Biblical Power for Your Life

Most people assume Jesus must have made plans for who would take over the leadership of the church, or movement, he began with his preaching and healing ministry, after his death. But there is no reliable evidence that this is true. The gospel that has Jesus giving Peter the "keys to the kingdom" was written long after Jesus' death and after Paul had been preaching the gospel to the Gentiles and establishing churches in different parts of the world. It was up to these two visible leaders with very different personalities, backgrounds, and gifts to determine how the movement begun by Jesus would continue. Join Karen and E.J. as they compare and contrast the two leaders and explore how the church developed under their joint leadership.

The Apostles were recorded in the gospels to perform miracles, not only while Jesus was with them, but also after his resurrection and ascension. Peter was the established leader of the Apostles after Jesus' ascension, and in the gospel account, had been given the mantle of leadership from Jesus, although scholars believe this was inserted later to establish that legitimacy. But Peter was undoubtedly influential, and in leadership in many ways, including performing healing miracles himself. We will explore these miracles, and consider their implications and meanings, how they compare with Paul's miracles in the first part of the series, as well as what they can teach us about our own spiritual lives.

The Apostles were recorded in the gospels to perform miracles not only while Jesus was with them but also after his resurrection and ascension. Paul, who proclaimed himself an Apostle, is recorded to have performed miracles in the Acts of the Apostles and by his own accounts. We will explore these miracles and consider their implications and meanings as well as what they can teach us about our own spiritual lives.

In Mark 5, Jesus performs an unusual healing of a man possessed by many demons by directing the demons into a herd of pigs grazing nearby, that promptly stampede off the cliff, into the lake, and drown. This story has long confounded easy understanding as innocent animals are sacrificed by this healing act of Jesus. Join E.J. and Karen as they tackle this story from metaphysical, historical, social, and symbolic angles to derive understanding for our own lives today.

Of all the stories of Jesus' miracles and healing, there is one story where the one seeking healing went to great lengths to reach Jesus. The story is so dramatic that it catches Jesus' attention in his teaching, and he is moved by the faith of those who are bringing the paralyzed man as much as the man himself. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore this story of healing and faith through several lenses of interpretation, and gain insight for yourself!

As we take a look at the familiar story of the biblical hero, Samson, we will focus in on some of the details that most have forgotten or never heard. These details lend dramatic flavor, but also telling details about the nature of Samson and perhaps, heroes themselves. Join Karen and E.J. as they use different lenses of the Bible to examine the hero story of Samson and apply the lessons to our lives today.

Reading the Bible literally and in the sequence in which it appears is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses or levels of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

Reading the Bible literally and in the sequence in which it appears is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses or levels of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

Reading the Bible literally and in the sequence in which it appears is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses or levels of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

Reading the Bible literally, and in the sequence in which it appears, is fraught with pitfalls, contradictions, and at times, uncertainty about who to root for! Using different lenses, or levels, of understanding through which to read the story or event reveals new dimensions of Truth that one can apply to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore some familiar stories and characters in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures through metaphysical, maieutic, and psychological lenses, and hear the beauty and inspiration as conveyed through its poetic, storytelling, and historical lenses.

We introduced the idea of love through mysticism and the use of erotic and romantic imagery in the language of the Christian mystics in our last episode. Today we will explore the thread of mysticism that runs through every level of consciousness using references from Hebrew and Christian scriptures as well as that of other faith traditions. Join us!

As we have discussed in the previous series on the evolution of social justice in the Bible, this series will focus on the word love and its many forms that are described in the Bible. Translating from Hebrew and Greek, the word love and all of its attendant forms, describe different ways of relating to one another, to God, and to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore these various terms for love, their applications, and their spiritual meanings throughout time and throughout the Bible.

As we have discussed in the previous series on the evolution of social justice in the Bible, this series will focus on the word love and its many forms that are described in the Bible. Translating from Hebrew and Greek, the word love and all of its attendant forms, describe different ways of relating to one another, to God and to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore these various terms for love, their applications, and their spiritual meanings throughout time and throughout the Bible.

As we have discussed in the previous series on the evolution of social justice in the Bible, this series will focus on the word love and its many forms that are described in the Bible. Translating from Hebrew and Greek, the word love and all of its attendant forms, describe different ways of relating to one another, to God, and to one's life. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore these various terms for love, their applications, and their spiritual meanings throughout time and throughout the Bible.

