The Gospel of Mary

[Gregory Matthews]

In a previous thread (Trivia Question--Religious) I have mentioned one of the books that did not make it into the canon of Scripture (The Gospel of  the Hebrews).

The Gospel of Mary is another interesting book that did not make it.  It exists in three (3) fragmentary MSS.   Two (2) of these are written in   Greek.  The longest fragment is written in Coptic (an ancient form of Egyptian). 

The  thesis here is that Jesus gave Mary Magdalene some spiritual instruction that he did not give to t he other disciples.  After Jesus returned to heaven, Mary assumed a leadership role in which she communicated to the disciples the truths that Jesus had taught her. 

As she did this, the disciples Andrew and Peter began to oppose her, which if the Coptic version is accurate, was due in part to their belief that Jesus would never have used a woman in the spiritual role that Mary was taking.

NOTE:  The Coptic version is a bit stronger in this respect than is the Greek.

My point in posting this is not to consider the theology that this book presents.  Rather it is to point out that the issues that divide us today may also have divided people in earlier times.  Just as we argue about the role of women in spiritual nuture, so also did people in earlier times.

Here is a quote form that book in which Peter responds:

The following comes from Chapter 10: 4 & 5.   

NOTE:   In order to make the quote more readable, I have edited it to include removing  formatting marks.

Quote

. . . Peter said, "Has the Savior spoken secretly to a woman and not openly so that we  would all hear?  Surely he did not wish to indicate that she is more worthy than we are?

 

[Gregory Matthews]

One of the interesting teachings that I find in this book is the following, which comes from Chapter 4: 8 & 9.

Does anyone think that the following might be of value today?    

Go then and preach the good news of the domain.  Do not lay down any rule beyond what I ordained for you,  nor promulgate law like the lawgiver, or else it will dominate you."

 

[Gustave]

The Gnostic teachings are definitely odd. The following one comes from the Gospel of Thomas which has Simon Peter saying:

"Let Mary leave us, for women are not worthy of life." 

Supposedly Jesus then says:

"I myself shall lead her in order to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males.  For every woman who will make herself male will enter the kingdom of heaven."

While this may have gained traction in the female militant homosexual community at the time, the Church, led by the Holy Spirit, identified such 'gospels' as OTHER than Sacred Scripture.

 

[Gregory Matthews]

Yes, clearly very odd teachings in some of the works.

I find the so-called infancy gospels interesting.  These allege to  report  the story of Jesus life as a young child.  In multiple stories they present the young Christ  as bringing pain and suffering on those who irritated him, or using his powers in other ways.

[Gustave]

2 minutes ago, Gregory Matthews said:

Yes, clearly very odd teachings in some of the works.

I find the so-called infancy gospels interesting.  These allege to  report  the story of Jesus life as a young child.  In multiple stories they present the young Christ  as bringing pain and suffering on those who irritated him, or using his powers in other ways.

Yes, very odd teachings - the book of Enoch is mild compared to the infancy gospels and frankly many of the gnostic books.

[Gregory Matthews]

Agree.

[B/W Photodude]

On 2/25/2017 at 0:08 PM, Gustave said:

The Gnostic teachings are definitely odd.

 

Here is another odd one from the Gospel of Thomas:

(37) His disciples said, "When will you be shown forth to us and when shall we
behold you?" Jesus said, "When you strip naked without being ashamed, and take
your garments and put them under your feet like little children and tread upon
them, then [you] will see the child of the living. And you will not be afraid."

Bet we won't see that one happen at church anytime soon!

There were a lot of writings that were developed during the inter-testamental age, the pre-dark ages, dark ages, and even early into the reformation that one needs to be careful in reading. Sure, many of them have valid historical information and good writings, but better left out of Scripture. It seems that the Bible as held by the Protestants is just about right for length of content. Another problem is that some books listed in Scripture that seem to have been found such as the book of Jasher are considered by many as forgeries. There are at least two versions of the book of Jasher. Makes for fascinating reading, but is it factually accurate?