The Gospels That Could Have Changed Christianity Forever
Christianity, as it is widely known today, is largely shaped by the canonical texts of the New Testament: the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. However, numerous other gospels were composed during the early years of Christianity, some of which presented markedly different teachings and perspectives on Jesus and his message. These non-canonical gospels, often referred to as apocryphal gospels, have the potential to provide profound insights and alternate understandings of early Christian beliefs. Had they been included in the New Testament, Christianity might be quite different from what it is now.
The Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Thomas, discovered in 1945 among the Nag Hammadi library in Egypt, is a collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus. Unlike the canonical gospels, it lacks a narrative framework of Jesus' life and focuses instead on his words. Many scholars believe it reflects a form of early Christianity that emphasized direct, personal understanding of Jesus' teachings, rather than relying on established church doctrines.
"Jesus said, 'If those who lead you say to you, "See, the kingdom is in the sky," then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, "It is in the sea," then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you.'" (Gospel of Thomas, Saying 3)
This passage from the Gospel of Thomas highlights the inward, mystical nature of the gospel’s message, suggesting that the divine is accessible directly within the individual. If the Gospel of Thomas had been canonized, Christian doctrine might have evolved to focus more on personal spiritual experience rather than the communal and hierarchical structures that became dominant.
The Gospel of Mary
The Gospel of Mary, another text unearthed from the sands of Egypt, is noteworthy for its depiction of Mary Magdalene as a prominent disciple who receives special revelations from Jesus. In this gospel, Mary imparts wisdom and knowledge to the other apostles, who at times are skeptical of her leadership.
"Peter said to Mary, 'Sister, we know that the Savior loved you more than the rest of woman.' Mary answered and said, 'What is hidden from you I will proclaim to you.'" (Gospel of Mary, 10:2-3)
If the Gospel of Mary had been included in the New Testament, it could have significantly altered the role of women in Christianity. This text suggests an early Christian community where women could hold authoritative, revelatory positions. The inclusion of such a perspective might have encouraged a more egalitarian church structure, offering a powerful contrast to the predominantly male leadership that characterized much of Christian history.
The Gospel of Judas
Discovered in the 1970s and brought to public attention in 2006, the Gospel of Judas presents a radical reinterpretation of the relationship between Jesus and Judas Iscariot. Rather than portraying Judas as a betrayer, this gospel depicts him as Jesus’ most trusted disciple, who was asked by Jesus to betray him in order to fulfill divine prophecy.
"Jesus said to Judas, 'You will exceed all of them. For you will sacrifice the man that clothes me.'" (Gospel of Judas, 56:19-21)
The Gospel of Judas challenges traditional views of good and evil within Christian theology. By presenting Judas' actions as part of a divine plan rather than as an act of treachery, this gospel invites a reevaluation of themes such as obedience, sacrifice, and the nature of redemption. Its inclusion in the New Testament might have led to a more nuanced understanding of these concepts within Christian teachings.
Conclusion
The gospels that were left out of the New Testament canon—such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and the Gospel of Judas—offer intriguing alternate visions of Jesus' teachings and the early Christian community. Each of these texts emphasizes different aspects of faith, spirituality, and leadership that, had they been included in the canonical scriptures, could have profoundly influenced the development of Christian doctrine and practice. Exploring these apocryphal texts invites us to reconsider the rich and varied tapestry of early Christian thought and the many potential paths Christianity might have taken.
