Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas by Elaine Pagels (PDF)

Description

In Beyond Belief, renowned religion scholar Elaine Pagels continues her groundbreaking examination of the earliest Christian texts, arguing for an ongoing assessment of faith and a questioning of religious orthodoxy. Spurred on by personal tragedy and new scholarship from an international group of researchers, Pagels returns to her investigation of the “secret” Gospel of Thomas, and breathes new life into writings once thought heretical. As she arrives at an ever-deeper conviction in her own faith, Pagels reveals how faith allows for a diversity of interpretations, and that the “rogue” voices of Christianity encourage and sustain “the recognition of the light within us all.”

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐The book looks at the early communities of Christians, and their disagreements over doctrine. Her argument sees the Gospel of John as a response to the gnostic communities represented by the Gospel of Thomas. Though not part of the modern canon, Thomas collects many of Jesus’s sayings, without commentary or narrative. It clearly lies close to the source material (Q) that lies behind the three synoptic gospels, and may even be that source.Bishop Irenaeus of Lyons (dates) plays the most important role in Pagels’ story. Concerned about Christian unity, Irenaeus helped define the modern canon of 27 books. His legacy helped shape the Nicene Creed, and to some extent the idea of a creedal orthodoxy. On Pagels’ reading, Irenaeus argued against communities such as the one around Valentine, who emphasized a more personal and less creedal faith.In the end, Irenaeus not only defined orthodoxy but successfully repressed “apocryphal” and “gnostic” texts such as the Gospel of Thomas. As a result, these ideas, popular in the day, came to seem so unfamiliar—even “heretical”—to us today.As my quick summary suggests, Pagels engages major themes of Christian history and doctrine that remain important today. While this is a scholarly book, she writes to be read. If you already have some familiarity with the gospels and creeds, and a smattering of Christian and Roman history, you’ll find this an accessible introduction to Bishop Irenaeus’ war on those he deemed heretical.

⭐This book gives a good overview of early Christian history, but not so deep coverage of the actual Gospel of Thomas or gnostic/esoteric approaches within Christianity in general. It is especially good at telling us why, and how and when the orthodox development and presentation of The New Testament happened, leading up to its 4th century canonical formulation under Emperor Constantine. However, I was hoping for more on the alternate (heterodox/heretical) views of Thomas (especially in relationship to other gnostic gospels) and not on how the mainstream followers of Christ reacted to them. As another reviewer here succinctly put it, Pagels is a historian and not a mystic (or gnostic herself), so if you’re here primarily for the history you won’t be disappointed…One unexpected plus though was the introduction where the author gave us a glimpse of her personal relationship to the church. It was literally one of the most moving things I have ever read, but again there was nothing gnostic/esoteric about it.(Ps. the translation of the actual gospel is NOT included at the end of the hardback edition like it apparently is at the end of the paperback one – published a year later).

⭐This book is an eye opener, and takes on the Apostle Paul with a vengeance, pointing out the number of times (for example) that Christ “doubts” Thomas in the book of John, thereby casting doubt on his legitimate inclusion for the New Testament. The Book of Thomas would have cast a much more lenient view of Christianity.

⭐A veil has been lifted from my eyes! I read passages that I felt I already knew in my heart. Hopefully, you will experience that feeling of truthfulness when you read from ancient writings that SHOULD have been included in the bible, or at least been kept available for seekers to read. Thank you, Elaine Pagels! I would surmise that God is well pleased.

⭐Only half way through, but love it so far. The historical info on the Gnostic Christians is excellent. I never really agreed with the churches I attended and their demands for money and adherence to a certain dogma. This book explains my true feelings and that my personal relationship with God and Jesus is exactly that – personal. I do not need the instructions of a church to establish my beliefs in Jesus and God. Wonderfully eye opening. Definitely worth a read if you question established religious dogma.

⭐I have never been more thrilled than now, after reading this incredibly lucid and engaging book about the beginnings of our “orthodox” Christian tradition.I say we can recommend this book, and especially chapter five, to uphold and sustain the views of such venerable figures as Leo Tolstoy, George MacDonald, John Ruskin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Albert Einstein, etc..It feels good to learn from masters. Thank you, Elaine Pagels, for sending me to school.It seems like everything she just taught me are the things that we should already know. Not her masterful recounting of the history of our Church, but the way she spoke about the real transformative changes in the human soul that occur when that level of awareness is operating in a person with body and breath.It’s a great book.

⭐Elaine Pagels is one of the true guideposts for spirtitual Christian exploration. As an accomplished religion scholar, her examination of early church history has been cogently applied to the personal experiences that have shaped her life and approach to faith. She is a fine and lucid writer, and I’ve learned much from her.

⭐Reading it again, and again. One of Elaine Pagels’ best books.

⭐This book isn’t actually about The Gospel of Thomas at any point. It’s just a retread of her other book. Pretty annoying considering the book’s title.

⭐This is a a clearly written, scholarly little book that is very interesting if you are a religious student. I bought the CD too. I will be reading more from Elaine Pagels.

⭐This is another groundbreaking work from Elaine Pagels. Depth, meaning and mystery are all seamlessly rolled together in this academic yet spiritually enlightening tour de force.

⭐a very interesting read

⭐Great read

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