General Gnostic Gospels

[Lori Jane]

Clip source: The Books Banned From the Bible: What Are the Gnostic Gospels? - YouTube

The Books Banned From the Bible: What Are the Gnostic Gospels?

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Description
Elaine Pagels is an American historian of religion. She is the Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University. Pagels has conducted extensive research into early Christianity and Gnosticism.

Read "The Gnostic Gospels":
https://www.amazon.com/Gnostic-Gospels-Elaine-Pagels/dp/0679724532?crid=3L81D3TR7GXAM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TmfzRYE7O8VmJFFoyVlMGnOFesYK0FQheEFhHNUsd-L_yT5sqL0AF1bbQksZoP8md35LQbVSFHPaYhACrPyGkfuyESYFIrzhkE448zy_eOpXGmrk-trthQNIn4MNhwqfRTG4vMsZbZriOyfny6AUjtjqW5pzzUY5nefnnG6XETCdijMupLpDH7aiPInVuSkgN7WxetNNXfKikV1PDK1N2vC_dex22Ut_HbyW9qEi7W8.Guy-k-f0lcVNpQ4iXA5EC3LRC31_ydg7YE8LMlNjrg8&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+gnostic+gospels+elaine+pagels&qid=1715524664&sprefix=the+gnostic+gospels+elaine+pagel,aps,304&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=cosmicskeptic-20&linkId=51e16a4ce3f48c69aee9e1d70e4f4b2a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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Summary​

• The discovery of the Gnostic Gospels challenges the traditional narratives of Christianity by presenting alternative teachings of Jesus that were deemed heretical. This broadens the understanding of early Christian diversity and suggests there were multiple interpretations of Jesus' teachings circulating during the formative years of Christianity.
• The Gnostic Gospels were excluded because they contained teachings that deviated from the orthodox beliefs established by early church leaders. Figures like Irenaeus labeled them as subversive and dangerous, arguing that they could lead believers astray from what was accepted as the true message of Christianity.
• The Gnostic Gospels often focus on internal spiritual knowledge and the importance of personal enlightenment, portraying Jesus in a way that suggests a non-physical nature and an emphasis on inner illumination. In contrast, canonical gospels emphasize the historical and physical realities of Jesus's life and resurrection.
• Jesus spoke in parables as a way to convey deeper truths in a manner that could be understood by those who were spiritually mature while simultaneously obscuring these teachings from those who were not ready to comprehend them. This method allowed him to safeguard sacred knowledge for a select group of followers.
• Gnostic interpretations view resurrection as a transformative experience rather than a physical return to life, contrasting with orthodox beliefs that emphasize the physical resurrection of Jesus.
• Marcion held a more literal interpretation of Christianity, focusing on the distinction between the Hebrew God and the God revealed by Jesus, while Valentinus embraced a mystical approach, proposing a dual path of public and secret teachings.
• Kabbalah provides insights into the nature of God as a source of light and energy that illuminates the universe, suggesting that perceiving this divine light is fundamental to spiritual growth.
• Marcion was an early Christian who argued that the god of the Hebrew Bible was a lesser deity compared to the God of Jesus, significantly influencing early Christian thought and the formation of the New Testament canon.
• Gnostic texts often depict a duality in God, incorporating both masculine and feminine elements, and challenge traditional narratives of sin and evil by portraying figures like Eve and the serpent in a positive light, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.
• The Gospel of Judas presents Judas as someone who possesses secret knowledge about Jesus and plays a vital role in his mission, unlike traditional views that portray him merely as a betrayer.
• The Testimony of Truth reverses the traditional roles in the Genesis story, casting Eve as a bringer of wisdom and the serpent as a symbol of divine knowledge, which critiques the orthodox view of the Genesis narrative.
• Women in Gnostic texts are often portrayed as equal disciples of Jesus, unlike canonical texts which primarily include men as disciples. This inclusion suggests a more egalitarian view of gender roles in early Christianity.
• The early church sought to suppress Gnostic beliefs and mystical teachings as these perspectives challenged established authority and dogma, aiming to maintain control over spiritual interpretations and practices.
• The Gospel of John suggests that Jesus's death is necessary to address the sin of the world, while the Gospel of Mary Magdalene proposes that sin is defined by harm caused to others, indicating a departure from traditional views on sin.
• The central theme highlights the variety of interpretations and teachings in Jewish mysticism, revealing a complex spiritual landscape where multiple voices and perspectives coexist rather than conforming to a single narrative.
• Mystical teachings across various traditions emphasize a deeper, esoteric understanding of spirituality, often promoting personal revelation and insight that transcends formalized dogma.
• The teachings mirror Jewish ideas presented by scholars like Philo of Alexandria, who argued that essential humanity can only be fully understood when individuals move beyond gender identification. The Gospel not only reflects early Christian thought but also engages with existing Jewish interpretations of gender and spirituality.
• The passage suggests that achieving spiritual equality may involve transcending traditional gender roles. Jesus indicates that a person's spiritual essence is more important than their gender identity, promoting the idea that both men and women can reach spiritual enlightenment together.
• The Gospel of Thomas is often considered controversial due to its unorthodox views of Jesus' teachings, diverging from canonical biblical texts. Scholars and theologians debate its implications for understanding early Christianity and its various sects, often leading to criticisms and differing interpretations.
• Gnostic texts offer crucial insights into alternative beliefs and practices that existed alongside mainstream Christianity. They help historians and scholars understand the diversity of early Christian thought, including competing theological interpretations and the socio-political contexts in which these ideas developed.

