The Forgotten Gospels: Early, Lost, and Historical Writings on the Life and Teachings of Jesus

by Tim Newton

The Forgotten Gospels shows how the creation of the canon that we now take for granted excluded many important, informative, and illuminating writings about the life, death, and teachings of Jesus.

Here are texts newly translated from their original Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Slavonic, and Coptic and accompanied by clear, concise explanations of their origins and relevance. Together, they form a supplement to the New Testament that will set the record straight. The materials have survived in fragments and snippets, some only discovered in modern times (the gospel of Thomas turned up in 1945), others via the writings of early Christians. Many will The gospel of the Hebrews introduces an alternative account of the resurrection; Clement of Alexandria writes of and quotes from a secret gospel of Mark; Celsus claims that Mary had an adulterous affair with Panthera and the result was Jesus—all will be of intense interest.

No text of any consequence from the earlier period relating to the historical Jesus has been omitted. They provide one last, unexpected window onto his life and teachings.

Genres: Religion

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Julian Worker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is excellent and introduced me to some gospels I'd never heard of. It's a real education to read the Gospel of St Thomas and recognise some of the sayings but not all of them. Why was the gospel nor included in the Bible but others were, and who decided this?

These texts are newly translated from their original language and are accompanied by concise explanations of their relevance. The materials have survived in fragments and snippets and many challenge the current understanding. The Gospel of the Hebrews introduces an alternative account of The Resurrection. Clement of Alexandria quotes from a secret Gospel of Mark whereas Celsus claims Mary had an adulterous affair with a Roman soldier Panthera and the result was Jesus.

[Martin Humphreys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty interesting

[Barbara Ab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il titolo non c'entra niente con la serietà della raccolta di scritti apocrifi dei primi due secoli dc. Per ogni testo c'è un'introduzione e ulteriori capitoli. Il libro risulta semplice e di facile lettura. Fa riflettere su molti luoghi comuni. Non esprime nessuna idea personale. Niente di scandaloso come vorrebbe la copertina, bisogna solo saper leggere le sfumature. Una lettura interessante cmq anche per un agnostico.

[Russel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good compendium of several NT extrabiblical stuff. Not that it really is ever forgotten by anyone; it just isn't canon. It is nice to have it in one book though. Nicely put together and it has the main gospel versions in it.

[A.L. Stumo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read. The sections are only a few pages long. A good general audience devotional or intro to the topic. The translation and commentary are also fairly unbiased, unlike some of the neo-gnostic texts on the apocrypha.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting shame the New Testament was not allowed all the gospels perhaps then it would not be so contradictory.

[Vanlilith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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