The Pulling The Threads Podcast: Unraveling The Deeper Story!

Jeramiah Giehl

Where investigative scrutiny confront religious tradition. Hosted by Jeramiah Giehl—a former Jehovah Witness, Pentecostal, Messianic, and now Conservative Jew—this podcast unpacks the origins of Christianity through a Jewish lens. With a journalist’s edge, Giehl explores Jesus in Second Temple Judaism, exposing Greco-Roman fingerprints on early theology. From Qumran and the Ebionites to the “Parting of the Ways,” each episode confronts myth, redaction, and tradition with evidence-based analysis and unapologetic curiosity. For seekers ready to confront the myths—this is where the thread begins.

  1. 28 JUL

    Reclaiming Primitive Christianity Part 2: Exploring the Historical Jesus with Dr. James Tabor: Season 2 Episode 5

    Join host Jeramiah Giehl and renowned scholar Dr. James Tabor for a powerful 90-minute follow-up conversation, we explore the historical Jesus, the Ebionite tradition, the leadership of James the Just, the influence of Paul, and the real-world dangers of apocalypticism and Christian nationalism. 🔍 Episode Themes: Dr. Tabor responds to critics who claim this approach is “anti-Christ,” affirming it is, in fact, pro-historical Jesus. Using the historical-critical method, he shows how redactions in the Gospels altered Jesus’ words and message. He explains the Q source, the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, and examples like (“Why call me good?”) edited in Matthew to support later theology. The aim: recover Jesus’ original voice before it was reshaped by church doctrine. The discussion dives into the Ebionites, early Jewish followers of Jesus who: Viewed him as a human prophet (not divine), Rejected animal sacrifices, Practiced vegetarianism, And challenged Paul’s theology, especially the Eucharist. Tabor explains their beliefs using Isaiah 66 and highlights how church fathers later branded them heretics. He suggests they may represent the earliest and most authentic form of the Jesus movement. Tabor shifts focus to James the Just, leader of the Jerusalem church and likely the beloved disciple, not John. Referencing Acts 15 and his upcoming book A Lost Mary (releasing Sept 30, 2025), he argues that Jesus passed leadership to James—not Peter or Paul—indicating a dynastic, family-based leadership structure, or “caliphate.” The Clementine Homilies support this by urging followers to confirm doctrine with James himself. Tabor discusses Paul’s genuine letters (Galatians, Romans, etc.) as full of urgency and expectation of the end times. Paul advised believers not to marry or work, expecting the world to end soon. While some theorists suggest Paul may be fictional or linked to Simon Magus or even Josephus (via Marcion), Tabor argues Paul was a real, charismatic apocalypticist. He draws comparisons to modern doomsday movements, referencing his work on Waco and the Branch Davidians, noting that apocalyptic predictions have a 100% failure rate. Jeramiah raises the rise of Christian nationalism and movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Tabor warns against merging religious belief with state power, drawing from Why Waco? and historical persecution of dissenters. He calls for protecting religious freedom, citing Jefferson’s Bible and John Huss, both of whom focused on Jesus’ ethical teachings while rejecting dogma and authoritarian control. Tabor shares how his book Restoring Abrahamic Faith represents his vision of ethical monotheism, grounded in the Hebrew Bible. He affirms a belief in divine purpose. Rather than clinging to literalism, Tabor proposes a post-Christian, Jesus-positive Hebraic faith that values justice and righteousness over dogma or salvation formulas. This discussion is a goldmine for: Spiritual seekers, Biblical skeptics, Post-evangelicals, Jewish-Christian inquirers, And anyone concerned about faith weaponized for political gain. It challenges listeners to re-examine the origins of Christianity while offering a path forward rooted in wisdom, ethics, and historical integrity. Subscribe to the Pulling the Threads Podcast on YouTube. Visit jamestabor.com for blog posts, lectures, and resources. Read: The Jesus Dynasty Paul and Jesus Restoring Abrahamic Faith Pre-order A Lost Mary (Release Date: September 30, 2025) Watch Dr. Tabor’s video series on apocalypticism and prophecy failure. Explore thetorah.com for critical biblical scholarship. 🎧 Listen Now This isn’t just an interview—it’s an exploration of the real Jesus, the forgotten James, and the rise and risks of religious extremism. Join us as we pull the threads of history, faith, and ideology shaping our world today. Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for more hard-hitting conversations.