The Books Banned From the Bible: What Are the Gnostic Gospels?​

The Gnostic Gospels Explained 00:04​

"These are texts that surprisingly landed upon our group of graduate students and faculty... in 1970s for example, and we were astonished to hear about a discovery in 1945 of over 50 ancient writings."

• The term "Gnostic Gospels" is a misnomer; originally, there was uncertainty about what to call these texts. They emerged alongside early Christian history and were once thought to be heretical.
• In 1945, a significant discovery in Egypt uncovered over 50 ancient religious writings, including those with diverse origins that are not solely Christian, indicating the complexity of early religious thought.
• It is now suggested that these texts be referred to as "early Christian gospels," which were excluded from the New Testament canon for specific reasons. Their discovery has reshaped understanding of early Christianity's origins, similar to how the Dead Sea Scrolls reshaped understandings of Judaism.

Historical Context of the Texts 04:09​

"We had known them for 2000 years as heretical, deceitful texts... when suddenly we could read them for the first time, I was overjoyed."

• These texts had been labeled as heretical by early church figures such as Irenaeus, who warned against them while promoting the New Testament gospels.
• The realization that these gospels existed and provided alternative views of Jesus’ teachings was a momentous find, revealing a previously inaccessible narrative of early Christianity.
• The texts opened up avenues to explore the possible secret teachings of Jesus, contrasting with the public narratives in the canonical gospels.

The Nature of Gnostic Teachings 09:10​

"The primary difference as I see it is that the gospels in the New Testament are narratives... The texts don't tell stories."

• Gnostic texts differ fundamentally from the canonical gospels in that they focus on secret, advanced teachings rather than public narratives aimed at large audiences.
• This concept of “secret knowledge” is pervasive in Gnostic themes, where teachings intended for initiated disciples contrast with the publicly proclaimed ideas.
• These early Christian gospels are traditionally viewed as supplementary materials that aimed to deepen the spiritual understanding of devoted followers, rather than acting as replacements for canonical texts.

The Secret Teachings of Jesus and Paul 11:37​

"I'm not telling them so people will understand my teaching; I'm telling them so they will not understand."

• The Gospel of Mark suggests that Jesus often spoke in parables deliberately to obscure his teachings from the general populace while revealing them to a select few, including his disciples. This raises questions about the nature of understanding and interpretation in his teachings.
• In Mark 4:10-11, Jesus confides that he grants "the secret of the kingdom of God" exclusively to a few, claiming that the larger audience is left with parabolic teachings that serve as a puzzle.
• This pattern of secret or hidden knowledge is echoed in the letters of Paul, notably in 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, where he describes divine wisdom as only accessible to "the mature." Paul critiques the Corinthians' spiritual immaturity and withholds deeper truths from them, similar to Jesus’s approach with the masses.

Understanding Early Christian Texts through Gnostic Perspectives 15:00​

"The Gospel of Thomas consists only of 110 sayings of Jesus."

