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The Gnostic Gospels: Including the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene
A landmark collection of 14 texts from the Nag Hammadi library that shed new light on the esoteric knowledge of Gnosticism—including the Gospels of Mary Magdalene, Thomas, and Judas, and The Sophia of Jesus Christ.
Discover the intimate conversations between Jesus and his Disciples.
In 1945, several gospels, hidden since the first century, were found in the Egyptian Desert at Nag Hammadi. This discovery caused a sensation as the scrolls revealed the mysteries of the Gnostics—a movement which emerged during the formative period of Christianity. ‘Gnosis’, from the Greek, broadly meaning ‘hidden spiritual knowledge’, was associated with renouncing the material world, and focusing on attaining the life of the Holy Spirit. Many Christian sects are derived from the esoteric knowledge of Gnosticism.
The gospels selected here by Alan Jacobs reveal intimate conversations between Jesus and his Disciples. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene sheds new light on his relationship with his favorite follower, while the Gospel of Thomas consists of mini-parables of deep inward and symbolic meaning—many of which are not found in the New Testament. The wisdom in this inspiring collection of texts is wholly relevant to our lives today, addressing the questions of good and evil, sin and suffering, and the path to salvation.
Discover the intimate conversations between Jesus and his Disciples.
In 1945, several gospels, hidden since the first century, were found in the Egyptian Desert at Nag Hammadi. This discovery caused a sensation as the scrolls revealed the mysteries of the Gnostics—a movement which emerged during the formative period of Christianity. ‘Gnosis’, from the Greek, broadly meaning ‘hidden spiritual knowledge’, was associated with renouncing the material world, and focusing on attaining the life of the Holy Spirit. Many Christian sects are derived from the esoteric knowledge of Gnosticism.
The gospels selected here by Alan Jacobs reveal intimate conversations between Jesus and his Disciples. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene sheds new light on his relationship with his favorite follower, while the Gospel of Thomas consists of mini-parables of deep inward and symbolic meaning—many of which are not found in the New Testament. The wisdom in this inspiring collection of texts is wholly relevant to our lives today, addressing the questions of good and evil, sin and suffering, and the path to salvation.
274 pages, Hardcover
Published November 15, 2016
451 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Alan Jacobs
81 books538 followersAlan Jacobs is a scholar of English literature, literary critic, and distinguished professor of the humanities at Baylor University. Previously, he held the Clyde S. Kilby Chair of English at Wheaton College until 2012. His academic career has been marked by a deep engagement with literature, theology, and intellectual history.
Jacobs has written extensively on reading, thinking, and culture, contributing to publications such as The Atlantic, First Things, and The New Atlantis. His books explore diverse topics, from the intellectual legacy of Christian humanism (The Year of Our Lord 1943) to the challenges of modern discourse (How to Think). He has also examined literary figures like C. S. Lewis (The Narnian) and W. H. Auden. His work often bridges literature and philosophy, with books such as A Theology of Reading: The Hermeneutics of Love reflecting on the ethical dimensions of interpretation.
An evangelical Anglican, Jacobs continues to influence discussions on faith, literature, and the role of reading in contemporary life.
Jacobs has written extensively on reading, thinking, and culture, contributing to publications such as The Atlantic, First Things, and The New Atlantis. His books explore diverse topics, from the intellectual legacy of Christian humanism (The Year of Our Lord 1943) to the challenges of modern discourse (How to Think). He has also examined literary figures like C. S. Lewis (The Narnian) and W. H. Auden. His work often bridges literature and philosophy, with books such as A Theology of Reading: The Hermeneutics of Love reflecting on the ethical dimensions of interpretation.
An evangelical Anglican, Jacobs continues to influence discussions on faith, literature, and the role of reading in contemporary life.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 13, 2022
A wonderful way to experience these scriptures.
Jacobs has rendered a beautiful translation in the form of poetry, making it flow so beautifully, so coherently.
These Gospels were discovered in 1945, in Nag Hammadi, Egypt.
This is a meditative reading,to be read over and over, over a lifetime.
Jacobs has rendered a beautiful translation in the form of poetry, making it flow so beautifully, so coherently.
These Gospels were discovered in 1945, in Nag Hammadi, Egypt.
This is a meditative reading,to be read over and over, over a lifetime.