    1h 35m

  2. 21 JUL

    Escaping Hellfire! From Mean Girls to Mensch — A Journey of Faith with actress Tassja Cadoch: S2E4

    🎙️ In this powerful episode, Jeramiah Giehl sits down with Jewish convert, content creator, and former actress Tassja Cadoch (@JewGreekanMama) for an honest, thought-provoking exploration of religious trauma, spiritual liberation, and theological transformation. Tassja’s story begins in an Anglican Christian household but takes a radical turn after a fear-based encounter with born-again Christianity. Grappling with intense anxiety, scrupulosity, and a fear of hell, she eventually discovers the work of Rabbi Michael Skobac and the Seven Noahide Laws—sparking a journey toward Jewish thought that offered peace, clarity, and purpose. Together, Jeramiah and Tassja—both converts to Judaism—discuss their paths out of rigid dogma and into a tradition that values questioning, truth-seeking, and community. From childhood indoctrination and anxiety to the joy and intellectual depth of Jewish learning, this episode tackles the raw and redemptive process of spiritual rebirth. 🕊️ Key Topics Covered: Overcoming Religious Trauma: Tassja shares her early religious trauma and the toll it took on her mental health. A born-again friend's warnings about hell created spiritual panic that shaped her youth. Jeramiah draws parallels to his own departure from Jehovah’s Witnesses, reflecting on how both found emotional freedom in Judaism’s non-dogmatic approach. Conversion to Judaism: From volunteer work with Jews for Judaism to Hebrew classes and rabbinical review panels, Tassja recounts the slow, intentional process of Conservative conversion. Jeramiah reflects on his past in Messianic circles and his final transition to Rabbinic Judaism in 2014. Their shared commitment to rigorous inquiry over blind faith stands in sharp contrast to their previous religious lives. Universal Righteousness & Parenting: The duo unpacks Judaism’s view that righteousness is not exclusive to Jews—a refreshing shift from exclusionary salvation doctrines. Tassja beautifully links Torah observance to parenting, describing mitzvot as divine boundaries grounded in love. They also discuss Gehenna not as eternal hell, but as a temporary place of purification, generally lasting no more than 12 months, offering a more compassionate theology of the afterlife. Paul & Early Christianity: In one of the most intellectually engaging parts of the conversation, Jeramiah and Tassja scrutinize Paul’s influence on the New Testament and the evolution of Christianity into a pro-Roman faith. They question Pauline authorship, explore Marcion’s role in canon formation, and contrast it with the Torah-faithful Jesus of history. Tassja speaks candidly about the emotional work involved in separating Jesus the Jewish man from the Christian deity she once worshiped. 🔥 Why Watch This Episode? You’ve experienced religious trauma and are searching for healing.You’re curious about Judaism, conversion, or the historical Jesus.You’re done with fear-based theology and want to explore ethical, universal spirituality.You enjoy open, intellectual conversations that blend history, faith, and personal growth. This episode is a journey—from fear to freedom, from confusion to clarity. If you’ve ever questioned your faith, wrestled with doctrine, or longed for a more grounded spiritual path, this one’s for you. 📌 Action Steps: ✅ Subscribe to the Pulling the Threads Podcast ✅ Follow @JewGreekanMama on Instagram ✅ Like & Share this episode to support honest conversations about faith ✅ Join the Discussion in the comments—your voice matters! #JewishConversion #ReligiousTrauma #PaulineChristianity #PullingTheThreads #JudaismExplained #JewGreekanMama #HistoricalJesus #Gehenna #JewishAfterlife #FaithDeconstruction #FromChristianityToJudaism

    1h 22m

  3. 14 JUL

    Creating Christ Revisited: Redacted Faith—New Evidence, New Claims: How Rome and Paul Reshaped Jesus