• The Gnostic Gospels, such as the Gospel of Thomas, present alternative understandings of Jesus that differ significantly from canonical texts. They tend to emphasize an inner spiritual connection and knowledge rather than a physical resurrection.
• Half of the sayings in the Gospel of Thomas align closely with those in the canonical gospels, suggesting shared early Christian traditions. However, the remaining sayings introduce concepts that reflect a mystical tradition, calling upon followers to find "the Light Within."
• This notion contrasts sharply with mainstream Christian doctrine, as Gnostic writings often depict a complex cosmology involving a flawed creator entity, diverging into more philosophical and metaphysical territories.

The Influence of Jewish Mysticism and Gnosticism 22:20​

"Jewish mystical text, we call it Kabbalah, which has a very similar view that in the beginning God was a kind of divine source of Divine Light and energy pouring energy into the darkness of the universe."

• Jewish mystical traditions, particularly Kabbalah, have significantly influenced how people interpret creation and the nature of God. These teachings suggest that God as a Divine source creatively spreads light into the universe's darkness, revealing the world's beauty.
• The concept emphasizes the idea that divine energy permeates everything, and part of the spiritual journey involves learning to perceive this divine presence in the world around us.

Separation of Creator and the Physical Universe 23:00​

"There are other non-canonical gospels which quite clearly point to the idea that Jesus is specifically sent to save people from this material condition they find themselves in."

• Non-canonical texts, like the Gospel of Thomas, present a viewpoint where Jesus is seen as a spiritual savior tasked with liberating humanity from the material world's limitations and suffering.
• The distinction is drawn between a vengeful creator deity described in the Hebrew Bible and a more remote, benevolent God that Jesus embodies. This illustrates a dualistic perspective often adopted in Gnostic teachings.

The Gnostic Perspective on Resurrection 25:40​

"The Treatise on Resurrection belongs to this small group of texts that I find very spiritually powerful because it's written by a teacher who was trying to explain to his pupil what does Paul mean by Resurrection."

• The Gnostic view of resurrection differs from orthodox Christianity, framing it more as a spiritual transformation rather than a physical coming back to life. According to Paul, resurrection involves a transformation of the material body into an imperishable, spiritual state.
• This interpretation diverges from the synoptic gospels' narrative, which recounts Jesus physically resurrecting from the grave, highlighting a significant theological divide between traditions.

Marcion's Influence on Early Christianity 28:20​

"Marcion thought that Paul was the only Apostle of Jesus, the only true Apostle...because the other apostles were actually sort of still worshiping this demiurgic material Creator God."

• Marcion's perspective positioned him as a pivotal figure in early Christian thought, proposing that the god of the Hebrew Bible was a lesser, vengeful deity in contrast to the true, loving God revealed through Jesus.
• His exclusion of the Old Testament from his canon and focus on selective gospels illustrates early attempts to define Christian orthodoxy and establish a dichotomy between spiritual and material realms.

Valentinus and the Mystical Tradition 33:10​

"Valentinus understood a double path, a public teaching of Jesus and a secret path which is Mystical, and he is a mystical teacher."

• Unlike Marcion, Valentinus embraced a more nuanced view of Christian teachings, suggesting that there exists a public narrative alongside a mystical understanding that offers deeper spiritual insights.
• His contributions to Gnostic texts are characterized by beautiful and poetic expressions, which aim to align more closely with Jewish mystical traditions, demonstrating the rich spirituality embedded in these early teachings.

The Gospel of Judas and Secret Knowledge 33:48​

"The Gospel of Judas focuses on Judas as the person with the secret knowledge."

• The Gospel of Judas presents Judas in a unique light, portraying him as a key figure who possesses secret knowledge about Jesus. This text is non-canonical and not included in the Nag Hammadi library but holds significant interest in Gnostic circles.
• This gospel begins with a scene of Jesus laughing at his disciples while they pray, indicating a different attitude toward traditional worship. Jesus suggests that their prayers are done out of obligation rather than genuine desire for communion with God.
• The text suggests a deeper understanding through Judas, who reveals his recognition of Jesus' divine origins, stating, "You have come from the Immortal Realm."
• Judas is then tasked with betraying Jesus, which, according to this narrative, implies a critical role in the unfolding of a divine plan rather than a mere act of treachery.

Women's Role in Gnostic Texts 36:21​

"In the secret gospels, you find women among the disciples."