We have examined the evolving consciousness of the authors and redactors of the Bible. This short series looks at the issues of social justice as they indicate an evolving morality and ethos concerning women, the poor, aliens and slaves, and attitudes toward those of different social strata. This segment will look at the changing social strata as the community developed from tribal to agricultural to city societies and from monarchy to occupation to exile to diaspora and some return to the homeland. The implications for our spiritual life remain potent as we examine the lives and stories of these human experiences.

We have examined the evolving consciousness of the authors and redactors of the Bible. This short series looks at the issues of social justice as they indicate an evolving morality and ethos concerning women, the poor, aliens and slaves, and attitudes toward those of different social strata. This segment will look at how aliens and slaves are treated and their role in the community. As the consciousness changes, more questions about who is alien and whether they can be included as part of the community arise. The implications of these questions have corollaries for our own modern world as well.

We have examined the evolving consciousness of the authors and redactors of the bible. This short series looks at the issues of social justice as they indicate an evolving morality and ethos concerning women, the poor, aliens and slaves, and attitudes toward those of different social strata. This  segment will look at how the poor are defined and treated by the community as a whole and the evolving social, ethical, and spiritual obligation to care for and help the poor inside and outside the community.

We have examined the evolving consciousness of the authors and redactors of the Bible. This short series looks at the issues of social justice as they indicate an evolving morality and ethos concerning women, the poor, aliens and slaves, and attitudes toward those of different social strata. This first segment will look at the place of women throughout the Bible, their relative power, and their impact on the spiritual message we can take away from their stories today.

After completing our look at how the Hebrew Bible was put together in our three-part series Evolution of the Bible, we turn our focus toward the consciousness of the writers through the centuries and their view of God as it evolved throughout the Hebrew Bible and into the Christian Bible. Recognizing that it is our own human perspective about the nature of life, God, and humanity that evolves gives us a context for understanding the scriptures in ways that deepen and support our spiritual lives in the 21st century. Join Karen and E.J. as they trace the evolving human consciousness that is evident in the stories, writings, and theology found in the evolution IN the Bible!

After completing our look at how the Hebrew Bible was put together in our three-part series Evolution of the Bible, we turn our focus toward the consciousness of the writers through the centuries and their view of God as it evolved throughout the Hebrew Bible and into the Christian Bible. Recognizing that it is our own human perspective about the nature of life, God, and humanity that evolves gives us a context for understanding the scriptures in ways that deepen and support our spiritual lives in the 21st century. Join Karen and E.J. as they trace the evolving human consciousness that is evident in the stories, writings, and theology found in the evolution IN the Bible!

After completing our look at how the Hebrew Bible was put together in our three-part series Evolution of the Bible, we turn our focus toward the consciousness of the writers through the centuries and their view of God as it evolved throughout the Hebrew Bible and into the Christian Bible. Recognizing that it is our own human perspective about the nature of life, God, and humanity that evolves gives us a context for understanding the scriptures in ways that deepen and support our spiritual lives in the 21st century. Join Karen and E.J. as they trace the evolving human consciousness that is evident in the stories, writings, and theology found in the evolution IN the Bible!

While there remains public debate about teaching the biblical creation story in schools alongside scientific findings about evolution, the irony is that archaeologists and biblical scholars have unearthed and studied artifacts and scriptural fragments that tell us the Bible itself is a product of evolving points of view, fueled by political influences and cultural values, written by multiple anonymous writers, over hundreds of years of changes, additions, and redactions. If only we had those stone tablets written with the finger of God! Join E.J. and Karen as they explore Richard Elliott Friedman's book Who Wrote The Bible? in this broad introduction of how the text was written.

While there remains public debate about teaching the biblical Creation story in schools alongside scientific findings about evolution, the irony is that archaeologists and biblical scholars have unearthed and studied artifacts and scriptural fragments that tell us the Bible itself is a product of evolving points of view, fueled by political influences and cultural values, written by multiple anonymous writers, throughout hundreds of years of changes, additions, and redactions. If only we had those stone tablets written with the finger of God! Join E.J. and Karen as they explore Richard Elliott Friedman's book, Who Wrote the Bible? in this broad introduction of how the book was written.

