by the community of James and Peter continued, with some Jewish followers remaining distinctly Jewish for centuries. It is important to note that this is not a study of Jewish-Christians, but rather an examination of Jews who followed Jesus within Judaism before the emergence of Christianity. Anti-Judaism is not welcome in this group, which focuses on Jewish perspectives within an academic framework.
This is an attempt to work out the Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, trying to understand him within Judaism before Christianity existed. The group’s objective is to understand Jesus within Judaism before the influence of Christian perspectives during the historical Jesus movement. It seeks to reclaim Jesus within Judaism, separate from Christianity, Messianic, or Hebrew Roots movements. The study incorporates textual criticism, historical Jesus research, and Jewish scholarship into the New Testament to assert the following beliefs:
- The New Testament lacks historical accuracy.
- The New Testament is not divinely inspired.
- The New Testament has not been divinely preserved.
- The New Testament was written by individuals decades and even millennia after the events it portrays.
- Original autographs of the New Testament do not exist.
- Consequently, the New Testament is not the most reliable source for understanding the historical Jesus as a Jewish figure.
- To ascertain historical accuracy, we rely on modern Jewish and secular scholarship and engage in historical reconstruction.
- Through textual criticism, we strive to identify the potentially most authentic sayings of Jesus, following the Q hypothesis in relation to the synoptic gospels.
- The New Testament bears the influence of Roman culture and language, making it a non-Jewish text with glimpses of Jewish source material.
- Greco-Roman influences, including Hellenistic, Stoic, Gnostic, and paganistic elements (e.g., Zoroastrianism) and the Roman imperial cult, have shaped New Testament ideas of salvation and hell in a manner contrary to Jewish tradition, resulting in a narrative distinct from the Jewish religion.
- Both Jewish and secular scholarship acknowledge approximately 500,000 textual errors among the 5,800 New Testament manuscripts. These variations include theological revisions that were added by later editors and were not believed by the original followers.
- The seven most authentic epistles of Paul were written prior to the gospels, with the gospels reflecting the addition of Pauline theology.
- Jesus might have been an actual person, with the only point of agreement among Jewish scholars being that he was baptized by John for the repentance of sins and was crucified.
- Jewish scholars concur that Jesus was not born of a virgin, was not resurrected, is not a savior, may be considered a false prophet, and failed as the Messiah.
- Judaism represents the religion of Jesus, while Christianity is a religion centered around Jesus.
- The term “Jewish-Christian,” used to describe the early understanding of Jesus in Judaism, is a misnomer.
Understanding Jesus within Judaism can aid us in grappling with a culture in which Christianity has altered the Jewish message. Given the history of crusades, pogroms, the Holocaust, and inquisitions that have harmed the Jewish people, recognizing Jesus within a Jewish context becomes crucial.
The Catholic Church, in Nostra Aetate, ceased evangelizing Jews and acknowledged them as a covenant people within Judaism. In response, Jewish scholars released Dibre Emet, recognizing the place of Righteous Gentiles, including the offspring of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, in Olam HaBa (the world to come). While agreement may not be necessary, it is important to foster understanding and coexistence.
Recent Posts
- Combating Rising Anti-Semitism: A Call to Action
- New Podcast Episode: Messianic MythBusters: How The Church Got It Wrong? Beyond the Stained Glass… Rethinking Christianity, Ebionites, New Covenant & Theological Debates with Richard Cortes
- Exploring Who The Ebionites Were: The Foundational Jewish Christian Sect of First Century
- New Podcast Episode: Deconstructing Messianic Myths: Exploring Disparities (Past Leaders Discuss Mashiach & True Judaism) + Full Transcript
- Suppressing Dissent: Rome’s Strategies to Eradicate Heresy and Control Texts