• Unlike canonical texts where only men are recognized as disciples, many Gnostic gospels include women as equal followers of Jesus.
• For example, figures like Salome and Mary Magdalene are acknowledged as disciples in texts such as the Gospel of Thomas, indicating a more inclusive view of their roles in early Christianity.
• This contrasts sharply with the orthodox view, which excluded women from leadership and discipleship roles within the early Church, reflecting broader patriarchal norms.

The Concept of Divine Feminine 38:04​

"God is understood in Christian theology as having manifested Divinity in terms of Father, Mother, and Son."

• The dialogue highlights the feminine aspect of the Divine, particularly in terms of the word "spirit," which has feminine connotations in Hebrew and Aramaic.
• There's an exploration of how translations into Greek alter these implications, leading to the loss of the feminine imagery traditionally associated with the Divine.
• Some Gnostic texts reflect a duality of gender in understanding God, incorporating both masculine and feminine attributes that parallel Jewish mystical traditions.

The Testimony of Truth and its Radical Interpretations 41:21​

"Eve is the spiritual teacher, and the serpent is actually Christ."

• This Gnostic text offers a radical reinterpretation of Genesis, portraying Eve not as the sinner but as a source of illumination and wisdom for Adam.
• It suggests that the serpent, often associated with evil, symbolizes Christ and knowledge, challenging traditional narratives regarding sin and temptation.
• This inversion of roles highlights a critical stance against the orthodox portrayal of Hebrew deity by characterizing the creator god as limited or inferior, further complicating theological understandings of God within biblical texts.

Diverse Voices in Jewish Mysticism 44:42​

"I can’t speak about these 50 texts as if they spoke with a single voice because they really don’t."

• Jewish mysticism presents a variety of perspectives and teachings, leading to diverse interpretations and understandings of spiritual truths across different texts.
• The speaker indicates a preference for certain texts over others, highlighting that some may be more valuable or relevant to contemporary discussions. For instance, they mention the Gospel of Mary Magdalene as an important work that challenges traditional notions of sin prevalent in other gospels.

Contrasting Gospels: John vs. Mary Magdalene 45:11​

"In the Gospel of John, Jesus comes into the world to die for the sin of the world... In the Gospel of Mary, it says there is no sin of the world but sin is something you do when you do harm."

• The Gospel of John focuses on Jesus's crucifixion as a means of addressing sin in the world, while the Gospel of Mary offers a radically different view, suggesting that harm is the true definition of sin rather than an inherent quality of humanity.
• This dichotomy reveals the broader spectrum of beliefs in early Christianity, where some sects rejected mainstream teachings, encouraging exploration of esoteric and symbolic understandings.

Esoteric Teachings Across Traditions 46:15​

"Every tradition has a secret teaching, esoteric teaching, mystical teaching, and public teaching."

• Various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, possess layers of teaching that go beyond surface-level understanding, emphasizing an ongoing spiritual discovery that transcends established dogma.
• The speaker points out that in the past, particularly during the fourth century, early church leaders sought to suppress mystical teachings to maintain control and unify beliefs under a singular theological framework.

The Role of Spiritual Insight in Early Christianity 46:50​

"Once you reach a level of spiritual maturity, you can start teaching new information."

• Early Gnostics advocated that spiritual maturity allows for personal revelation and understanding of divine truths, suggesting that teachings can arise from individual insight under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• This perspective clashes with the orthodox view, which limits authority to established church teachings, thus framing the environment for potential conflict between personal spiritual experiences and institutionalized religion.

Authority of Bishops and Orthodoxy 50:44​

"Ignatius of Antioch writes that the laity should revere and honor the bishop as if he were God."

• The consolidation of power among bishops during the early church led to an assertion of authority that could sometimes contradict the egalitarian spirit of early Christianity.
• The emphasis on revering bishops contributes to a form of orthodoxy that not only establishes hierarchical structures but might also stifle alternative interpretations and mystical practices that challenge such authority.

Challenging the Canonical Texts 55:20​

"The dating of these texts is disputed across a wide range."

• The Gospel of Thomas, among other texts, presents challenges in understanding its origin, with scholars disagreeing on whether it emerged before or after the canonical gospels.
• Such discussions open up avenues for new interpretations and understandings of early Christian writings, suggesting that ongoing inquiry into these texts is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of early Christian beliefs.