August 27, 2017
If these writings were in the 'bible' I am certain that many more people would want to investigate for themselves a spiritual way of life. Religion has alienated a massive group of people by looking at things in a specific way. There is, as ever more than one way of looking at things and these writings spoke to me as much of the recognised Bible doesn't. Just my opinion as ever..
January 15, 2024
“Pity the Pharisees: they’re like dogs sleeping in an ox’s shed. They neither eat nor let the ox eat.”
This is a saying from the Gospel of Thomas. It isn’t found in any of the canonical gospels, but if it were, it wouldn’t feel out of place. It has a certain raw power. It’s curious to wonder if it could be an authentic saying of Jesus. On the other hand, I don’t think it says anything particularly striking or profound.
The centrality of the person of Jesus to Christian beliefs and therefore to Western civilisation makes this interesting whatever your own beliefs (or lack thereof). This handsome little book is a useful addition to my library. The Gospel of Judas fascinates for its insistence on the important role of Judas in what has been called the Economy of Salvation: without him none of it would have happened, hence some traditions revere him as a saint. It’s a curious thought, and may have been behind the fictitious Judas College Oxford in “Zuleika Dobson” (though perhaps Beerbohm’s invention was just for comic effect).
This is by no means a comprehensive work – just a selection of Gnostic texts. Some seem quite close to what became official Christianity; others are very weird. The weirdest and most Gnostic here is probably the Gospel of Melchizedek. It’s a great name (I once met a Spaniard called Melchizedek, and wished my parents had called me that), but it’s not a great text. The frontispiece of this collection is headed “Sacred Wisdom”: as to how sacred and how wise it really is, I have my doubts. But it’s certainly interesting.
This is a saying from the Gospel of Thomas. It isn’t found in any of the canonical gospels, but if it were, it wouldn’t feel out of place. It has a certain raw power. It’s curious to wonder if it could be an authentic saying of Jesus. On the other hand, I don’t think it says anything particularly striking or profound.
The centrality of the person of Jesus to Christian beliefs and therefore to Western civilisation makes this interesting whatever your own beliefs (or lack thereof). This handsome little book is a useful addition to my library. The Gospel of Judas fascinates for its insistence on the important role of Judas in what has been called the Economy of Salvation: without him none of it would have happened, hence some traditions revere him as a saint. It’s a curious thought, and may have been behind the fictitious Judas College Oxford in “Zuleika Dobson” (though perhaps Beerbohm’s invention was just for comic effect).
This is by no means a comprehensive work – just a selection of Gnostic texts. Some seem quite close to what became official Christianity; others are very weird. The weirdest and most Gnostic here is probably the Gospel of Melchizedek. It’s a great name (I once met a Spaniard called Melchizedek, and wished my parents had called me that), but it’s not a great text. The frontispiece of this collection is headed “Sacred Wisdom”: as to how sacred and how wise it really is, I have my doubts. But it’s certainly interesting.
July 19, 2017
The Thunder section was absolutely incredible. 5 stars just for that. This edition provides the perfect amount of text for a cursory introduction to the Gnostic Gospels.
April 17, 2021
Summary: This is 12 of the gospels that did not make the final cut. I can't tell if the translation is great. But I think it's a solid way to get up to speed on them.
I think there might be more gospels that also didn’t make the final cut than the ones that are presented here. It's interesting to see what didn't make the final cut. The language in this is a bit old timey, which I found a little difficult. Also, I'm not as learned in Christianity as those that study the bible and all of its' various meaning. It's clear to me that in some cases these are tellings of the story of Christ from a different angle than the ones in the final cut gospels. It’s a different disciple who was also there. Very cool.
As relates to Mary, I was a little surprised by that gospel relative to how controversial it is portrayed by others. hmmmm. I might just have a whole lot to learn. But at least now, I've read them so I can follow along a bit better when people speak on them.
Gospel of Thomas
P. 43 - Jesus is talking to peeps and saying; "I am the Light above them all; I am the All; the All issues from me and reaches me.....Why did you come here to my countryside? To see a reed shaken by the wind or a man clothed in soft garments? Your kings and nobles wear fine robes but do not know truth!"
I mean the words are wise, although if I watch movies about the times it seemed like he knew who he was up against and was just being strategic in taking out the upper class.
p. 48 - "The disciples showed Jesus a gold shekel, saying, 'Caesar's collectors demand taxes from us.' Jesus replied, 'Hand to Caesar what is Caesar's to God what is God's and what is mine hand to me." ... I like this way of Jesus. He seemed cool. Maybe the rich of today could get this one down.
