The Essential Gnostic Gospels: Including the Gospel of Thomas & The Gospel of Mary

by Alan Jacobs (Editor), Barbara Thomas

The Gnostics were early Christians whose beliefs and practices put them at odds with the orthodox Church; indeed, the Church considered Gnostics to be heretics and made a concerted effort to destroy their writings. However, in 1945, a remarkable discovery was made in Nag Hamadi, in the Egyptian a jar containing 13 papyrus documents, dating back to the fourth century ad, with genuine Gnostic texts in the original Greek. In addition, this manuscript included four gospels that offered accounts of Jesus and His times that are strikingly different from the New Testament. Alan Jacobs brings his unrivalled scholarship to bear on these illuminating and eye-opening works, offering inspiring and poetic translations that capture the verses’ uplifting spiritual message and beauty.

Genres: Religion, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Theology, Spirituality, Christianity, History

244 pages, Hardcover

First published August 31, 2005

About the author

Alan Jacobs (Alan^^Jacobs) was born in 1929 in London. From an early age, he has been interested in religion and mysticism. He commenced a personal search for truth, and studied comparative religion. He then entered the Gurdjieff Society in 1957 and remained there until the early seventies. He then met Jiddu Krishnamurti, and studied his teachings until 1979.

Next, he discovered Ramana Maharshi and became familiar with his extensive literature and spiritual practice. He is currently President of the Ramana Maharshi Foundation, UK.

Alan's first book was 'Dutch And Flemish 17th C Painters: A Collectors Guide for McGraw Hill'. He then compiled an anthology, 'Poetry For The Spirit', published by Watkins Publishing and Barnes & Noble.

As a poet he has versified for O Books 'The Bhagavad Gita', 'The Principal Upanishads' and 'The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius', as well as compiling a major prose anthology, 'The Ocean Of Wisdom'. For Watkins Publishing, he edited 'Ramana, Shankara and the Forty Verses', versified 'The Essential Gnostic Gospels' and compiled an anthology, 'The Wisdom of Ramesh Balsekar'.

XLibris have published a volume of his own poetry, 'Myrobalan of The Magi', and a history of London from a spiritual perspective, 'Mysterious London'. He has recently completed an anthology, 'The Wisdom of the Native American Indians', 'Plato's Republic: An Abridgemnent and Modernisation' and 'When Jesus Lived In India', all for Watkins Publishing.

His latest book, published by O Books, is a Utopian novella exploring up-to-now undiscovered land of the legendry Emperor Prestor John, found in Ethiopia, founded on Gnostic principles: 'Eutopia: The Gnostic Land of Prestor John' describes their direct path to Self-realization.

Reviews

[Emma Sea]

This was not the book I was looking for. I wanted, I guess, something more academic: a commentary on the gnostic gospels. This is selections from the gnostic gospels (13 of 53), translated into "free verse form, paraphrased from the . . . literal prose translations" (p. v). In addition, "obscurities have been omitted." Jacobs argues that this "preserves the essential meaning," but the very point of the early Christian texts is that their meanings were layered within the words, designed to be searched for and unpicked.

These verses are interesting on their own because they give an insight into aspects of early Christian belief that were not wanted within mainstream Christian doctrine, such as the spiritual aspects of masculinity/femininity combined, but because this isn't what I hoped it would be I'm not rating it.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting selection of the Nag Hammadi collection that strays away from scholarship and instead leans on a poetic interpretation.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 1 out of 5]

First, I was looking for something text-critical and there are zero notes here on manuscripts, translation, context, et c.

Second, I was hoping for, well, the Gnostic gospels, but what I got instead was Jacobs riffing on the text in free verse. It's not based on original languages, either, but on "literal prose translations." Nothing on the book (title, subtitle, cover) indicates that this is a paraphrase of other translations of the Gnostic gospels. You have to read the foreword for that, where you learn that Jacobs omitted "obscurities and needless repetitions," yet "relied on [his] own practical knowledge of the mystical path" in his rendering. (v) So there's no guarantee that anything in this book accords with the Nag Hammadi findings. Ugh. Absolutely useless for me.

If translation is treason, I don't even know what to call paraphrasing a translation and passing it off as the real thing. Maybe it's the publisher's fault but I found this entire project disingenuous. Which, I guess, is completely on brand for ancient gnosticism.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, written in verse without footnotes or academic drivel, this was the translation of the Gnostics I was looking for. Someone looking for a more in-depth analysis should pick up "The Nag Hammadi Library," which is fantastic in its own rite. These translated texts read similarly to other religious texts such as the Tao Te Ching, etc. Remarkable and insightful regardless of its lack of canonization--a pleasant and uplifting reminder that men, not God, wrote the Bible.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this particular collection up in England. I love this translation of the classic gnostic gospels because it is poetic and ver well versed - and keeps the meening intact better than any other english translation. Very good book - and inspiring for the English Gnostic reader.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I try to embrace all truth (seeking learning out of the "best books"), and after reading this, I have to say...it's interesting and there has to be something to it. I didn't read anything that went counter to my religious beliefs, just pure teaching. Very interesting to know there are other writings out there that support and add truth to what is already canonized or ratified as scripture. The "conjecture" by contributing authors of course, included in this text is just that...but they are only kept from the truth because they "know not where to find it."

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly poetic and beautiful interpretation of Gnostic scriptures.