    In this deep-dive episode of Pulling the Threads, host Jeramiah sits down with returning guest James Valliant to unpack groundbreaking updates to his controversial book Creating Christ. The conversation traces Valliant’s evolving views on the formation of early Christianity, with a particular focus on the Pauline epistles, the destruction of the Second Temple, and Rome’s role in shaping the New Testament narrative. Valliant challenges long-held assumptions by proposing that much of Paul’s epistolary material—especially in Corinthians—was likely written after 70 CE, in the aftermath of the Jewish-Roman War. This re-dating undermines traditional mid-first-century timelines and shifts the lens through which we interpret early Christian redemptive mechanisms. If the Temple cult was still operational, a new sacrificial narrative centered on Jesus would have lacked the existential urgency that seems present in the texts. The destruction of the Temple, therefore, becomes a pivotal moment in the emergence of Christianity as distinct from Judaism. Jeramiah brings a skeptical eye to linguistic dating methods commonly used in biblical scholarship, arguing that language is too fluid—and too easily manipulated—to serve as a reliable metric for textual chronology. Instead, both he and Valliant emphasize the primacy of physical evidence, or the glaring absence thereof, particularly from early communities like the Nazarenes and Ebionites. They argue this void may be explained by the Temple’s destruction and subsequent Roman suppression, resulting in a loss of key materials. Valliant also reconsiders the authenticity of the Testimonium Flavianum in Josephus’ Antiquities. Once seen as a later Christian interpolation, Valliant now believes, with support from scholars like Samuel Zinner and Ken Goldberg, that much of the passage may be original. This revision is bolstered by a stunning archaeological find: a 3rd-century mosaic referring to Jesus as God, discovered in a Roman military context. This suggests that some Christians, or at least proto-Christians, had a place in the Roman ranks before Constantine’s conversion. Valliant explores the symbolic language of early Christianity—specifically the fish and anchor motifs. Valliant explains the anchor’s deep roots in Seleucid and Roman iconography, even tying it to Emperor Titus’ Messianic propaganda. He contends that the anchor, more than the cross, was the symbol of choice in early Christian catacombs and mosaics, a claim supported by references in Clement of Alexandria’s writings. The two also examine the Flavian dynasty’s potential role in redacting and canonizing the New Testament in four distinct layers, each targeted toward different audiences and theological purposes. Valliant contends that the Gospels were crafted to reconcile diverging Jewish sectarian movements, while Paul’s letters laid the ideological groundwork for a break from Torah-based messianism. Jeramiah G argues that Marcion was instrumental in pushing Paul’s letters into the Christian canon, causing a rift between early Jewish followers of Jesus and the emerging Gentile church. Hellenistic influences—including Enochian literature—also feature heavily in the discussion. Jeramiah notes that Paul’s epistles bear more in common with apocalyptic Enochian thought than with Pharisaic Judaism, indicating a theological lineage that bypassed mainstream Jewish beliefs of the time. The conversation touches on the Sadducees, the Dead Sea Scrolls community, and how each group’s eschatology may have informed early Christian doctrine. The episode concludes with a critical look at how translation issues, missing original-language manuscripts, and interpretative biases have shaped our modern understanding of Jesus. Both Jeramiah and James agree: the historical Jesus—possibly more aligned with Torah-observant Ebionite teachings than the Greek Gospel portrayal—has been obscured by layers of redaction, theological agenda, and imperial influence.

    1h 28m

  4. 23 JUN

    Beyond Dogma! Reclaiming Primitive Christianity Part 1 with Dr. James Tabor on Jesus's Jewish Origins, the Ebionites and the Dead Sea Scrolls: Season 2 Episode 2