Gospel of Mary M
p. 54 - Jesus replied, 'There is no sin in reality! It is you who create sin, when you do deeds, such as adultery, that are called sinful." It's a bit unclear to me given the context whether he's saying the simple form, that adultery is a sin. Or the more complex format which is... it's only because we call stuff sinful that we are sinning. If we are not thinking sin we won't do it that way. Just before that, people are asking him why there is so much sin in the world.
Gospel of Philip
p. 74"Those who claim our Lord first died then ascended, are wrong! He ascended then died."
Ok, so like no Easter is what I'm hearing. Alternatively they are like dude... he was always god, so you're just totally not getting it....
P. 76 - "Jesus won them by cunning for he did not appear as he really was, but in a form that they could see. To the great he seemed great, to the little he was little, to the angels he was an angel, to men he was a man. So his Word was hidden from all; some indeed saw him and imagined they were seeing themselves."
Ok. so his is a real lesson in communication.
The Sophia of JC
p. 146 "Jesus answered, "I come from the limitless that I might inform you about the All.... Becuase of his compassion and unconditional love, he wished to bear such fruit so he need not enjoy his abundant perfection alone."
So this is kinda a big deal in thinking about the world and manifestation energy and the life we were supposed to live.
p. 149-"So that through this immortality man might attain Self Knowledge and awaken from his deep sleep of forgetfulness." This whole section is a bit hard because you got God and he's creating man/woman. But it's not a clear division so to speak in this gospel. Instead, he's like you come from God. So think about this and what this means.... anywho...
p. 151 - "He (not 100% sure who he is) meditated with his bride Sophia and his first offspring was born an androgyne. His male part is named the Son of God. His female part, the Sophia, Mother of the Universe. Her name is Love; the son is Christ since he derived power from his Father who created angels from spirit and light."
p. 156 "The firs was termed Unification and Peace. The third was called 'Congregation' from the vast multitude that appeared in the multitudinous. So when the multitude congregates, they come to the unification termed congregation, from that same name, which exceeds heaven. The Congregation of the eighth Aeon was androgyne, part male, part female. The male was termed Congregation; the female, Life so it might be shown that from the female issued Life, in all Aeons. Each name was accepted from the beginning." This whole part was not straight forward to me.
P. 223 - Some dude asks Jesus: "Master, what is that special fruit the righteous will bear?" Answer: "The souls of all humans will eventually perish, but those who are righteous, when they have completed an era in heaven's kingdom, their flesh will perish, but their souls shall live and they'll be resurrected." So like yeah, you'll be done, but if you're cool, you get to come back to the earth school? Like is this reincarnation? Interesting....
I can see how the Catholics might not like these gospels.
I think there might be more gospels that also didn’t make the final cut than the ones that are presented here. It's interesting to see what didn't make the final cut. The language in this is a bit old timey, which I found a little difficult. Also, I'm not as learned in Christianity as those that study the bible and all of its' various meaning. It's clear to me that in some cases these are tellings of the story of Christ from a different angle than the ones in the final cut gospels. It’s a different disciple who was also there. Very cool.
As relates to Mary, I was a little surprised by that gospel relative to how controversial it is portrayed by others. hmmmm. I might just have a whole lot to learn. But at least now, I've read them so I can follow along a bit better when people speak on them.
Gospel of Thomas
P. 43 - Jesus is talking to peeps and saying; "I am the Light above them all; I am the All; the All issues from me and reaches me.....Why did you come here to my countryside? To see a reed shaken by the wind or a man clothed in soft garments? Your kings and nobles wear fine robes but do not know truth!"
I mean the words are wise, although if I watch movies about the times it seemed like he knew who he was up against and was just being strategic in taking out the upper class.
p. 48 - "The disciples showed Jesus a gold shekel, saying, 'Caesar's collectors demand taxes from us.' Jesus replied, 'Hand to Caesar what is Caesar's to God what is God's and what is mine hand to me." ... I like this way of Jesus. He seemed cool. Maybe the rich of today could get this one down.
Gospel of Mary M
p. 54 - Jesus replied, 'There is no sin in reality! It is you who create sin, when you do deeds, such as adultery, that are called sinful." It's a bit unclear to me given the context whether he's saying the simple form, that adultery is a sin. Or the more complex format which is... it's only because we call stuff sinful that we are sinning. If we are not thinking sin we won't do it that way. Just before that, people are asking him why there is so much sin in the world.
