The Gospel of Thomas: New Perspectives on Jesus' Message

Pagels, Elaine H.

ISBN 10: 1591794129 ISBN 13: 9781591794127

Publisher: Sounds True, 2006

Synopsis

Millions of readers have turned to Elaine Pagels for her clear and insightful books about the Gnostic Gospels, the teachings of Jesus that have been lost for centuries. Sounds True is proud to present the first widely available audio recording of this extraordinary scholar as she explores the text that has changed the way many of us think about the message of Christ: The Gospel of Thomas. The stunning archaeological discovery of these lost scriptures of early Christianity in 1945 has revealed exciting new dimensions to the wisdom passed on from Jesus to his disciples. In her analysis of this revived gospel, Dr. Pagels reveals that Thomas was not a doubter of Christ rather, his thoughtful inquiries reflected and brought out the deepest truths that Jesus had to offer. Thomas' account depicts a Jesus who taught us that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a separate realm, but a state of divinity that we all can reach. He is even called the twin of Jesus a metaphor for the possibility that all of us can achieve the same state of divine grace embodied by Jesus. Elaine Pagels has riveted readers and audiences everywhere with her clear and provocative explorations of the testaments of early Christianity. The Gospel of Thomas gives listeners a first opportunity to join her in charting a wider horizon of Christian spirituality.

About this title

About the Author:

Elaine Pagels, Ph.D. is an acclaimed Christian scholar, lecturer, Professor of Religion at Princeton University in New Jersey, and author of The Gnostic Gospels (Vintage, 1989) and the Pulitzer-nominated Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas (Random House, 2003).

From AudioFile:

The recently discovered GOSPEL OF THOMAS was edited out of the New Testament. The lecture recorded here is a fascinating primer on the uniqueness of Thomas's account, its revelations about Mary Magdalene and Christianity's place among religions of the time, and the ways Thomas's message of personal development threatened Christianity's early leaders. The highly respected author and college professor is passionate about her subject in these extemporaneous talks, but the thin and uneven recordings of the live lectures conspire to make her sound more fragile than urgent. Only the depth and breadth of her insights overcome this weakness to make this an essential audio lesson. T.W. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Sounds True
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1591794129
• ISBN 13: 9781591794127
• Binding: Audio CD