    In this episode of Pulling the Threads, we sit down with biblical scholar Dr. James Tabor for a wide-ranging and provocative conversation that peels back centuries of theological tradition to uncover the historical roots of Christianity. This is a journey that dares listeners to reassess what they believe and why. The episode begins with personal reflections. Jeramiah shares how his upbringing in a “high-control environment” fostered a deep distrust of religious authority, false prophecies, and institutional dogma. Dr. Tabor recounts his background in the Churches of Christ, a tradition rooted in restoring first-century Christianity. Early exposure to Greek and Hebrew texts eventually led him to embrace a thoroughly Jewish view of Jesus—as a Torah-observant Jew who celebrated Passover and Sukkot and never founded a new religion. They critique how religious dogma often overrides honest analysis. Tabor’s scholarly work—particularly his involvement with the Dead Sea Scrolls—offers insight into the world of Second Temple Judaism. He explains the significance of the Qumran community, which anticipated a prophetic “Teacher of Righteousness” similar to Moses. Collaborating with Robert Eisenman, Tabor helped bring forward texts like the Messianic Apocalypse, which parallels Isaiah 61 and Luke 7—connecting ancient messianic expectations with early texts. A major focus of the discussion is the Ebionites, a Jewish sect Tabor believes preserves the truest legacy of Jesus’s original followers. Unlike the divine Christ of Pauline Christianity, the Ebionites saw Jesus as a mortal prophet and Temple reformer. They rejected Paul as a heretic and emphasized ethical living, sometimes including veganism. Highlighting how the Ebionites’ rejection of sacrificial worship aligns with modern critiques of the Hebrew Bible’s editorial history. Tabor notes their theological overlap with the Dead Sea Scrolls—shared communal living, and apocalyptic hope. Tabor explains how textual criticism helps strip away later redactions and recover original voices. Removing Pauline overlays from texts like 1 Peter often aligns them more closely with the theology of James. Likewise, excising Christian additions from Revelation reveals a pre-Christian apocalyptic framework. The Ebionites also believed the Hebrew scriptures were corrupted with “false pericopes” added to justify sacrifice and centralized Temple authority—echoing debates in modern scholarship over source layers in the Torah. The episode also explores the historical tensions between Jewish followers of Jesus and Rabbinic Judaism. The Birkat HaMinim, a curse added to Jewish liturgy targeting “heretics,” marginalized groups like the Nazarenes. Tabor posits their ideas may have influenced early Islam—especially Muhammad’s initial Sabbath observance and Torah alignment. Over time, Pauline Christianity—particularly in its Marcionite and gentile-friendly form—supplanted the original Jewish Jesus movement. In a fascinating tangent, Tabor discusses the Moses Scroll (Shapira Scroll), a Paleo-Hebrew text once dismissed as a forgery. Now reconsidered by scholars like Edan Dershowitz, the scroll could be the oldest version of Deuteronomy, offering a Torah stripped of sacrificial mandates. Tabor’s team is actively researching its authenticity. Looking ahead, Tabor teases his forthcoming course, Christianity Before Paul, which will explore early leaders like John the Baptist, James, Peter, and Mary Magdalene as apocalyptic Jewish reformers—not church founders. His book Restoring Abrahamic Faith summarizes this worldview, and his upcoming work The Lost Mary will reframe Jesus’s mother as a central figure in the earliest Jesus movement. The episode concludes with promises of future collaborations: deeper dives into Paul’s influence, Ebionite theology, and Dr. Tabor’s experience advising during the Waco siege. Listeners are encouraged to visit jamestabor.com and his YouTube channel for more.

    1h 35m

  5. 21 APR

    The Ancient Near Eastern Origins of the Hebrew Bible — A Deep Dive with Dr. Joshua Bowen: Season 2 Episode 1

    Join us on Pulling the Thread for a compelling conversation with Dr. Joshua Bowen, renowned Assyriologist and author of The Atheist Handbook to the Old Testament. With expertise in Biblical Hebrew, Sumerian, Akkadian, and Ancient Near Eastern studies, Dr. Bowen brings a unique blend of scholarly precision, lived experience, and respectful skepticism. Raised in a fundamentalist setting, Dr. Bowen’s path led from Liberty University to a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins. His background informs a thoughtful, humble approach to the Hebrew Bible, focused not on debunking faith but understanding ancient texts in their original contexts. “Understanding these texts,” he says, “requires study of their languages and contexts—not modern assumptions.” We explore how the Hebrew Bible was shaped by the cultural crosscurrents of the Ancient Near East, especially during the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities (8th–6th centuries BCE). These eras exposed Israelite scribes to Mesopotamian epics like Enuma Elish and The Epic of Gilgamesh, reshaping narratives and theology. Figures like Abraham emerge as products of both Canaanite and Mesopotamian cultural interplay. Dr. Bowen examines the parallels between Genesis and earlier Mesopotamian myths—flood narratives, creation motifs, and cosmic structuring. He discusses how stories like Noah’s flood echo older Sumerian and Babylonian versions, emphasizing shared mythic structures repurposed for monotheism. We also dive into divine assemblies: the Sumerian gods (An, Enlil, Ea, the Anunnaki) and their Ugaritic counterparts (El, Baal), which influenced biblical concepts like Elohim and the Divine Council (Psalm 82, Job 1:6). These connections reveal how Israelite scribes reimagined polytheistic frameworks within emerging Yahwism. Dr. Bowen breaks down the JEDP (Jahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, Priestly) model with clarity. Differing creation accounts in Genesis? That’s not contradiction—it’s editorial layering. He explains how this model helps us understand the formation of the Torah as a product of centuries-long scribal processes, not a single authorial voice. “The Documentary Hypothesis isn’t about dismantling faith—it’s about understanding how these texts were woven together.” With deep linguistic insight, Dr. Bowen unpacks ancient scripts like cuneiform and shows how Hebrew, Akkadian, and Sumerian overlap. He highlights linguistic echoes in Genesis—like Tehom (the deep) and its mythic parallel Tiamat—and critiques pseudoscientific interpretations from fringe authors like Zecharia Sitchin. Dr. Bowen advocates a respectful, informed engagement with scripture. He critiques apologetic approaches that ignore historical and linguistic context, urging listeners to appreciate the text on its own ancient terms. Using pop culture analogies (e.g., Seinfeld's “yada yada”), he explains intertextuality—the shared phrases and motifs across cultures that shape storytelling. It’s not about copying—it’s cultural memory and adaptation. “Context is everything,” he reminds us, “whether it’s a sitcom line or a sacred text.” This episode is a masterclass in ancient literature, theology, and language. Dr. Bowen’s scholarship, paired with the podcast’s trademark probing questions, brings the Hebrew Bible’s roots to life. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this conversation offers a deep dive into how sacred texts were formed—and why they still matter. You’ll discover: Mesopotamian and Ugaritic influence on biblical stories How scribes shaped the Torah across centuries Linguistic links between Hebrew, Akkadian, and Sumerian The cultural impact of the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities The transformation from polytheism to monotheism Keywords: Assyriology, Joshua Bowen, Hebrew Bible, Sumerian myths, Akkadian texts, Ancient Near East, Biblical Hebrew, Genesis flood narrative, Epic of Gilgamesh, Enuma Elish, Documentary Hypothesis, Billy Carson, biblical scholarship, Torah formation, Zecharia Sitchin critique

