Why the "Gospel Of Thomas" isn't in the Bible.

Bible historian Wes Huff travels to Egypt and discusses the legitimacy of the Gospel of Thomas against the legitimacy of the Biblical Gospels. @Max_B 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...55C51E75E0

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...55C51E75E0

That is a link to 26 Bible-related videos! What is your point?

I think my comment to Brian is that every major religion has its sacred books, but so what?

David

I gave the Lambdin translation of the Gospel of Thomas to the LLM AI Grok3. This is what it came up with:


Taking a fresh look at these sayings attributed to Jesus, recorded by Didymos Judas Thomas, I see a collection of teachings that emphasize self-discovery, inner transformation, and a radical reorientation of how one perceives reality, authority, and spiritual truth. Without leaning on traditional interpretations, the overall meaning seems to center on a journey toward a profound, personal understanding of existence—one that transcends conventional religious practices, external hierarchies, and material attachments. Here’s my sense of the overarching themes and meaning:

1. The Pursuit of Inner Knowledge and Immortality
The sayings repeatedly suggest that true life—described as not experiencing death—comes from understanding oneself and the hidden truths Jesus reveals (e.g., sayings 1, 3, 18, 19). This isn’t literal immortality but a state of being where one aligns with something eternal, often tied to knowing oneself (3) or finding the interpretation (1). The process involves seeking (2, 94), recognizing what’s already present (5, 51), and shedding illusions about the world (56, 80). The kingdom, rather than a distant place, is both inside and outside (3, 113), implying it’s a reality accessible now through awareness, not a future reward.

2. Transformation Through Paradox and Unity
Many sayings use paradox to provoke deeper reflection the first becoming last (4), making two into one (22, 106), or the lion and man consuming each other (7). These suggest a transformation where opposites—inner/outer, male/female, life/death—merge into a unified state. This unity seems to be the key to entering the kingdom (22) or ruling over the All (2). The idea isn’t about dominance but mastery over dualities that fragment perception. Sayings like 11 (when you were one you became two) hint at a lost wholeness that must be reclaimed.

3. Rejection of External Authority and Ritual
Jesus challenges reliance on traditional religious acts—fasting, prayer, alms-giving (6, 14)—and external leaders (3, 39). He critiques those who claim spiritual authority (e.g., Pharisees in 39, 102) and emphasizes personal integrity (do not do what you hate, 6) over prescribed rules. The kingdom isn’t found in the sky or sea (3) or through circumcision (53); it’s not about what goes into the mouth but what comes out (14). This points to an internal locus of spirituality, free from intermediaries or dogma.

4. The World as Illusion and Trap
The world is often portrayed as deceptive or transient—a corpse (56), a place of intoxication (28), or something to renounce (110). Wealth and power are fleeting (63, 81), and attachment to them leads to spiritual poverty (29, 41). Yet, the world also contains hidden treasures (109) or pearls (76) for those who discern wisely (8). Jesus casts fire upon it (10, 16), suggesting a disruptive force meant to awaken, not destroy, urging people to see beyond the surface.

5. Parables of Discernment and Choice
The sayings frequently use metaphors—sowers (9), fishermen (8), shepherds (107)—to illustrate discerning value amid the mundane. The wise choose the large fish (8) or the pearl (76), letting go of lesser things. This reflects a call to prioritize what endures over what perishes, a theme echoed in warnings about thieves (21) or weeds (57). The listener is urged to hear and act with understanding (21, 33).

6. A Provocative, Subversive Voice
Jesus’ tone is often enigmatic, even confrontational. He brings dissension not peace (16), speaks of fire and war, and upends social norms (55, 101, 114). His identity resists definition (13, 43), and his teachings defy easy grasp (17, 108). This suggests a deliberate intent to unsettle complacency, pushing followers toward a solitary, courageous stance (23, 49, 75) against conventional expectations.

7. The Kingdom as Present and Relational
The kingdom isn’t a future event but a current reality (20, 51, 113), likened to small, transformative things—a mustard seed (20), leaven (96)—that grow unnoticed. It’s tied to relationships loving others as oneself (25), making peace (48), or recognizing Jesus’ presence in all things (77). Yet, it demands vigilance (103) and a break from familial ties (55, 99) to embrace a higher kinship with the living father (3, 50).

Overall Meaning
These sayings present Jesus as a guide to an existential awakening, where the goal is to uncover a hidden, unifying truth about oneself and reality. The secret lies in seeing beyond appearances, embracing paradox, and living authentically without reliance on external validation or structures. Death—spiritual stagnation—is avoided not by escaping the world but by transforming one’s relationship to it through insight and action. The text invites the reader to wrestle with its riddles, promising that the effort itself leads to a life unbound by fear or limitation.

It’s a call to become fully alive, aware, and whole—right here, right now—by daring to question, seek, and find what’s already within reach.