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Choose one of the non-canonical gospels and mention one point where this gospel agrees with something Jesus said or did in one of the canonical gospels. Then, relate one point of difference, where the non-canonical gospel diverges with the canonical. Would you be in favor of adding one or more of these non-canonical gospels to the New Testament?

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The study of gospels, particularly the canonical and non-canonical texts, offers profound insights into early Christianity and the varied beliefs that circulated among early believers. This paper will focus on the Gospel of Thomas, a non-canonical gospel that provides a unique perspective on the teachings of Jesus. The Gospel of Thomas, attributed to the Apostle Thomas, differs significantly from the canonical gospels, yet it also contains themes that resonate with Christian doctrine. This paper will analyze one point of agreement between the Gospel of Thomas and the canonical gospels, as well as one point of divergence, before concluding with a discussion on the inclusion of non-canonical gospels in the New Testament canon.

Agreement: The Quest for Self-Knowledge

One significant agreement between the Gospel of Thomas and the canonical gospels can be found in their shared emphasis on self-knowledge and inner enlightenment. In the Gospel of Thomas, Jesus is recorded as saying, "If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you. If you do not have that within you, what you do not have within you will kill you" (Gospel of Thomas, Logion 70). This teaching aligns closely with ideas presented in the canonical gospels, particularly in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus states, "For behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21, ESV). Both texts emphasize the importance of looking inward to find spiritual truth and enlightenment, urging followers to seek knowledge and understanding from within.

Divergence: The Nature of Salvation

Conversely, one major point of divergence lies in the portrayal of salvation and the nature of the divine. The Gospel of Thomas presents a more mystical and esoteric view of salvation, as seen in Logion 113, where Jesus states, "The kingdom of the Father is like a person who had a treasure hidden in his field, and he did not know it." This indicates that the realization of spiritual truth requires personal discovery, suggesting that not all will receive this insight openly. In contrast, the canonical gospels often illustrate salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death, as demonstrated in John 3:16, which emphasizes belief in Jesus as the path to eternal life (John 3:16, ESV). This fundamental difference suggests varying interpretations of how salvation can be understood and achieved within the Christian faith.

Should Non-Canonical Gospels be Included in the New Testament?

The debate over whether non-canonical gospels should be added to the New Testament canon is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, proponents argue that texts like the Gospel of Thomas offer alternative perspectives on Jesus' teachings that could enrich the understanding of early Christianity (Pagels, 2003). They believe that including these gospels could highlight the diversity of early Christian beliefs, allowing for a more thorough understanding of the historical and theological landscape of the time.

On the other hand, critics of integrating non-canonical texts often argue that these writings may misrepresent fundamental Christian doctrines or lead believers away from orthodox teachings (Ehrman, 2011). The canonical gospels were selected based on their widespread acceptance and theological consistency, and integrating divergent texts could risk fragmenting core Christian beliefs. Furthermore, interested readers might approach these texts with the intent of discovering verifiable truths, which these non-canonical writings may not support.

Personally, while I appreciate the insights gained from the Gospel of Thomas and other non-canonical gospels, I believe they should not be included in the New Testament. Instead, they should be studied alongside the canonical texts to appreciate the broader historical context of Christian thought. The canonical texts serve to maintain a cohesive narrative and theological framework for Christianity, and introducing conflicting gospels could confuse the faithful.

Conclusion

The examination of non-canonical gospels like the Gospel of Thomas reveals both agreements and divergences with the teachings found in the canonical gospels. While the shared emphasis on self-knowledge promotes a holistic understanding of spirituality, the differing attitudes towards salvation highlight the varied beliefs present in early Christianity. In assessing the potential for including non-canonical gospels in the New Testament, it becomes clear that while these texts offer valuable insights into the complexities of early Christian belief, they should remain separate as supplementary materials. By studying these texts in conjunction with the canonical gospels, scholars and believers can gain a richer understanding of the rich tapestry of early Christian theology and practice.

References

  • Ehrman, B. D. (2011). Forged: Writing in the Name of God—Why the Bible's Authors Are Not Who We Think They Are. HarperOne.
  • Pagels, E. (2003). The Gospel of Thomas: The Hidden Sayings of Jesus. Vintage Books.
  • Robinson, J. M. (1990). The Nag Hammadi Library in English. Harper & Row.
  • Gibson, C. (2001). The Gospel of Thomas: A New Translation and Commentary. The Crossroad Publishing Company.
  • Horsley, R. A. (2003). Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Roman Imperial Society. Trinity Press International.
  • Brown, R. E. (1989). The Gospel and the Meaning of Jesus: The Good News According to John. The Crossroad Publishing Company.
  • Funk, R. W. (1998). The Acts of Jesus: The Search for the Authentic Deeds of Jesus. Polebridge Press.
  • Meier, J. P. (1994). Jesus: The Marginal Jew: Volume 3: Companions and Competitors. Doubleday.
  • Vanderkam, J. C. (1994). The Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls: Their Significance for Understanding the Bible. HarperSanFrancisco.
  • Burkert, W. (1996). Greek Religion. Harvard University Press.

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