    1h 29m

  6. 04/03/2024

    Messianic MythBusters: How The Church Got It Wrong? Beyond the Stained Glass... Rethinking Christianity, Ebionites, New Covenant & Theological Debates with Richard Cortes: Episode 23

    This episode promises insightful and thought-provoking discussions, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of religious beliefs and interpretations. Delving into the concept of the New Covenant and the beliefs of the Ebionites. Here's a summary of key points: The Ebionites Strike Back: Debunking the Myths of Christian Origins: Explore the beliefs of this group who viewed Jesus as a prophet, challenging the notion of a singular "middle ground." Beyond the Binary: Rethinking Jesus and the Christian Narrative: According to Richard, Jesus can only be seen as either the Christian Jesus or a Torah-observing Jew. The Ebionite Enigma: Challenging Christian Supremacy: Jeramiah clarifies that the historical Ebionites, who were Essenes, viewed Jesus as a prophet calling for reform, not a king or military leader. The New Covenant Conspiracy: Was Jesus a Fabrication?: Examine differing interpretations of the New Covenant, questioning the universality applied by Christianity and emphasizing the importance of contextual understanding. Cracking the Code: Unveiling the Secrets of the New Covenant: They argue that the New Covenant, as described in the Torah, applies specifically to the house of Israel and Judah, not all people. They also criticize the Christian rejection of the Torah and the Law. Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling: Dismantling Dogma: Explore how certain translations and cultural understandings can shape our interpretations of scripture. Analyzing the misinterpretations of biblical passages. Messiah Meltdown: Focus on the "suffering Messiah" concept: They discuss the misuse of certain Isaiah passages to support this idea, while ignoring contradictory text. Rewriting the Bible: Debunking Christian Misinterpretations: Richard discusses the significance of understanding the Hebrew term "alma" and its implications within Jewish culture. He also criticizes the lack of Hebrew education in seminaries, which he sees as hindering understanding and perpetuating anti-Semitic views. Roman influence on Christian theology: Jeramiah points out the influence of Roman culture and government on the development of Christian theology, including anti-Semitic undertones. Other Discussions: Significance of Isaiah 7:14: Richard emphasizes its error interpretation, while criticizing the Greek Septuagint translation and highlighting the authenticity of the Hebrew Masoretic text. Hebrew term interpretation and Jewish faith: Richard and Jeramiah emphasize the importance of reading original Tanakh texts to avoid misinterpretations. They also discuss the incompatibility of Jesus as a divine savior figure with traditional Jewish beliefs. Christian Theology and Jewish Origins: Uncover the evolution of the "word of God" concept from Jewish roots to its role in Christian theology, highlighting the influence of Platonic thought and the development of Binitarianism and Trinitarianism. Talmudic Literature and Dualism: Richard warns against misinterpretations and misuse of these texts by Christians and clarifies the concept of dualism, emphasizing its incorrect separation of aspects like mercy from their source. Theological conversation: Engage in a thought-provoking discussion about language, capital punishment, the nature of Satan, and the contrasting views of afterlife and individual accountability, contrasting Jewish and Christian perspectives on these topics. Religion, accountability, and Christianity: The conversation concludes by exploring the historical use of religion for control, skepticism towards unproven concepts, and the importance of personal responsibility within religious contexts. Overall, this podcast episode offers a thought-provoking discussion on the New Covenant, the Ebionites, and the complexities of interpreting religious texts and traditions. Keywords: Ebionites, Jesus, New Covenant, biblical texts, suffering Messiah, Christian origins, Satan's nature, afterlife,

