Civilization #24 - Resurrecting the Gnostic Jesus

The Gospel of Thomas is a non-canonical gospel, meaning it's not included in the Bible. It's a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus, differing significantly in style and content from the canonical gospels. It's considered Gnostic in origin, emphasizing secret knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. Scholars debate its historical accuracy and relationship to the canonical gospels. Its unique perspective offers insights into early Christian thought and diversity. The Gospel of Thomas's focus on spiritual understanding rather than historical narrative sets it apart from the canonical texts.

The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism. It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages. The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread. The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles.

The Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh, is a canonical collection of Hebrew scriptures divided into three main sections: the Torah (or Pentateuch), the Nevi'im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). It contains 24 books and was written primarily in Hebrew, with some passages in Aramaic. The texts narrate the history and traditions of the Jewish people, including the creation of the world, the genealogy and history of the Israelites, and their relationship with God. The Hebrew Bible is central to both Judaism and Christianity, providing the foundational texts for these religions.

The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector.

The Gospel of Mark is the earliest of the four Gospels and provides a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes Jesus' role as both the powerful Messiah and the vulnerable suffering servant. The narrative highlights key themes such as the Kingdom of God, the messianic secret, and Jesus' mission to suffer and die for the redemption of others. The Gospel is set against the backdrop of Jewish apocalyptic expectations and the socio-political landscape of 1st-century Judea, serving as a theological treatise and a pastoral response to a community in crisis.