Lost Christianities

greatdane

Just wanted to share a course I'm listening to (it's on 12 cds) I got from the library. It's from the Great Courses series from the Teaching Company. It's called Lost Christianities: Christian Scriptures and the Battles over Authentication. It's not EVERYTHING one would ever want to know if this is a big topic of interest for them, but think many would find something they may not have known in it.

I'm not a religious person, but enjoy studying religion and philosophy. I have read about "lost" and/or writings that were dismissed by whoever the church fathers were at the time. I find it interesting from a historical and philosophical viewpoint.

I am NOT suggesting people run out and buy this, but I have found these courses (which range from everything from religion to art to science to physics) at smaller libraries and think they're definitely worth checking out if you're interested.

There are quite a few on various religions, as well as philosophy (for exp there's a course on called the Great Ideas of Philosophy but get ready for a LOT of listening, it's about 30 hours of cds).
 

Asbestos Mango

Is this course based on Bart Ehrman's book? Because I'm reading it right now and it's fascinating.

And I used to love listening to audio courses, on CD or online. It's a great way to learn about a wide variety of interesting things, from history to philosophy and religion to science.
 

celticnoodle

i so love that company and the cds! Our local libraries do not have them. :laugh: but you have to realize that we live on the edge of the world.....................

when we lived in NJ, our local library had those cds and I often would borrow them and listen to them. I SO miss that library! It was a lovely place and I practically lived there. I would've loved to work there, but for having my nose in a book.......................

I will look for the book though that you mentioned, Asbestos. I have the author name, so could find it, but if you can supply the title too---I may not be able to get the cds via inter-library loan, but the book may be another story.
 

greatdane

Hi Asbestos Mango and CelticNooooodle!

Yes Abestos Mango, the cd course IS by Bart. There is a small booklet, so you can go back after listening or read beforehand, that kind of summarizes each chapter. I have been finding it fascinating and glad you are enjoying his book.

I hope you can find them, CelticNoodle. I admit to liking the cd/booklet combo because I can just close my eyes and listen and then read a few pages to help me recap. I hope more and more libraries carry at least some of these courses from this series. Great way to learn about SO many topics. There are some that have dvds. I believe I've mentioned before. I have seen Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics and Witches in the Western Tradition and From Monet to Van Gogh: A History of Impressionism both on dvds. Fascinating.
 

Asbestos Mango

celticnoodle, the title of the book is "Lost Christianities" with a longish subtitle. I've read most of it so far, and it's a great read, although I must say it's difficult to read Bart Ehrman and stay a Christian.
 

greatdane

Interesting isn't it Asbestos Mango?

Whether Christian or not, I think it gives everyone something to think about. About how sacred works are chosen and others tossed aside. I'm sure all religious works had variations by different people or have had tweeks or adaptations or certainly their own interpretations. It does make one wonder how sanitized or changed things were before they were set down as, pardon the expression, gospel.
 

Dancing Bear

I might treat myself for christmas, I love a good book. and also love reading about religion and philosophy. Taken authors name and title. Hopefully i can find it in all the christmas madness.
 

Richard

That sounds right up my alley. I may have to get the Kindle edition of the book. I am a fan of what now are considered heretical writings, such as the gospels of Thomas, Judas, and Mary Magdelene. While it is easy to get flabbergasted by the insane profusion of Christian sects which have appeared since the Reformation, early Christianity also was divided into a large number of incompatible factions. Apparently there was no single "simple faith" of the early Christians, a concept fondly fabricated by many Protestant reformers. The church was probably most unified when the major significant divisions were of the catholic variety: Coptic, Eastern, and Roman.

OMG, let me shut up! :)
 

celticnoodle

Thank you asbestas mango. I am going to see if it is available on the nook first, as i am getting some barnes and noble gift certs for gifts, so that will be perfect!
 
Watching eyes "Truth"