    1h 26m

  7. 19/02/2024

    Deconstructing Messianic Myths: Exploring Disparities (Past Leaders Discuss Mashiach & True Judaism): Episode 22

    Tune in to the Pulling The Threads Podcast and join the conversation as we unravel the complexities of Messianic Judaism, and the intricate relationships between Christianity and Judaism. This episode delves into the experiences of Jeramiah Giehl, David LeBlanc, and Richard Cortes, former leaders who converted from the Messianic movement to explore different branches of Judaism. This episode features a riveting exploration of Messianic Judaism, its interpretations, and the challenges of reconciling Christian doctrines with foundational Jewish principles. Prepare to be challenged as we dissect: Misconceptions of Messianic Judaism and Hebrew Roots: Unravel the truth behind these often misunderstood practices and their connection to authentic Judaism. Misinterpretations of Jewish Texts: Expose the inaccuracies in how certain groups interpret and apply Jewish festivals and biblical passages. Bible Inconsistencies and Messianic Jewish Movement: Question the validity of Messianic Judaism's claims by examining inconsistencies within the Christian Bible and its historical basis. Messianic Judaism and Jesus Interpretation Debate: Jeramiah Giehl leads a robust discussion on Messianic Judaism, highlighting its misinterpretation of Jesus's historical context and relationship with Judaism. Richard Cortes contributes insights into the concept of Mashiach in Judaism, touching on the Messianic movement's efforts to restore these beliefs. Messianic Judaism and Jesus Interpretation Debate: Jeramiah Giehl leads a robust discussion on Messianic Judaism, highlighting its misinterpretation of Jesus's historical context and relationship with Judaism. Richard Cortes contributes insights into the concept of Mashiach in Judaism, touching on the Messianic movement's efforts to restore these beliefs. Messianic Judaism and Jesus Interpretation Debate: Jeramiah Giehl leads a robust discussion on Messianic Judaism, highlighting its misinterpretation of Jesus's historical context and relationship with Judaism. Richard Cortes contributes insights into the concept of Mashiach in Judaism, touching on the Messianic movement's efforts to restore these beliefs. Jewish-Christian Narrative Misappropriation Discussed: The trio dissects the misappropriation of Jewish stories, emphasizing the importance of understanding authentic Judaism and rejecting the distortion of Christian doctrines. Richard and David share their concerns about the Messianic movement's approach to these beliefs. Jewish Text Misinterpretation Discussion: Richard, David, and Jeramiah critique the misinterpretation of Jewish texts, emphasizing the need to read them in their entirety. The discussion explores inaccuracies in how Messianics interpret festivals and biblical passages, exposing problems with the Christian understanding of Jewish texts. Messianic Beliefs and Practices Discussion: A deep conversation between David and Jeramiah unfolds, focusing on their beliefs within the Messianic community. They discuss the dangers of reducing Judaism to a personal relationship with Jesus and question the Christian interpretation of the tabernacle and its sacrifices. Christian, Messianic Perspectives on Temple Sacrifices: David and Richard challenge assumptions about Jesus fulfilling the temple sacrificial system and highlight the misunderstood concept of atonement in Christianity. They question the claim that Jesus was a human sacrifice for personal salvation. Bible Inconsistencies and Messianic Jewish Movement: A discussion ensues about inconsistencies within the Christian Bible and the Messianic Jewish movement. Richard emphasizes the importance of Tanakh in Judaism, and Jeramiah underlines the problematic foundation of Christianity. The participants agree on the need for enlightenment and a better understanding of history. Keywords: Atonement, Ebionites, Hebrew Roots, Historical Jesus, Human Sacrifice, Judaism, Mashiach, Messianic, Passover, Salvation, Talmud, Tanakh, Temple, Torah, Yom Kippur,