Gospel of Philip
p. 74"Those who claim our Lord first died then ascended, are wrong! He ascended then died."
Ok, so like no Easter is what I'm hearing. Alternatively they are like dude... he was always god, so you're just totally not getting it....
P. 76 - "Jesus won them by cunning for he did not appear as he really was, but in a form that they could see. To the great he seemed great, to the little he was little, to the angels he was an angel, to men he was a man. So his Word was hidden from all; some indeed saw him and imagined they were seeing themselves."
Ok. so his is a real lesson in communication.
The Sophia of JC
p. 146 "Jesus answered, "I come from the limitless that I might inform you about the All.... Becuase of his compassion and unconditional love, he wished to bear such fruit so he need not enjoy his abundant perfection alone."
So this is kinda a big deal in thinking about the world and manifestation energy and the life we were supposed to live.
p. 149-"So that through this immortality man might attain Self Knowledge and awaken from his deep sleep of forgetfulness." This whole section is a bit hard because you got God and he's creating man/woman. But it's not a clear division so to speak in this gospel. Instead, he's like you come from God. So think about this and what this means.... anywho...
p. 151 - "He (not 100% sure who he is) meditated with his bride Sophia and his first offspring was born an androgyne. His male part is named the Son of God. His female part, the Sophia, Mother of the Universe. Her name is Love; the son is Christ since he derived power from his Father who created angels from spirit and light."
p. 156 "The firs was termed Unification and Peace. The third was called 'Congregation' from the vast multitude that appeared in the multitudinous. So when the multitude congregates, they come to the unification termed congregation, from that same name, which exceeds heaven. The Congregation of the eighth Aeon was androgyne, part male, part female. The male was termed Congregation; the female, Life so it might be shown that from the female issued Life, in all Aeons. Each name was accepted from the beginning." This whole part was not straight forward to me.
P. 223 - Some dude asks Jesus: "Master, what is that special fruit the righteous will bear?" Answer: "The souls of all humans will eventually perish, but those who are righteous, when they have completed an era in heaven's kingdom, their flesh will perish, but their souls shall live and they'll be resurrected." So like yeah, you'll be done, but if you're cool, you get to come back to the earth school? Like is this reincarnation? Interesting....
I can see how the Catholics might not like these gospels.
December 23, 2016
One might think this an odd choice for someone who isn't of the faith but, interested in religions/spirituality to begin with, I was particularly eager to learn what insights a women (IE Mary Magdalene) might have to offer ... if any.
Of beautiful quality, I can't tell you how much I was impressed by this edition of the Gnostic Gospels that, after a forward by the author, included ...
The Fable of the Pearl
The Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
Melchizedek
The Gospel of Philip
Poimandres
The Apocalypse of the Great Power
The Sophia of Jesus Christ
Human Suffering
The Gospel of Truth
The Greatest Human Evil is Forgetfulness of God
The Secret Book According to St John I, II and III
Thunder
The Gospel of Judas
Arguably at a bit of a disadvantage in that my understanding of the Bible is at best rudimentary, I think I struggled in so much as I wasn't able to read this selection of omitted texts/excerpts from texts with any real sense of context. However, that said, I found some of them quite thought provoking and, to my surprise, some immensely moving.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper
Of beautiful quality, I can't tell you how much I was impressed by this edition of the Gnostic Gospels that, after a forward by the author, included ...
The Fable of the Pearl
The Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
Melchizedek
The Gospel of Philip
Poimandres
The Apocalypse of the Great Power
The Sophia of Jesus Christ
Human Suffering
The Gospel of Truth
The Greatest Human Evil is Forgetfulness of God
The Secret Book According to St John I, II and III
Thunder
The Gospel of Judas
Arguably at a bit of a disadvantage in that my understanding of the Bible is at best rudimentary, I think I struggled in so much as I wasn't able to read this selection of omitted texts/excerpts from texts with any real sense of context. However, that said, I found some of them quite thought provoking and, to my surprise, some immensely moving.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper
April 23, 2024
I struggle greatly with my faith. Surrounded by evangelist zealots who would judge, ridicule, and hate in His name, I just don't see the Christ in modern Christianity. I am drawn to alternative styles of Christianity, desperate to find the loving, merciful God that the gospel promises.
