The Gospel of Thomas Goes Public

Uncover the Mysteries of the Gospel of Thomas: A Journey into Early Christianity

Explore the fascinating world of the Gospel of Thomas, an ancient text discovered in the caves of Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945. This thought-provoking course delves into the religious and historical significance of this remarkable gospel and its intriguing connections to the Bible. Prepare to have your understanding of early Christianity challenged and expanded as we examine the questions the Gospel of Thomas raises.

Key Questions Explored:

• Parables & Similarities: Why do the Gospel of Thomas parables resonate with those found in the Bible?
• Wisdom Literature: Is the Gospel of Thomas considered Wisdom literature?
• Exclusion from the Bible: Why isn’t the Gospel of Thomas included in the Bible?
• Heretical or Gnostic? Is the Gospel of Thomas viewed as heretical or gnostic?
• Gender & Meaning: How does the study of gender illuminate the meaning of the text?
• Healing Teachings: What does the Gospel of Thomas teach about healing?
• Jesus' Identity: Is the Jesus presented in the Gospel of Thomas the same as the Jesus described in the Bible?

The Discovery & Significance of the Gospel of Thomas

The discovery of the complete Gospel of Thomas in 1945 was a pivotal moment for biblical scholarship. Now, scholars Dr. Hal Taussig and Dr. Shirley Paulson bring this ancient text to a wider audience, addressing long-standing questions about its origins and meaning. We’ll explore how the Gospel of Thomas sheds light on the formation of the Bible itself and examines challenging sayings of Jesus through the lens of ancient concepts of gender.

Course Highlights:

• Historical Context: Understand the origins of the Gospel of Thomas and its place within the Nag Hammadi collection.
• Comparative Analysis: Compare Thomas' Sayings with corresponding verses in the Bible and other ancient texts.
• Meaning & Interpretation: Explore the profound meaning behind the Gospel of Thomas and consider its relevance to contemporary life.
• Wisdom Literature: Discover the connection between the Gospel of Thomas and the broader tradition of Wisdom literature.
• Addressing Controversies: Examine the debate surrounding the Gospel of Thomas – is it heretical, gnostic, or misunderstood?
• Personal Reflection: Compose a letter to your clergy (or an imaginary one) arguing for or against the inclusion of the Gospel of Thomas in the Bible.
• Multiple Perspectives: Engage with three distinct interpretations of the final Saying in the Gospel of Thomas and develop your own understanding.

Course Structure:

This seven-section course is designed for beginners, but intermediate Bible students will also find it enriching. Each section focuses on a key question about the Gospel of Thomas, with highlighted passages for easy reading. You'll participate in four assignments and two quizzes to reinforce your learning.

Who Should Take This Course?

• Bible Study Groups: Enhance your group discussions with a deeper understanding of early Christian texts.
• Those Seeking Alternative Perspectives: Explore a "cutting edge" study of an important ancient document.
• Interested in Jesus' Teachings: Gain new insights into what Jesus said and taught.
• Christians Exploring Their Heritage: Deepen your understanding of the origins of Christianity.
• Seeking Spiritual Insights: Discover wisdom from ancient sacred texts.
• Interested in Controversial Issues: Clarify common questions surrounding the Gospel of Thomas.

This course is not for you if:

• You are already familiar with the Coptic language and Nag Hammadi literature.
• You are seeking a scholarly debate or a comprehensive review of all 114 Sayings.

Meet the Instructors:

Dr. Shirley Paulson: Founder of Early Christian Texts, Dr. Paulson brings extensive experience in studying early Christian texts and engaging with diverse religious perspectives. Her research focuses on extracanonical texts and their relevance to contemporary theology.

Dr. Hal Taussig: A retired professor and minister, Dr. Taussig specializes in New Testament studies and the Christic imagination of the first two centuries. His work challenges conventional Christian dogma and explores ancient Mediterranean practices.