    1h 27m

  8. 12/02/2024

    From Christian Worship Leader to Torah Observant Jew (A Deep Dive into Pentecostalism, and Transitioning to Judaism): Episode 21

    Have you ever questioned the way your faith was presented to you? In this captivating episode of the Pulling the Threads Podcast, Ben Wagenmaker and Jeramiah tackle complex issues of faith, tradition, and personal transformation. Join them as they explore their journeys from the fervent intensity of Pentecostalism to the introspective world of Judaism. Embark on a soul-stirring voyage as Ben Wagenmaker shares his profound spiritual journey on the Pulling the Threads Podcast. In this enlightening episode, Ben and Jeramiah delve into the complexities of faith, tradition, and personal transformation, exploring the transitions from fervent Pentecostalism to the contemplative embrace of Judaism. Episode Highlights: Exploring Biblical Literacy: Uncover diverse perspectives on scripture, from Tanakh to the New Testament, delving into historical context and interpretation. Persuasive Power of Pentecostalism: Peer into the inner workings of Pentecostal worship, dissecting the use of music, preaching, and peer pressure to influence congregations. Miracles and Healings: Navigate the nuanced discussion on the mind's role in influencing reported miracles, sparking a thoughtful dialogue on the authenticity of supernatural occurrences. Messianic Beliefs: Probe into the intricacies of Messianic interpretations within Christianity and their relationship with traditional Jewish beliefs. Transitioning Emotional Terrains: Chart the emotional journey from the charged atmosphere of Pentecostal churches to the serene practices of Synagogue services. Balancing Emotion and Intellect: Explore the delicate equilibrium between emotional connection and intellectual stimulation in religious worship. Inconsistencies in Religious Texts: Jeramiah and Ben engage in a detailed discussion about biblical literacy and interpretation, questioning the authenticity and consistency of the New Testament. Interfaith Dynamics: Uncover the challenges and triumphs of interfaith households, as Ben and Jeramiah share personal experiences and reflections. Conversion to Judaism: Delve into the intricacies of conversion, kosher practices, and observance of Shabbat, offering a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of embracing Judaism. Navigating Online Spaces: Gain insights into the complexities of moderating online groups related to leaving Christianity for Torah, exploring the need for civility and respect in diverse discussions. Interfaith Relationships: Ben and Jeramiah share personal anecdotes, discussing the impact of interfaith dynamics on personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respect. Balanced Dialogue and Respect: Discover Ben's approach to interfaith dialogue, focusing on challenging beliefs while maintaining civility, and Jeramiah's non-confrontational sharing of knowledge. Join Ben Wagenmaker and Jeramiah Giehl on this profound journey, providing listeners with valuable insights into the diverse landscapes of faith. Whether firmly rooted or grappling with uncertainties, this episode offers a rich tapestry of experiences, fostering deeper understanding and authenticity in spiritual exploration. Don't miss this powerful odyssey - tune in to the Pulling the Threads Podcast now! Whether you're firmly rooted in your beliefs or grappling with uncertainties, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone seeking deeper understanding and authenticity in their spiritual exploration. Don't miss this powerful journey of faith and its transformative power. Listen to the Pulling the Threads Podcast episode now! Keywords: Judaism, Bible, Tanakh, Jewish, Conversion, Synagogue, Old Testament, New Testament, Miracles, Messianic, Christianity, Intellect, Emotionalism, Baptist, Jehovah's Witnesses, First Century, Emotional Manipulation, Supersessionism, Shalom Bayis, Spiritual Journey, Pentecostal Experiences, Religious Texts Examination, Conversion to Judaism, Authenticity in Religious Practices, Biblical Literacy, Cognitive Embrace of Judaism

    1h 21m
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Where investigative scrutiny confront religious tradition. Hosted by Jeramiah Giehl—a former Jehovah Witness, Pentecostal, Messianic, and now Conservative Jew—this podcast unpacks the origins of Christianity through a Jewish lens. With a journalist’s edge, Giehl explores Jesus in Second Temple Judaism, exposing Greco-Roman fingerprints on early theology. From Qumran and the Ebionites to the “Parting of the Ways,” each episode confronts myth, redaction, and tradition with evidence-based analysis and unapologetic curiosity. For seekers ready to confront the myths—this is where the thread begins.

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