Introduction to Non-Biblical Gospels

While many are familiar with the canonical Gospels of the Bible, a plethora of other gospels have emerged throughout history. These non-canonical gospels include the Gospel of Thomas and the Summary of the Gospel of Philip. These texts were often overlooked or rejected due to political and religious reasons, leading to a centralization of authority within the Christian canon.

The Gospel of Thomas: A Contender for Inclusion

The Gospel of Thomas is one such document, consisting of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus. Despite its early origins in the Jerusalem church around 30-50 AD, it was excluded from the Christian canon. According to academic scholars like Elaine Pagels, the gospel was not included due to its political and ideological implications. For instance, it was used by Gnostics and Manicheans in the third and fourth centuries, adding to its suspicious reputation.

Despite being hidden in caves until 1947, the Gospel of Thomas is now widely available. Alongside it, the Acts of Thomas offers further insights into this contested gospel. This text provides a narrative of Thomas's missionary work in India, integrating historical data with spiritual teachings. Both texts contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of early Christian thought and practice.

Political and Religious Influences on the Canon

The Bible we know today was compiled and organized by Christians who deemed certain texts authoritative and orthodox. One key figure in this process was Marcion, who allegedly coined the term 'New Testament.' He selected Luke and ten of Paul's epistles, launching a new era of text selection within the Christian faith. This led to the production of an authoritative list of texts, which ultimately became the New Testament canon.

Academic scholars like Bart Ehrman argue that the inclusion of texts in the Christian canon was a gradual process. For example, the complete New Testament was not considered standard until the second century, as indicated by the writings of Ireneus, who closely identified individual texts with their respective authors. This process involved intricate theological discussions and debates, as evidenced by the debates between Marcionites and mainstream Christians.

Exploring the Infancy Gospel of Jesus

Another fascinating non-canonical gospel is the Infancy Gospel of Jesus. This document, also known as the Protevangelium of James, provides a detailed account of Jesus's early life, from his childhood to his teenage years. It offers a side of Jesus that is often not represented in the canonical gospels, including miraculous events such as saving a boy from a snake bite. This boy, whose name was Judas, became an integral part of Jesus's life later on.

The Infancy Gospel of Jesus highlights several aspects of Jesus's humanity and divinity, offering a more comprehensive portrayal of the man from Nazareth. It also includes stories such as the reunion between Joseph, Mary, and Jesus in Egypt, as well as Jesus's wisdom in a conversation with young children.

Theological Implications and Modern Scholars

Modern scholars like Elaine Pagels, James M. Robinson, and Elaine Hoffman Berube have all shed light on the vast array of gospels that existed beyond the Bible. These researchers emphasize the importance of considering these texts in our understanding of early Christian history and theology. Elaine Pagels, an author of the famous book The Gnostic Gospels, argues that the exclusion of certain texts was a deliberate act by those in power to maintain control over the narrative of Christian doctrine.

The study of non-canonical gospels provides a critical view of the Christian canon. It helps us understand the diverse perspectives within early Christianity and the political and social forces that shaped the formation of the New Testament canon.

Conclusion

The exploration of gospels beyond the Bible highlights the rich and diverse history of early Christianity. Texts like the Gospel of Thomas, the Summary of the Gospel of Philip, and the Infancy Gospel of Jesus offer valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of early Christian communities. By understanding these non-canonical gospels, we gain a broader perspective on the complex and multifaceted nature of early Christian theology.

Keywords

Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Philip, Infancy Gospel of Jesus