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| THE MINISTERS’ PERSPECTIVE |
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One of the books on the current best sellers list is: "Beyond Belief" by Elaine Pagels (Published by Random House, 2003). Pagels is the author of several well known books in religion. Included in her bibliography are: The Origin of Satan; Adam, Eve, and the Serpent; The Gnostic Gospels; The Gnostic Paul. Pagel's thesis in "Beyond Belief" is that the Gospel of John was written to challenge the view of the Christian life presented in the Gospel of Thomas. The Gospel of Thomas was part of a collection of Christian Literature discovered at Nag Hammadi, Egypt in 1945. Some scholars think this literature was hidden by a group of Christians fleeing Roman persecution in the second century. It was well hidden and well preserved in tightly sealed stone jars. Like the Dead Sea Scrolls these documents offered new perspectives about the religious life not found in the traditional canons of scripture. Pagels point is this: in our Gospel of John belief in Jesus Christ is the way to salvation. For example: John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father but by me". In the Gospel of Thomas becoming aware of one's own divine nature is enlightenment (which is salvation). For example: Gospel of Thomas no.3 "…the kingdom is inside of you…when you come to know yourselves…you will realize that you are sons of the living God". Other examples from both sources are cited to support her claim. Pagels says the Gospels John and Thomas present two early views of Christianity. These are not necessarily mutually exclusive views. Our recognition of diversity among early Christians suggests that contemporary Christians ought to be tolerant of the variation in beliefs among us. If you have a thought about Pagels' position please email me at: blsaw287@worldnet.att.net |