Much controversy has arisen and continues to this day about Jesus' claim to messiahship—"What did he know? When did he know it? What did he claim to be?" Many verses of the Hebrew Bible have guided early Christian gospel writers and theologians to interpret those verses as prophesying the arrival of a messiah and place some of them in the mouth of Jesus. Whatever biographical information the writers may have had 40-50 years after Jesus' death was knit together with fragments of scripture and lore that fleshed out a life seemingly foretold by scripture and ordained by God to reinstate all humanity into God's grace. Join E.J. and Karen as they look at the clues in the gospels and Hebrew text that lead to the making of a messiah.

Much controversy has arisen and continues to this day about Jesus' claim to messiahship—"What did he know? When did he know it? What did he claim to be?" Many verses of the Hebrew Bible have guided early Christian gospel writers and theologians to interpret those verses as prophesying the arrival of a messiah and place some of them in the mouth of Jesus. Whatever biographical information the writers may have had 40-50 years after Jesus' death was knit together with fragments of scripture and lore that fleshed out a life seemingly foretold by scripture and ordained by God to reinstate all humanity into God's grace. Join E.J. and Karen as they look at the clues in the gospels and Hebrew text that lead to the making of a messiah.

Much controversy has arisen and continues to this day about Jesus' claim to messiahship—"What did he know? When did he know it? What did he claim to be?" Many verses of the Hebrew Bible have guided early Christian gospel writers and theologians to interpret those verses as prophesying the arrival of a messiah and place some of them in the mouth of Jesus. Whatever biographical information the writers may have had 40-50 years after Jesus' death was knit together with fragments of scripture and lore that fleshed out a life seemingly foretold by scripture and ordained by God to reinstate all humanity into God's grace. Join E.J. and Karen as they look at the clues in the gospels and Hebrew text that lead to the making of a messiah.

Much of our knowledge about the Bible is centered around the heroes and major players in the stories. But often just as important are those who serve the hero or patriarch on their right hand. Seeing how these individuals support, advise, and even clean up messes gives us great insight into the characters of the heroes and patriarchs but also what qualities complete the dynamics for a successful partnership. Join E.J. and Karen in this most interesting look at those who are second! This installment will examine the relationship between Deborah, the Judge and Barak, the Commander of the Army, and how Barak's choices and decisions to team up with others can teach us how to be successful beyond our own abilities.

Much of our knowledge about the Bible is centered around the heroes and major players in the stories. But often just as important are those who serve the hero or patriarch on their right hand. Seeing how these individuals support, advise, and even clean up messes gives us great insight into the characters of the heroes and patriarchs but also what qualities complete the dynamics for a successful partnership. Join E.J. and Karen in this most interesting look at those who are second! The third installment will introduce Joab, David's commander who is also his cousin, his strongest ally, and even sharper critic!

Much of our knowledge about the Bible is centered around the heroes and major players in the stories. But often just as important are those who serve the hero or patriarch on their right hand. Seeing how these individuals support, advise, and even clean up messes gives us great insight into the characters of the heroes and patriarchs but also what qualities complete the dynamics for a successful partnership. Join E.J. and Karen in this most interesting look at those who are second! The second installment will concern Joshua in his early role serving under Moses and Aaron and his rise to leadership in his own right.

Much of our knowledge about the Bible is centered around the heroes and major players in the stories. But often just as important are those who serve the hero or patriarch on their right hand. Seeing how these individuals support, advise, and even clean up messes gives us great insight into the characters of the heroes and patriarchs but also what qualities complete the dynamics for a successful partnership. Join E.J. and Karen in this most interesting look at those who are second! The first installment will examine Aaron's role in support of Moses and his own leadership as the first priest.

Many people do not realize that much of the apocalyptic ideas we have about the end times were not in the Book of Revelation at all but, in fact, in the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament of Christian Scriptures. This book, too, is apocalyptic, meaning that it has hidden or symbolic meanings that require interpretation and deeper understanding. Join E.J. and Karen as they delve into the stories of this book, mining both the historical meanings as well as deeper spiritual meanings for our own times as well. The sixth installment will compare passages from the Book of Ezekiel to those of Daniel and Revelation to further explore how the Hebrew Bible influenced the writer of the Book of Revelation.

