On today's episode, your hosts the Rev. Rick Morley, Elliot VanHoy, and Natalee Hill, discuss the books we’re referring to as “the other stuff.” These writings are by various authors, though attributed to neither Paul nor John. These include Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude.
After lamenting that this year’s journey through the Bible is nearly over, we discuss that many of this week’s writings teach us a lot about what Christian community was like in the earliest days for the church. We review some of the various schools of thought found in early Christianity and discuss that even in the earliest times some of these were debated for inclusion in what would become the Bible. We get again into a conversation about what scripture is, this time referring to the Book of Common Prayer.
Turning to Hebrews, we review the two things that everyone should know about Hebrews and then launch into a conversation about who might have written it. As we converse about what is unique to Hebrews, we’re led to consider that this writing, and possibly much of modern Christianity, is greatly influenced by Plato’s thoughts. Rick mentions a book, “From Plato to Christ” by Louis A. Markos.
We explore what the author of Hebrews was trying to convey to the community. There is a discussion of how the theology of this writing differs greatly from Paul’s theology especially around salvation. We find ourselves in a discussion on heresies.
We move into James, one of the most Jewish books of the Bible, and name its primary concerns: ethical living and faith being shown in your life. Here we find the famous James vs. Paul argument in faith vs. works, or orthodoxy vs. orthopraxy. We are reminded of the beautiful contradictions within the scriptures. James also largely discusses social class divisions in the church. This book is a very on-the-ground pastoral response to a contemporary issue that he’s dealing with.
We move on to Jude which is very is heavily influenced by non-Biblical pseudepigraphal writings: the Testament of Moses and the Book of Enoch. Jude is referenced, as is Enoch, in 2 Peter’s letter as well.
We find that 1 Peter was written to aliens – not extraterrestrials, but rather foreigners. In 1 Peter discusses suffering quite a bit and salvation, as the hope for release from suffering, is referred to not in the present time, but in the future. It is only in 1 Peter that we find a reference that informs part of the Apostle’s Creed: “He (Jesus) descended to the dead,” created off 1 Peter 4:6.
2 Peter is thought of as Peter’s testament. It is highly influenced by Jude and the Book of Enoch. Both 1 and 2 Peter are dealing with what to do with the people who have turned away from the community. This is an interesting new issue that these books grapple with.
Next week we’re on to the Johannie literature!
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Cross Connections is a ministry of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, PA. Season two, Cover to Cover is hosted by the Rev. Rick Morley, Elliot VanHoy, and Natalee Hill.
A full copy list of readings for 2025 may be found on our website at https://stdavidschurch.org/crossconnections If you have questions for us, you can call us at 484.588.5656 and leave a voicemail with your name, where you’re from, and your question or comment. Please note, we may use your recorded voice in an upcoming episode of Cross Connections. You can also email us at crossconnections@stdavidschurch.org.
Logo graphic design and podcast production by Natalee Hill. Stock Media Music provided by Marscott and MoodMode / Pond5.
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