background: I consider myself a lay-Catholic - I wont go into details. I am, however, interested in what is referred to as the Gospel of Thomas, which is believed to have been written by the disciple Thomas around twenty years earlier than any of the other Gospels. There is some overlap in terms of the contents, but there are also quotes, sayings, etc, that are unique to it. I know that the Vatican does not look at this as 'official' teachings, but what are the views of other Christian churches?
2006-12-28 10:09:27 · 11 answers · asked by I.M. 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hello =)
At the "council of Alexandria" many years ago, the Roman Church chose which books were to be a part of the Bible. They ordered some grouped into a pile, called the Apocrypha, and ordered many others destroyed. The Gospel of St. Thomas was on the "to be destroyed" pile.
The Gospel of St. Thomas undermines the authority of the Roman Church directly. Mostly because of one quote, which I just used in another answer.
Thomas asked Christ "To whom shall we look, Lord, when you are gone?"
Christ answered, "Look to James, for whom the heavens and earth were made."
James founded the church of Jerusalem, out of esoteric Judaism, based upon Christ as the Messiah. He also included a little of the Buddhist Philosophies he learned while studying in the eastern lands. Once St. Peter had died, the Roman Church used its influence to have James murdered, and the teachings of the Church of Jerusalem destroyed.
Christians have lost something precious in this, and it set the precedent for the improper behaviour of the Roman Church for centuries to come.
So, by and large, The Gospel of St. Thomas is a fearful thing for all churches who are based upon the Roman Church.
This is why they denounce it. Any "true" Christian would gleefully study any text that bears witness to Christ in any way, and interpret it as best he could.
Namaste, and Happy New Year,
--Tom
2006-12-28 10:21:01 · answer #1 · answered by glassnegman 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The Gospel of Thomas is a Gnostic text, it is not recognized by any Christian church that I'm aware of. It's ultimate meaning:
"In order to return to one's origin, the disciple is to become separate from the world by 'stripping off' the fleshly garment and 'passing by' the present corruptible existence; then the disciple can experience the new world, the kingdom of of light, peace, and life." -- Introduction to the Gospel of Thomas by Helmut Koester from the book below.
2006-12-28 19:43:22 · answer #2 · answered by The Doctor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been disputes over the actual age of said writings but my feelings are that if it brings you closer to God and doesn't go against what is accepted as official canon, then it is good for you. The Bible is merely what the early church decided would be the official cannon of the church. They consider it inspired by the holy spirit. There are many spiritual writings that while not considered divinely inspired are considered to be good for one's spiritual growth. Only you know the relationship that you have with God and only you really know what will bring you closer to Him. You say you are rooted (if not practicing) in Catholicism, consider finding a church that has adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and praying about it there. Nothing quite like going to God himself with questions like these. You will know by the feeling you get after good, honest prayer.
2006-12-28 18:18:14 · answer #3 · answered by Nita C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is one of the 16 gnostic gospels. The Church did not consider them inspired, that is why they are omitted. There is generally no interest in them
2006-12-28 18:15:31 · answer #4 · answered by pooterilgatto 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I thought the Catholic church did recognize the apocrypha, while other Christian churches did not; though not as gospel. That's why it is included in many catholic bibles.
2006-12-28 18:13:32 · answer #5 · answered by LINDA G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd be interested to know *why* people think it is garbage. It seems to say very similar things to the other gospels.
The last verse even gives hope to transgender persons!
(114) 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. For every woman who will make herself male will enter the kingdom of heaven."
.
2006-12-28 18:23:28 · answer #6 · answered by Chickyn in a Handbasket 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is believed to have been written about 200 AD.
grace2u
2006-12-28 18:26:39 · answer #7 · answered by Theophilus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it the one with the description of the Flying Spagheti Monster ?
If so, pastafarians like it .
Ramen !
2006-12-28 18:14:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Fiction invented to confuse people.
2006-12-28 18:19:09 · answer #9 · answered by tas211 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's garbage.
2006-12-28 18:11:46 · answer #10 · answered by Maurice H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