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Long before Christianity settled into creeds and councils, it was a field of competing ideas — and some of the most striking came from the movement we now call Gnosticism.

In this episode, we trace the rise of the Gnostics: the teachers who shaped it, the world that produced it, and the ideas that set them apart. We explore their dualistic cosmos, their vision of a flawed material world, the role of the Demiurge, the pursuit of hidden knowledge — and why these ideas became such a challenge to the emerging orthodox church.

This is not about heresy hunting. This is about understanding the diversity and complexity inside early Christianity — and how alternative Christianities grew, argued, adapted, and sometimes survived in the shadows.

Join us as we step back into the second century and meet a Christianity very few people ever learn about — the Gnostic imagination.

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For nearly two thousand years, Judas Iscariot has stood as Christianity’s ultimate betrayer. But one ancient text — discovered in Egypt and finally brought to light in the early 21st century — tells a different story.

In this episode, we explore The Gospel of Judas, an early Gnostic text that repositions Judas not as the villain, but as the one disciple who understood Jesus’ true mission. We examine where this gospel came from, who wrote it, why it emerged in the theological battleground of the 2nd century, and what it reveals about the diversity of belief in the early Christian world.

This is not a rehabilitation of Judas for shock value. It is a window into a time when Christian identity was still fluid, disputed, and contested — and when new interpretations were created to challenge the rising orthodoxy.

Join us as we step inside the world of Gnostic Christianity and encounter one of the most controversial alternative tellings of the Jesus story — the Gospel of Judas.

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If there’s a celebrity among numbers, it’s 666. It shows up where you least expect it: on horror posters, in guitar solos, on stolen highway signs, on novelty merchandise, and even in cheeky bus timetables. Whole marketing campaigns have timed releases to it, bands have built careers around it, and newsrooms can’t resist a headline that sneaks it in. For some, 666 is spooky; for others, it’s a wink and a nudge—an inside joke that pop culture keeps telling. But why, where did this number come from and why is it so deeply connected with evil and the devil. In today’s episode of the B-side Bible we are looking at where this number came from, how it became firmly embedded into the collective imagination and is it really the Devil’s number or is there a more prosaic meaning behind all the hype.

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Mark’s Gospel is short, raw, and famously ends in silence — no nativity, no resurrection appearances, no triumphant conclusion. So how did this rough first draft of the Jesus story survive when flashier Gospels came along? In this episode, we explore the surprising reasons Mark’s Gospel made the final cut. From apostolic name-dropping and Gentile appeal to performance-ready storytelling and possible Homeric influences, The B-Side Bible uncovers the overlooked genius of Christianity’s first Gospel.

Whether you're a theology nerd, a Bible history buff, or just love a good underdog story — this one’s for you.

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Zoroastrianism was founded by the prophet Zoroaster around 3,500 years ago in ancient Persia. This religion has profoundly influenced the spiritual landscape of the world, and today, we’ll be uncovering its rich history, key figures, and sacred texts.

In this episode, we’ll take a detailed look at the rise of Zoroastrianism. We’ll explore how it flourished under the mighty Persian empires, from the Achaemenid to the Parthian and Sasanian dynasties. These were times when Zoroastrianism was not just a religion but the very foundation of the state and culture.

We’ll also delve into the dualistic nature of Zoroastrianism, where Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord, represents all that is good, standing in stark contrast to Angra Mainyu, the Destructive Spirit of chaos and evil. This cosmic struggle between good and evil is a cornerstone of Zoroastrian belief and has inspired countless stories and teachings.

Zoroastrianism has left an indelible mark on other major religions, including Gnosticism, Judaism, and Christianity. We’ll examine these intriguing links, such as the concepts of the messiah, heaven and hell, and the final judgment, which all might sound familiar to many of you.

So, whether you’re a history buff, a religious studies enthusiast, or just curious about the world’s spiritual heritage, stay tuned. We’re about to uncover the untold stories and fascinating aspects of Zoroastrianism that they didn’t teach you in school. Let’s get started!

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In this episode, we’ll trace the journey of St. Nicholas—a 4th-century bishop from Myra—to the global legend we celebrate today. Along the way, we’ll explore the extraordinary life of Nicholas of Myra, the legends that shaped his saintly reputation, and how these stories evolved into the mythos of Santa Claus.

Don’t forget to check out my other episodes of “They didn’t teach that at school”. Available on all major podcast platforms.

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In this. the first episode of season 2 of "They Didn't Teach That at School," podcast author and presenter Mark Kerrigan B.Ed, M.TheolSt delves into the discovery and significance of the Gospel of Thomas, an apocryphal text comprising 114 sayings of Jesus, found in Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945. Unlike the narrative-driven canonical gospels, the Gospel of Thomas emphasizes mystical and Gnostic themes, promoting self-knowledge and personal enlightenment. The episode explores the historical context of early Christianity, highlighting the differing visions of key figures like James, Peter, and Paul, and the rise of the orthodox church, which established a unified set of beliefs through councils and canonical criteria, ultimately shaping the dominant form of Christianity.

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In the grand finale of our first series, we explore the early days of Christianity, focusing on the Jewish Christian sect, the transformative influence of Paul of Tarsus, and the significant but often marginalized role of women like Mary Magdalene. Join us as we uncover hidden stories and challenge conventional narratives, shedding new light on the foundations of one of the world's largest religions.

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