Many people do not realize that much of the apocalyptic ideas we have about the end times were not in the Book of Revelation at all but, in fact, in the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament of Christian Scriptures. This book, too, is apocalyptic, meaning that it has hidden or symbolic meanings that require interpretation and deeper understanding. Join E.J. and Karen as they delve into the stories of this book, mining both the historical meanings as well as deeper spiritual meanings for our own times as well. The fifth installment will compare passages from the Book of Daniel to the Book of Revelation to show where some of the ideas for this apocalyptic literature derived.

Many people do not realize that much of the apocalyptic ideas we have about the end times were not in the Book of Revelation at all but, in fact, in the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament of Christian Scriptures. This book, too, is apocalyptic, meaning that it has hidden or symbolic meanings that require interpretation and deeper understanding. Join E.J. and Karen as they delve into the stories of this book, mining both the historical meanings as well as deeper spiritual meanings for our own times as well. The fourth installment will be from chapter 5, looking at the meaning of the handwriting on the wall.

Many people do not realize that much of the apocalyptic ideas we have about the end times were not in the Book of Revelation at all but, in fact, in the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament of Christian Scriptures. This book, too, is apocalyptic, meaning that it has hidden or symbolic meanings that require interpretation and deeper understanding. Join E.J. and Karen as they delve into the stories of this book, mining both the historical meanings as well as deeper spiritual meanings for our own times as well. The third installment will be from chapter 6, describing the significance of Daniel facing the lion in the lion's den.

Many people do not realize that much of the apocalyptic ideas we have about the end times were not in the Book of Revelation at all but, in fact, in the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament of Christian Scriptures. This book, too, is apocalyptic, meaning that it has hidden or symbolic meanings that require interpretation and deeper understanding. Join E.J. and Karen as they delve into the stories of this book, mining both the historical meanings as well as deeper spiritual meanings for our own times as well. The second installment will be from chapter 3, exploring the miracle story of the fiery furnace.

Many people do not realize that much of the apocalyptic ideas we have about the end times were not in the Book of Revelation at all, but, in fact, were in the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament of Christian scriptures. This book, too, is apocalyptic, meaning that it has hidden or symbolic meanings that require interpretation and deeper understanding. Join E.J. and Karen as they delve into the stories of this book, mining both the historical meanings as well as deeper spiritual meanings for our own times. The second installment will be from Chapter 3, exploring the miracle story of the fiery furnace.

While we have read the parables as being the expressed teachings of Jesus, supposedly quoted verbatim, there is growing evidence that not only are they not verbatim teachings, but they may also be contrived by the Gospel writers to convey something about Jesus himself. John Dominic Crossan wrote in his book, The Power of Parable: "how fiction by Jesus became fiction about Jesus." Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the implication of certain parables about Jesus, how they reflected the needs of the early church, and what these revised perspectives might mean about our own lives.

While we have read the parables as being the expressed teachings of Jesus, supposedly quoted verbatim, there is growing evidence that not only are they not verbatim teachings, but they may also be contrived by the Gospel writers to convey something about Jesus himself. John Dominic Crossan wrote in his book, The Power of Parable: "how fiction by Jesus became fiction about Jesus." Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the implication of certain parables about Jesus, how they reflected the needs of the early church, and what these revised perspectives might mean about our own lives.

While we have read the parables as being the expressed teachings of Jesus, supposedly quoted verbatim, there is growing evidence that not only are they not verbatim teachings, but they may also be contrived by the Gospel writers to convey something about Jesus himself. John Dominic Crossan wrote in his book, The Power of Parable: "how fiction by Jesus became fiction about Jesus." Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the implication of certain parables about Jesus, how they reflected the needs of the early church, and what these revised perspectives might mean about our own lives.

The Hebrew prayer known as "The Shema" is prayed with Jewish children as they go to sleep and taught to them not only as a bedtime prayer but also as a blessing and assurance of protection. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore this prayer that is derived from Deuteronomy, as well as comparisons to prayers of oneness from other traditions and how it applies to our own Unity teachings of "God as One Source."

As the accounts of the resurrection were added to the original Gospels, so were stories about the appearances of Jesus, his teachings to his Apostles, and the accounts of his ascension. Join Karen and E.J. as they compare them, contrast them, provide context for these stories, and as always, illuminate the meaning for our own lives today.