These are a somewhat mixed bag. I guess I wasn't prepared for all the deep mysticism that the Gnostic gospels include. I will have to re-read at some point, I suppose.
These are a somewhat mixed bag. I guess I wasn't prepared for all the deep mysticism that the Gnostic gospels include. I will have to re-read at some point, I suppose.
June 12, 2017
Dear fellows, where are you
rushing to like drunkards, tipsy
and staggering on the rich wine
of reason, forgetful of God?
For me the most unique Gnostic gospel in this compilation was that of THUNDER, a revelation by a mysterious female deity: ' I am both harlot and holy'.
rushing to like drunkards, tipsy
and staggering on the rich wine
of reason, forgetful of God?
For me the most unique Gnostic gospel in this compilation was that of THUNDER, a revelation by a mysterious female deity: ' I am both harlot and holy'.
April 28, 2019
The Gnostic Gospels
It is difficult for me to describe this book in my usual way, numbers of pages/chapters etc, because I read it on the kindle app on my phone. However I can say it was quite readable in this format.
In honesty I had some trouble understanding the works and probably would have benefited from some help in explanations. The Gospel of Judas however was enlightening as a different approach.
On a personal level I was outside of my ‘comfort zone’ in reading the pieces, and at one point sought advice on whether I should continue, but was advised to look.
I’m not sure what the books cast from the Bible by Constantine https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Const... can really teach us other than reflection in their possibility.
It is difficult for me to describe this book in my usual way, numbers of pages/chapters etc, because I read it on the kindle app on my phone. However I can say it was quite readable in this format.
In honesty I had some trouble understanding the works and probably would have benefited from some help in explanations. The Gospel of Judas however was enlightening as a different approach.
On a personal level I was outside of my ‘comfort zone’ in reading the pieces, and at one point sought advice on whether I should continue, but was advised to look.
I’m not sure what the books cast from the Bible by Constantine https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Const... can really teach us other than reflection in their possibility.
March 28, 2021
Always wanted to see what the gnostic Gospels were about. This writings had some reference to traditional Bible in addition to other thoughts from the writers. I can see why some of these were not included in the current day Bible. Worth reading if you are interested in other writings in similar period but this book does not add commentary about them. I'll need to find another book for further understanding.
November 4, 2021
The meaning of words can change over time or be completely lost. A concept may be completely unfamiliar to a culture. Translations and therefore meanings may never be able to be transcribed to portray the original.
I had to think too hard to make this translation work.
Still, it is most interesting to me to come across the concepts that are not mainstream nor discussed elsewhere. One more piece to the puzzle thanks to the author.
I had to think too hard to make this translation work.
Still, it is most interesting to me to come across the concepts that are not mainstream nor discussed elsewhere. One more piece to the puzzle thanks to the author.
April 8, 2018
Eye opening and on point.
I recommend reading this book highly
. You will be awakened. If your spirit has been saying something is not right with the norm. This is very simple reading.
I recommend reading this book highly
. You will be awakened. If your spirit has been saying something is not right with the norm. This is very simple reading.
July 30, 2020
After reading some of these gospels, I can see why the church would not use them.
Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding the decision makers in this. I believe they are nice stories but they do not belong with the books of the bible.
Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding the decision makers in this. I believe they are nice stories but they do not belong with the books of the bible.
October 14, 2020
Confusing
Definitely read this only if you have an interest in studying profoundly different thoughts regarding Christianity and/or Gnosis. If you are of the Christian faith, be sure you go in with a very open mind.
Definitely read this only if you have an interest in studying profoundly different thoughts regarding Christianity and/or Gnosis. If you are of the Christian faith, be sure you go in with a very open mind.
May 2, 2020
In my opinion, one of the greatest things about this book, is the Gospel/story of Judas.
December 3, 2022
Every bit as odd as you'd expect 😍
January 10, 2024
It's a weird and at times hard read, but enjoyable all the same. For those familiar with the mainstream Gospels, it's absolutely worth a look, just for a perspective shift if nothing else
May 13, 2024
I bought this book because I wanted to read the non canonical gospels in full. And I had some knowledge of them. My problem with this book is that it says it includes the gospels, but it doesn't. It just selects Jesus sayings in them. All the stories are removed. So I returned the book.
