Want to meet the two great Christian founders who never met each other? Jesus’ words and Paul’s words have changed millions of lives, and will change yours. The Bible retells their teachings apart, so we must join them afresh as one. This book will open your ears and your heart to their shared work. Both teachers challenged commonplace religious talk, and launched faith communities that spread worldwide. The Roman state executed both—here you will discover why. Yet their authorities still differ today. Jesus spoke up for the truth, confronting illusions; and God raised him from the dead. His stories are a storehouse of gems, each brilliant and complete in itself. Paul chained ancient values together, transforming our spiritual path. He fought for love; and Christians have made him deathless.

Want to talk about the Bible with intelligent folks? Including yourself? Rick Fabian, an Episcopal priest, founded St. Gregory Nyssen Church at San Francisco, and for thirty-eight years made the teachings of Jesus and Paul its thinking core. The book explores Jesus’ stories first, then women’s special importance for both men. We weigh Paul’s arguments for Christian and Jewish dialog, and the friendly character he gives to God.

Want evidence from beyond the Church? Modern depth psychology reveals our fleshly animal nature at work, and we’ll solve some famous Bible puzzles. Cross-cultural references link us with Confucius, a classical thinker widely known today.

All the threads you knot together here will color your vision when you next read the Bible. You will create a lively personal connection with these teachers, and will find it easy to talk about your insights with thoughtful people anywhere. This book gives you the central core that thinking Christians need now, and thinking non-Christians can welcome. These down-to-earth teachers enrich everyone, of whatever faith.