Is there anyone here who can explain to me what the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary are about?
This is part of my first writing assignment in this class and I can't start on it until I understand these two writings. I've read both, but I'm so confused about what's going on.
Please let me know if anyone can help!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/12160/analysis_of_the_gospel_of_thomas.html
This will give some ideas on the
Gospel of Mary.
http://www.thenazareneway.com/
Thank you! I read both of the links you posted. The two pieces are still really difficult to understand, but since I have to pick one of the two, I think I'll write about the Gospel of Mary..
The first part says to write a summary of the gospel as I understand it , and include quotes...
Well, according to me, It starts off with Jesus talking with some of his followers and telling them about sins. He continues to tell his followers about the sin of adultery. After speaking for a while Jesus gets up and leaves, and the people are left confused (..?) Then comes Mary and they ask her about the words of the Savior. The rest of the story goes on with Mary explaining her talks with Jesus to the people. (Some of the pages are missing in the middle). Near the end two of the followers question Mary about whether these were truly the words of the Savior or not. Peter continues to ask, "Has the Savior spoken secretly to a woman and not openly so that we would all hear?" This shows their concern as to why the Savior would share all this with a woman and not his male followers. In the end Levi comes up and tells them that they shouldn't have doubts about the Savior, rather they should go out and convey his message.
how is this?..
I think you definitely have gotten the gist of the gospel.
Thank you! I will be posting my further writing for this assignment as I continue doing it, please keep checking them.
Thanks again!
I can definitely help you understand the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary. Let's start with the Gospel of Thomas.
The Gospel of Thomas is a noncanonical text, meaning it is not included in the New Testament of the Bible. It is a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus, rather than a narrative of his life. These sayings are often presented as short, enigmatic statements.
To comprehend the Gospel of Thomas better, I recommend following these steps:
1. Read the Gospel of Thomas multiple times: Since the sayings in this gospel are concise and mysterious, it is helpful to read them several times to grasp their meaning. Pay attention to the language used and the context in which each saying is presented.
2. Research commentaries and analyses: Various scholars have provided interpretations and explanations of the Gospel of Thomas. Reading commentaries or scholarly articles can help you gain insights and different perspectives on the sayings.
3. Analyze the structure and themes: Consider the structure of the Gospel of Thomas and the recurring themes it presents. Look for patterns and connections among the sayings that can aid in understanding their intended meanings.
4. Compare with canonical gospels: It can be beneficial to compare the sayings in the Gospel of Thomas with those found in the canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). This comparison can help you find similarities, differences, and potential influences between the two.
Moving on to the Gospel of Mary:
The Gospel of Mary is another noncanonical text that focuses on the role of Mary Magdalene. It is a fragmentary work and consists of only a few surviving pages, making interpretation challenging.
To comprehend the Gospel of Mary, consider the following steps:
1. Familiarize yourself with the context: The Gospel of Mary is an early Christian text that was likely written in the 2nd century. Understanding the historical and cultural context of the time can provide insights into the gospel's themes and purpose.
2. Read available translations: Due to the fragmentary nature of the Gospel of Mary, multiple translations exist. Read different translations to grasp the nuances and discrepancies within the text.
3. Seek scholarly analyses: Just like with the Gospel of Thomas, scholars have written commentaries and analyses of the Gospel of Mary. Reading these can provide valuable interpretations and help you understand the significance of the text.
4. Consider other relevant texts: Explore other early Christian writings that mention Mary Magdalene, such as the canonical gospels and Nag Hammadi Library texts. Comparing and contrasting these texts can shed light on the portrayal and role of Mary Magdalene in early Christianity.
Remember, reading, researching, and analyzing these texts multiple times will provide you with a deeper understanding. Good luck with your writing assignment!