Edit: not sure if this is correct, as I confused the gospel of Thomas with the infancy gospel of Thomas.
Edit: not sure if this is correct, as I confused the gospel of Thomas with the infancy gospel of Thomas.
January 29, 2017
Note: I received a copy of this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway.
If you want an in-depth study and analysis into the Gnostic Gospels, then this is not the book for you. However, if you want a nicely presented compiled edition of a sample of the Gnostic Gospels, then this is a good starting point with some key texts to help you understand the Gnostic religion and question and inform your own beliefs.
The Gnostic Gospels offer an interesting insight to anyone interested in religion, in particular Christianity, and offers an alternative and refreshing way of examining and questioning our knowledge of God, and how we should act if people are trying to live in the footsteps of Jesus i.e. by trying to promote an inclusive community.
This collection doesn't go into an in depth anaylsis on the Gnostic gospels, but it does provide you with an insight into their thinking, and can help you inform your own thinking. For example, ever wondered why we refer to God as male, despite the biblical teching that both women and men made in the image of God, could God be both male and female then? How does Jesus retain the mystery and awe of a spiritual being when embodied in human form? How did Jesus treat women? The New Testament offers brief insights on Jesus as treating women equally to men (the passage of Mary and Martha hosting a dinner is a good example of this), and the Gnostic Gospels helps provide insight more into Jesus' behaviour towards men and women through Gnostic beliefs. It is a shame that these were not uncovered at the time the Bible was compiled, as it would have been interesting to see how the New Testament would be interpreted in light of these readings (I've often thought that views on women in Christianity are outdated and/or misunderstood due to the way the canonical text was compiled, with many people confused or misunderstanding Paul's writings in the New Testament (scholars are split on whether he's a misogynist, or a feminist before his time!) and the Gnostic beliefs help to highlight this confusion of inclusivity in the Christian community), but it does make it an interesting read now.
Having not studied Greek or the original translation, I cannot attest to the accuracy of the text and translation. However, it is presented really beautifully with a brief introduction to get you started. The book is slightly smaller in height than a novel, which means it doesn't quite fit with the uniformity of my bookshelves, but it allows it to be transported around quite easily for those snippets you might like to read and contemplate upon (aside note: the height helps give it the aura of a 'secret book' that you might find hiding somewhere, so is quite fun when thought like that regarding the fact it is compiled of secret gospels).
If you want an in-depth study and analysis into the Gnostic Gospels, then this is not the book for you. However, if you want a nicely presented compiled edition of a sample of the Gnostic Gospels, then this is a good starting point with some key texts to help you understand the Gnostic religion and question and inform your own beliefs.
The Gnostic Gospels offer an interesting insight to anyone interested in religion, in particular Christianity, and offers an alternative and refreshing way of examining and questioning our knowledge of God, and how we should act if people are trying to live in the footsteps of Jesus i.e. by trying to promote an inclusive community.
This collection doesn't go into an in depth anaylsis on the Gnostic gospels, but it does provide you with an insight into their thinking, and can help you inform your own thinking. For example, ever wondered why we refer to God as male, despite the biblical teching that both women and men made in the image of God, could God be both male and female then? How does Jesus retain the mystery and awe of a spiritual being when embodied in human form? How did Jesus treat women? The New Testament offers brief insights on Jesus as treating women equally to men (the passage of Mary and Martha hosting a dinner is a good example of this), and the Gnostic Gospels helps provide insight more into Jesus' behaviour towards men and women through Gnostic beliefs. It is a shame that these were not uncovered at the time the Bible was compiled, as it would have been interesting to see how the New Testament would be interpreted in light of these readings (I've often thought that views on women in Christianity are outdated and/or misunderstood due to the way the canonical text was compiled, with many people confused or misunderstanding Paul's writings in the New Testament (scholars are split on whether he's a misogynist, or a feminist before his time!) and the Gnostic beliefs help to highlight this confusion of inclusivity in the Christian community), but it does make it an interesting read now.
Having not studied Greek or the original translation, I cannot attest to the accuracy of the text and translation. However, it is presented really beautifully with a brief introduction to get you started. The book is slightly smaller in height than a novel, which means it doesn't quite fit with the uniformity of my bookshelves, but it allows it to be transported around quite easily for those snippets you might like to read and contemplate upon (aside note: the height helps give it the aura of a 'secret book' that you might find hiding somewhere, so is quite fun when thought like that regarding the fact it is compiled of secret gospels).
