Moderate and Liberal Christians: Have you read the Gnostic Gospels? Do you find them any use?

Question

I think they present a fascinating possible look into Jesus' life and teachings. His private teachings were different from his public teachings. It can also provide a glimpse of the possible travels of Jesus during the 19 years the canonical Gospels omit. I think he travelled to other countries, possibly finding out about other religions during this time.

I also think it is interesting how the Gnostic texts have come to light only in the last 100 years, almost as if they were waiting for the right time of enlightenment to be discovered. I follow the Bible, but I believe there is wisdom to be found in the Gnostic gospels as well.

What do you think? Conservative Christians, I know what you think, so this is directed at Moderates and Liberals.

PS. To those of you that say the Word of God is the Bible... Jesus is the Word of God. Christians follow Jesus and his teachings. Jesus and his teachings, although about wisdom, are also contained in the Gnostic Gospels. There are quotes from Jesus in the Bible that are included in the Gospel of Thomas. Others are not in the Bible, but probably no less valid, and no less probable that they are in fact, quotes from Jesus himself.

Also remember... the canonical gospels, although inspired, were chosen by a fallible human being for inclusion in the Bible, Pope Damascus I! Look up the history of the canonization of the Bible if you don't know!

Answer 1

Gnosticism relates to finding "hidden knowledge", which went right in line with my mysticism. I felt that the individual search for meaning and enlightenment was being true to myself and being a "free thinker". "The experience" was the proving ground of the religions, doctrines and philosophies I found on my journey along various paths.

Having been raised a Catholic, I left that belief on this search for "God". Years later, I was confronted with Christianity once again. I decided to enter into a study of it with the same objectivity and open mindedness that I held for my other investigations. It came to the point of accepting the possibility that Jesus was and did what it said He did. The core belief behind all the Christian denominations. I was amazed by what happened when I stepped beyond that line I had drawn for myself. My life was changed. I found the answer to all my searching, and found that my journeys end was just a beginning.

Years later, after more study, growing and understanding the Word in the bible with His Holy Spirit, the most mystical experience of my life happened when God touched my heart.
He proved that He is alive... a living God. God's love is more than we can describe or comprehend. It so totally overcame me and overflowed through and out from me. There is no doubt of His reality, and no need to follow anything else. Religion and gnosticism became vain speculations in the light of the relationship I now have with and in Him.

Answer 2

I've read many of the Gnostic writings, and I find them not very useful for believers, but VERY useful in proving that a religion had developed long before the rise of the Gnostics.

When you have writings in Turkey, Rome, Greece and Egypt all writing about the same person, Jesus of Nazareth, a resident of Galilee, it demonstrates that something compelling proliferated from Jerusalem and spread throughout the Roman world.

You can either believe that it (miraculously) spread instantaneously in the 2nd century, or that it spread slowly over about 100-150 years from about the time the Bible says it did.

(I mentioned Jerusalem specifically because that was the city that Jews went to three times per year from all over the world, and it was the focal point of world gossip among Jews.)

Answer 3

I find that Christ's words in the Gnostic Gospels of Thomas and Mary Magdelene very very interesting and comforting. I believe it is in Thomas that his words are very much like Buddha's teachings. I am looking forward to reading the book of Judas as well that was recently discovered. To me, the Gnostic Gospels makes the words and life of Christ more plausible and believable. And, they make sense when combined with the very short and brief words of Christ found in the Bible. Especially when one connects them to the words found in the Beatitudes.

Answer 4

I also have a replica of the Nag Hammadi at living house, and a separate version of the Gospel of Thomas. there is a surprising clarification why those issues weren't lined and one can not say without some verification that they are the terrific suited ones and the Bible is misguided. they provide an thrilling perception into the offshoot sects of early Christianity, however.

Answer 5

If you find the Gnostic gospels interesting, and consider yourself a liberal Christian, you may go that little bit further, and whilst testing the degree of your liberalism, click on the following:

Answer 6

From what I've ever heard Tribble said it all, as from the christian point of view.

I agree with you about the Gnostic gospels But if you want to continue reading and believing in them you will have to join the ranks of heretics and heathens with the rest of the Gnostic's.

Should I welcome you to the club?

Answer 7

We don't have to go to the Gnostic text to find out where Jesus was for that time. He tells us himself:
I sat daily teaching in the Temple -Matthew 26:55.
When I was with you daily in the Temple -Luke 22:53.
The Gnostic texts are rubbish.

Answer 8

The Word of GOD is contained in the Bible. No other books required to ascribe to GOD

Answer 9

KJV that is all we need, all the others can be burned, tossed or what ever else you what to do with them.

Answer 10

No and no.