Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Gospel of Thomas: A must-read for Christians

http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/manuscripts/nag_hammadi.htm
(Illustration sourced from the Net)
GOSPEL OF THOMAS, a collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus Christ, is well-known among theologians, historians and academics, but for most ordinary Christians it is news that such an important gospel even exists. This is understandable because these sayings are not for those who seek feel-good answers. Here Jesus' key theme is self awareness and expands on "Kingdom of God is within you." Jesus hints about absolute freedom --- freedom from everything, perhaps freedom even from Jesus himself. Jesus is asking us to look into ourselves -- the very last thing we want to do.

Here's an excellent video version of the gospel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqQUHXfqR6I 

As we listen to the startling message in Thomas, we begin to understand this is not the stuff that make organized religions, which was probably why it was not accepted part of the canon, though some historians argue that it nearly made it.



For those who wish to conduct a parallel study between Gospel of Thomas and the Famous Four, the best site is that of the University of Toronto which saves you from the hard work.http://www.utoronto.ca/religion/synopsis/gth.htm.

You'll see that the three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) contain much of what is in Thomas, but not John. Among these five gospels it is John that seems to be the odd one out, not Thomas! In John Jesus gives long speeches about himself. John seems to represent the preliminary level of spirituality, that of hand-holding, spiritual ecstasy, and absolute certainty, one that need be transcended.

It is this transcendence that is attempted in Thomas. Jesus seems to be helping his disciples to a higher level where his personal support may be no longer necessary. At one point he chides Thomas, perhaps his brightest disciple, for by intoxicated by Jesus' presence and words (verse 13). Jesus seems to be emphasizing the need for a shift from faith in the master to faith in oneself --- an uncomfortable revelation to most people.

While Gospel of Thomas will certainly provide a new theological and philosophical challenge for the Christian reader, it is unlikely to startle those who are steeped in eastern philosophies. The teachings of Lao Tsu, the Buddha and the Upanishads explore the themes in Thomas deeper, with scientific precision. Again, it is possible that Jesus revealed much more to Thomas than has been recorded in the Gospel. Or really detailed teachings might have been destroyed in the great purge of "heretical" writings in the first few centuries of Christianity. 

Is It Genuine?

There are theological and historical indications that these saying genuinely reflect Jesus' teaching. The remarkable verses 2 and 3 probe deeper into the non-dual nature of self without disagreeing with the synoptic gospels. It would only be natural that Jesus, who would have undoubtedly experienced his neighbor as himself, would say these.

The style of writing also appears honest. It does not say a word about the divinity of Jesus, yet includes his sayings in the three synoptic gospels --- and goes beyond them to deeper levels. This was certainly not meant for public consumption. 

The Gospel's title indicates that it is a compilation of the secret teachings of Jesus. This is quite understandable. Great teachers impart the treasure of their wisdom according to the capacity of their listeners. Very sensibly Jesus revealed his highest knowledge to those who were ready. To the masses he said: "Follow me, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." 

A dramatic incident in Verse 13 supports the above view:
Jesus tells three secrets to Thomas in private. When pressed by the other disciples, Thomas says if he revealed the secrets to them, they would stone him and those very stones would destroy them. Don't we all behave like pigs stamping down pearls when exposed to truth we cannot handle? Thomas is not revealing those three secrets even in his "Secret" Gospel!

Verse 13 is also reminiscent of young UG Krishnamurti asking Ramana Maharishi, "What is this 'Truth?' Can you give it to me?" Reply: "I can, but can you take it?"

The above arguments satisfy me of the theological acceptability of Thomas as Jesus' probable words. Now let us turn to historical and archeological evidence. For one, Thomas was well known to Church fathers, but though they seem to have held the view that it is heretical. However, now historians are of the view that in those times there were no real heretics, only different versions of Christianity. It merely happened that one view prevailed and called all others "heretical." The very fact that Thomas was taken seriously indicates its relative importance over other gnostic gospels.

The original codices unearthed from Nag Hammadi, in 1945.
Gospel of Thomas was the most important among them.

(Illustration sourced from the Net)
Dating of Thomas is still under debate though the majority of historians now consider it was written by gnostic Christians of the early 2nd century CE, latest by 150 CE. The ancient papyrus codex  was unearthed in the middle of 20th century by some shepherds at Nag Hammadi, a village in Egyptian desert, little knowing that they were in possession of manuscripts that were of immense historical and theological value. It is written in Coptic language, presumably translated from Greek. (Greek was also the language in which all the New Testament books were originally written.)

For further study of the Gospel of Thomas' authenticity, historicity, and some aspects of its theology and philosophy, especially its symbology, listen to this historical critical lecture by the world renowned expert in New Testament studies, Professor Dale B Martin of Yale University (left). http://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies/rlst-152/lecture-8.

Don't miss the comments below. We had a most enlightening discussion on this topic in the Philosophy of Religion Community. Please scroll down to view them.

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