As the accounts of the resurrection were added to the original Gospels, so were stories about the appearances of Jesus, his teachings to his Apostles, and the accounts of his ascension. Join Karen and E.J. as they compare them, contrast them, provide context for these stories, and as always, illuminate the meaning for our own lives today.

The miracles of Jesus depicted in the Gospels fall into two types: nature miracles and healing miracles. While unusual, they are not uncommon in the scriptures, and in fact, often refer to a miracle described in the Hebrew Bible. In this series, E.J. and Karen will explore the miracles described in the synoptic Gospels and the miracles denoted as "signs" in the Gospel of John for understanding more of what they were intended to teach or demonstrate and how we can use them in our lives today!

The miracles of Jesus depicted in the Gospels fall into two types: nature miracles and healing miracles. While unusual, they are not uncommon in the scriptures, and in fact, often refer to a miracle described in the Hebrew Bible. In this series, E.J. and Karen will explore the miracles described in the synoptic Gospels and the miracles denoted as "signs" in the Gospel of John for understanding more of what they were intended to teach or demonstrate and how we can use them in our lives today!

The miracles of Jesus depicted in the Gospels fall into two types: nature miracles and healing miracles. While unusual, they are not uncommon in the scriptures, and in fact, often refer to a miracle described in the Hebrew Bible. In this series, E.J. and Karen will explore the miracles described in the synoptic Gospels and the miracles denoted as "signs" in the Gospel of John for understanding more of what they were intended to teach or demonstrate and how we can use them in our lives today!

The care and support for both widows and orphans is spelled out in the Law, largely in Deuteronomy. Throughout the Hebrew and the Christian Scriptures, widows are noted and stories are told about them; some are named while some remain unnamed. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the role of widows as part of the spiritual life of Israel as a community and as representing real people in real conditions. Learn what the prophets, Jesus, and Paul taught about them and how that translates to us today.

The care and support for both widows and orphans is spelled out in the Law, largely in Deuteronomy. Throughout the Hebrew and the Christian Scriptures, widows are noted and stories are told about them; some are named while some remain unnamed. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the role of widows as part of the spiritual life of Israel as a community and as representing real people in real conditions. Learn what the prophets, Jesus, and Paul taught about them and how that translates to us today.

The care and support for both widows and orphans is spelled out in the Law, largely in Deuteronomy. Throughout the Hebrew and the Christian Scriptures, widows are noted and stories are told about them; some are named while some remain unnamed. Join E.J. and Karen as they explore the role of widows as part of the spiritual life of Israel as a community and as representing real people in real conditions. Learn what the prophets, Jesus, and Paul taught about them and how that translates to us today.

People often ask how Unity can be Christian and at the same time honor all paths to God. The answer is simple: By following Jesus' example. Jesus demonstrated "radical inclusivity" and reached out to people of all faiths and backgrounds. He even pointedly challenged the purity system of his day, flouting the rules of who was "in" and who was "out." Were we to follow his example, we would practice an "Inclusive Christianity"—spirituality based on loving God and loving one another, without exception. Is there room in our society today to recast Christianity as inclusive rather than exclusive? And how might we go about it? Join E.J. and Paula Coppel, ministerial candidate at Unity Institute® and Seminary as they explore this question and how we can start living this message today!

Rev. Ed Townley has written a new book titled, Kingdom Come: Understanding the Book of Revelation,  which decodes the Scriptures to reveal a navigational guide to spiritual progress—what writer Joseph Campbell called “the hero's journey.” Kingdom Come challenges the popular view of Revelation as a prophecy of end-times—with eternal bliss for the chosen and hellfire for everyone else. Townley asserts that the kingdom of heaven is not the reward of an afterlife but the product of an expanded consciousness that allows us to fully embrace our human experience. Join E.J. as she hosts Ed and discusses his view of this most controversial of biblical writings.

Beyond the canonical Gospels there are myriad of other gospels and writings that give us a view of how Christianity developed in its early days. As there were gospels and letters that served the various views of early Christians, we find they range from purporting to tell stories about Jesus's infancy and life; about his words, teachings, and works; and about the universal or cosmic meaning of his life including predictions about the end of the world and his return on earth. Join E.J. and Karen as they share what biblical scholars have learned about the make-up of the New Testament and how it came to be.