Hey there, are you feeling disillusioned with modern Christianity? Have you been told to just accept the status quo and keep quiet about your doubts and concerns? It can be frustrating to feel like you're not getting the authentic experience you're seeking, especially when it comes to your faith. If you're tired of the ineffective advice to just go along with it, let's explore a better way to understand the history and context of early Christians that can revitalize your faith, whatever your faith background and bring new perspective to your journey. Let's dive into the compelling insights that can reignite your passion for authentic faith, even if that seems a little strange in your current religious context.My special guest is Dr. Nijay Gupta (https://twitter.com/NijayKGupta)Dr. Nijay Gupta, a distinguished professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, is widely recognized for his scholarly contributions to early Christian studies. Residing in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Gupta also serves as a co-host of the acclaimed Slow Theology podcast and is the founder of the influential Crux Sola blog. With an extensive repertoire of published works, including "Strange Religion," and "Tell Her Story," Dr. Gupta's comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural context of early Christianity renders him a leading authority in the field. His latest book provides an insightful examination of the ways in which early Christians diverged from the prevalent religious and cultural norms of the Roman Empire, offering a compelling narrative that enriches our understanding of this pivotal era.I want to believe that is a great and beautiful thing for anyone who feels like their movement has gone astray, whether it's a political movement, a religious movement, a social movement, we can always say, what are the good and beautiful and true things that made us who we are at the beginning? How can we come back to that now? - Dr. Nijay GuptaIn this episode, you will be able to:* Embrace the uniqueness of early Christian teachings to deepen your understanding of faith and spirituality.* Experience a paradigm shift in your perception of religion by exploring the roots of early Christianity.* Explore the profound impact of early Christian theology on modern belief systems and moral values.* Challenge yourself to embody the concept of loving one's enemies and understand its significance in daily life.* Discover the importance of prioritizing self-care and well-being through the lens of early Christian teachings.* Experience a Paradigm ShiftThe early Christian revolution led to a paradigm shift, moving from power-driven religious practices towards a focus on goodness and authenticity. It revolutionized societal perceptions, promoting a familial relationship with God over a hierarchical one. This shift redefined societal values, placing emphasis on the inherent dignity of every individual, thus influencing modern perceptions of self-worth and individual rights.The resources mentioned in this episode are:* Check out Nijay Gupta's latest book Strange Religion: How Early Christians Contrasted with Roman Religion and Culture (https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542823)available from Brazos Press for a deep dive into the contrast between ancient and modern perspectives on Christianity.* Join the exclusive Difference Maker community on Patreon at www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference to access deeper conversations with guests like Nijay Gupta and enjoy exclusive content, including videos and interactions with the host.* Connect with Lori Adams-Brown at Podcast Movement Evolutions in LA at the end of March and attend her breakout session on having a global podcast.* Listen to the