Elaine Pagels in conversation with Barbara Brown Taylor

Part 1: Introduction and Welcome00:00:03

Joe Davage, director of the Georgia Center for the Book, welcomes attendees and introduces speakers Elaine Pagels and Barbara Brown Taylor, while providing logistics for the evening.

Part 2: Why This Book Now00:06:54

Elaine Pagels discusses her motivation for writing her latest book, moving from an academic focus on early Christianity to personal reflections on history, politics, and why these stories continue to resonate.

Part 3: Deconstructing the Christmas Pageant00:13:36

Pagels and Taylor discuss the historical inaccuracies in traditional Christmas pageants, noting that the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke are distinct and independent voices.

Part 4: Translation and Interpretation00:20:01

The speakers address the importance of acknowledging that reading scripture is an act of translation and interpretation, encouraging readers to consult multiple translations.

Part 5: Exorcism and Roman Occupation00:23:02

Pagels explains the historical context behind the story of the demon-possessed man and the pigs, identifying the 'Legion' as a hidden critique of Roman military brutality.

Part 6: Addressing Anti-Semitism in Scripture00:35:49

The discussion turns to the problematic passages in the New Testament that blame Jewish people for the death of Jesus, emphasizing that this was wartime literature and not historical fact.

Part 7: The Round Dance of the Cross00:42:58

Pagels shares insights from the secret texts regarding the 'round dance of the cross,' offering a different perspective on Eucharistic celebration and ritual.

Part 8: Q&A - Faith, Doubt, and Jesus' Jewish Identity00:52:03

The speakers answer audience questions regarding the nature of Jesus as a Jew, the concept of 'godly agnosticism,' and how to handle problematic passages in liturgical settings.