Subjects and ideas discussed on this mailing list will challenge many preconceived assumptions about biblical history. This list is dedicated to the memory of the great French biblical scholar Alfred Loisy. In his many publications, Loisy was not afraid to go against the mainstream. Many of his biblical interpretations, unfortunately, are completely unknown today, and even the biblical professionals are unaware of them. Subjects of discussion on this list are: the Historical Jesus and Paul, earliest Christian gospels, and Jewish-Christianity. Discussion of two little-known gospels expressing Jewish-Christian perspective, the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, and the Magdalene Gospel, is especially welcome. At a time of considerable conservatism in the New Testament field, Loisy-L is aiming to provide a forum where no credible historical evidence or sources can be dismissed unheard.

Members are encouraged to observe the standard protocol of any academic discussion list. For those not familiar with such protocols, please consult the charter of the Ioudaios-L, which, with a few minor changes, is basically applicable to Loisy-L as well,
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/ioudaios/7Qrule2.html

Two of Alfred Loisy's most important books are now available online at Peter Kirby's excellent website.

The Birth of the Christian Religion (1933),
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/loisy/

The Origins of the New Testament (1936),
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/loisy2/