October 19, 2021
A jewel of spiritual writings beautifully translated for modern spiritual and not so spiritual readers.
August 21, 2022
As I have been deconstructing my Mormon faith, I’d been more open to Universal Unitarianism and early Christian spiritualism. So I decided to read the Gnostic Gospels, or at least a part of them. I had a very basic generic knowledge of Gnosticism based on my training as a historian focusing on the Dark Ages and Medieval Europe. Reading this was a balm to my soul - so much resonated with what I currently feel and believe through a Mormon view. Knowing what I do about Joseph Smith and his interest in mysticism and Freemasonry and how he “translated” the Book of Abraham and asked God about the Apocrypha (God said mostly true), I feel that if the Nag Hammadi texts had been discovered 100 years before they were (1840s rather than 1940s) then Joseph Smith would’ve included them in the LDS book of scriptures Pearl of Great Price. I love the emphasis of Self-Knowing as a major part of salvation which resonates to me as personal revelation. I also love how it includes a Divine Mother/Feminine as part of the holy trifecta and possibly as the Holy Spirit. There were some writings that were very cyclical in philosophy and I got a bit lost - it shows I need to do more research on the theology of Gnosticism. But I’m feeling pulled in that branch of early Christianity rather than the current prescriptive 21st century Mormonism/Evangelical Christianity.
July 11, 2019
This book serves as a gateway into the rediscovered Gnostic documents found in Egypt (and elsewhere) during the 19th and 20th centuries. The "translations" presented here are actually learned paraphrases (like THE LIVING BIBLE from the 1970s), and they are preceded by an excellent introduction from a prominent Armenian Christian scholar with an open mind and an open heart.
Curious readers will discover in these pages a treasure-trove of wisdom traditions in such treatises as the GOSPEL OF THOMAS, GOSPEL OF PHILIP, GOSPEL OF MARY MAGDALENE, GOSPEL OF JUDAS, as well as excerpts from longer documents of great interest. These documents, taken together, allow us to see the early Christian movement through a variety of different windows, challenging (to a certain extent) what we thought we had always known. But in the final analysis, this book does not promise or deliver anything that might be offensive to a reader who has an open mind and an open heart.
High recommended for all seekers of beauty and truth!
Curious readers will discover in these pages a treasure-trove of wisdom traditions in such treatises as the GOSPEL OF THOMAS, GOSPEL OF PHILIP, GOSPEL OF MARY MAGDALENE, GOSPEL OF JUDAS, as well as excerpts from longer documents of great interest. These documents, taken together, allow us to see the early Christian movement through a variety of different windows, challenging (to a certain extent) what we thought we had always known. But in the final analysis, this book does not promise or deliver anything that might be offensive to a reader who has an open mind and an open heart.
High recommended for all seekers of beauty and truth!
May 5, 2021
I was curious about the Gnostics as I was never exposed to their early writings. The book is well-written with a good finish, overall nicely done. The content is weak and doesn’t add at all, it’s confusing and lacks a clear flow and cohesiveness. Still happy I picked it up as part of my early scripture book marathon, still going through the whole apocrypha and the Dead Sea scrolls. Most of the books there are very interesting and involves you in contrast to the Gnostic Gospels. That’s my humble opinion but many people might like it.
October 15, 2019
Gnostic Gospels
I believe these gospels are the truth and they will set you free. GNOSTICISM is a very holy concept the inner heaven one can find and visit is amazing. The establishment of the Roman Catholic Church and the elimination and burning of these wonderful gospels was an attempt to kill the truth. The Father the Eternal Spirit have back the truth for this generation in 1945. So please read and meditate on every word and it will set you free because it is the truth!
I believe these gospels are the truth and they will set you free. GNOSTICISM is a very holy concept the inner heaven one can find and visit is amazing. The establishment of the Roman Catholic Church and the elimination and burning of these wonderful gospels was an attempt to kill the truth. The Father the Eternal Spirit have back the truth for this generation in 1945. So please read and meditate on every word and it will set you free because it is the truth!
January 14, 2019
Good read but some words are hard to understand
Good read but some of the words are hard to understand and found some hard to read if u ant good reader of have some kind of learning trouble is dislex
Good read but some of the words are hard to understand and found some hard to read if u ant good reader of have some kind of learning trouble is dislex
August 15, 2017
Interesting to read.
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