The Gospel of Thomas and Gender Perspectives 56:22​

"Simon Peter said to him, 'Let Mary leave us, for women are not worthy of life.' Jesus said, 'I myself shall lead her in order to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males.'"

• The discussion revolves around a controversial passage from the Gospel of Thomas, where Simon Peter expresses a belief that women are not worthy of life. Instead of refuting this idea outright, Jesus responds by stating he will lead Mary to become "male," suggesting a transformation that goes beyond gender for spiritual equality.
• Scholars interpret this passage in various ways; some argue that it reflects early Christian attitudes towards gender, while others see deeper mystical meanings. The idea is not necessarily about literal gender change but about transcending gender roles to achieve a higher, shared spiritual essence.
• The passage highlights the tension between traditional gender norms and the revolutionary aspects of spiritual teachings.

Insights on Gender from Jewish Tradition 58:59​

"Women and men must suppress their identification with gender in order to understand their essential humanity."

• The reference to interpretations from Jewish traditions, particularly those of Philo of Alexandria, shows that the discussion on gender in the Gospel of Thomas is not isolated. Philo suggests that spiritual understanding requires moving beyond gender distinctions to recognize our underlying humanity.
• Jesus's teaching, as interpreted in this context, implies that true spiritual identity is found not in gender but in a more profound, undivided essence of being. This perspective aligns with early Jewish thought and redefines how one might interpret gender roles within spiritual contexts.

Spiritual Identity and Collective Humanity 01:04:48​

"If they say to you, 'Where did you come from?' say to them, 'We came from the light, the place where light came into being on its own accord.'"

• The Gospel of Thomas emphasizes a collective spiritual identity, suggesting that all individuals originate from a singular divine light, as demonstrated in the creation narrative of Genesis.
• This shared identity fosters a sense of unity among people, erasing distinctions like gender when it comes to spiritual lineage. The passage advocates for recognizing everyone as part of a larger spiritual family that transcends individual differences.
• By framing spirituality as collective rather than individual, these teachings promote community and inclusivity within the understanding of sacred identity.

Insights on the Gospel of Thomas and Gnostic Texts 01:07:59​

"It was attacked in the New York Times by a Catholic scholar, very well-known and a friend of mine, who said these people really were the crazies of the first and second century."

• The speaker reflects on their earlier work centered around the Gospel of Thomas, noting that it took 25 years to approach the subject with greater maturity and depth.
• They discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding these texts, particularly criticized by prominent scholars, which is indicative of broader debates within religious studies.
• The speaker expresses genuine fascination with Gnostic Gospels and their historical context, indicating a strong interest in exploring these lesser-known Christian writings.
• Encouraging others to join in the discussion, the speaker provides access to additional resources related to these themes, fostering a community around controversial and thought-provoking literature.

 

[Outcast]

It seems that man complicates the Gospel message delivered by Yeshua and His disciples. We create a paradox by our examination as we attempt to become experts in the teachings of Yeshua. The saddest part of this attempt by man to restate His teachings is that man then alters those teachings to suit himself.

Typically, "the church" criticizes the Gnostics for their "secret knowledge" claims so that we shun their thinking. Ironically, that same church accepted and then promoted their concept that Yeshua is actually Yahweh himself. That part of Gnosticism became mainstream.

But, did Yeshua ever instruct us to dissect His teachings so we can become the wisest among others?

Mat 18:1–6 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

I am more simple-minded in my beliefs. I think we are instructed to take the words given by Yeshua as the teachings of His Father and accept the truth of them. If we have difficulties with them, then we are to take those questions to Yahweh for understanding.

A child asks questions and believes his Father. The child has faith.

I think man does the opposite. He does not take his questions to the author - he goes to seminary. It is counterintuitive to want to understand Yahweh or Yeshua by asking man and simply believing what man says. No man is the final answer, but relying on the spirit of God is the one step that we seem to rarely take.

Perhaps the most widespread of Satan's successes to entice us to believe the writings of any man with a title and not ask God for the truth.

It is my hope that I remind myself often that, for every "Ahah!" moment I experience from hearing something from man, I wait on Yahweh to embed truth in my understanding.

Waiting on God is not gnosticism, it is scriptural.

Jn 6:45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—

1 Th 4:9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,