[Grazyna Nawrocka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book represents a different line of religious tradition, which is not familiar to me. It seems obvious now, that if Jesus talked even only to 12 different individuals, and spent some time on individual conversations, perceptions will vary. The language of Pearl story is almost funny to me, because I am used to Jesus or Peter using less embellished language. This does not mean that the story is not valid. From standpoint of person who is not interested in exploring mystic side of religion, the book was at times very profound, and at times it seemed like a raving of a lunatic. I'm glad I read it, but would not explore the ideas any further.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting sections here but mostly either strange, disjointed dialogues or scenes that are already related in the books included in the New Testament. I most enjoyed the Aphorisms of Sextus. Very pithy, relatable, and relevant advice for everyone. It is amazing that something written in the first century can still be so on point. Goes to show that humans are humans no matter where or when they are in history. There were several quotes that really struck a chord with me and I will try to keep them handy such as "Eloquence is a skill, but to keep silent is much more skillful." And with that, I will end this review.

[Janet Snakehole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can understand how this book is quite daunting and maybe even nonsensical to people who have been raised in the traditional Church. I think it would have been the same for me had I not read Richard Rohr's books 'The Divine Dance' and 'The Universal Christ' before picking this up. Rohr's explanation of spirituality, Christ, and Trinitarian faith really changed my perception on everything, and it makes interpreting these cryptic Gospels much easier. I would highly recommended this beautiful poetic text after some preliminary reading on Christian mysticism.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful rendition of a small collection from the Nag Hammadi discovery of 1943. Its masterfully written in a way only enabled by someone with finely tuned insight. A preliminary comparative religion course facilitated a deep dive into this ink’s well. It's not only been useful, but a joy. My mind's ear clearly hears the speakers’ precious words, and they've touched my soul. Thank-you Alan Jacobs for your efforts, your talent, and your choice to share.

[Jim Picken]

Glad I found this. I haven't finished because the library needed it back. It's for dipping into. Strange when compared with Biblical New Testament, but each of them is strange in its own way. Familiarity makes them seen less so. I need to get a copy of my own.

[Daniel Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great translation, but in terms of the content itself the majority of it was wishy washy nonsense - I'd recommend just reading a Wikipedia article for the headlines on the topic rather than the gnostic texts themselves.

[Michael Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

If reading the Bible has got you down...try these on for size. I found Jesus, YHWH, and Sarayu all throughout these pages...

[Brad Jenkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Does not strictly follow the actual text of the original fragmented documents. Way too much subjective interpretation on the translated text by the author.

[Coolguy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the translations are clunky and includes grammatically incorrect English. There are no citations or notes to indicate whether this was intentional to match the original writings or not.

[Amber Gilbert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't even finish it!

[Jan Notzon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this out of curiosity since an author I like very much mentioned it. I don't know if it was the translation or the text itself, but I can't say I was inspired. The only one I could make hide or hair of was The Gospel of Judas. I found that quite interesting. It very much redeems him. But then, who's is going to say s/he of h/herself that s/he was the greatest traitor in history?

[William Peace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was somewhat disappointed with this book. I know the New Testament reasonably well and I was hoping for some new insights, particularly about the relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus.
However, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, on which the theories of an intimate relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus are apparently based, makes such theories seem pretty far-fetched. This Gospel reports that Jesus 'loved her more than the rest of women', and that Jesus' other disciples were somewhat jealous. Nothing more than that.
The Gospel of Judas (written about 150 AD) is interesting in that it presents Judas not as a villainous traitor but as a pre-ordained instrument for Jesus' Passion. For me, there are elements of truth in both versions of Judas: traitor and essential instrument.
The Gospel Of Thomas makes familiar reading. Its style and content are familiar and reminiscent of the Gospels of the New Testament.
Alan Jacobs has done an excellent job translating these Gospels into free verse. They read easily, but they are often mysterious and opaque, as I'm sure they were in the original Coptic language.

[Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacobs' edition of the Gnostic Gospels is the perfect size and companion to a progressive spiritual life. I used the book while teaching a class on books "banned" from the Bible, and found myself buying a half-dozen or more of these books after the fact, in the event they became hard to come by.

There are headier editions to be sure, and certainly more complete ones. But if a quick and handy read of the Gospel of Truth, the Gospel of Mary, etcetera is all you're really after, this edition is hard to beat. A balanced introduction accompanies the text.

Much appreciated.

[Cher · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to tell why these books were excised from the bible. Many of them are missing huge portions, thanks to Constantine or who knows who or why. It's still fascinating to read "contemporary" reactions to the figure of Jesus Christ. Witness the differing opinions that Jesus was a god to be worshipped or just a prophet meant to deliver an important message from god regarding how to live with one another and know godself.

[Tina Cunningham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no previous experience with Gnostic writing. I found this book to be obtuse and so vague as to be inscrutable. It certainly didn't unlock any mysteries or shed new light. The modern translation is jarring at times, and I doubt some of the language and terms were in use at the time of writing. I actually purchased this book and will donate it to the public library.

[Skyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

So grateful for these books that may actually be speaking about the man Jesus, the mystic. Brings him to life as a human contemporary of the writer, maybe. Gives me hope that the heart of the biblical gospels have at least some kernel of truth within them.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

kind of cryptic, in poetic form...isn't really coherent.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

True sounds of liberty.

[Corey]

this i plan to read along side 'the other bible.' To give a different perspectives on the difference in interpretation and rewriting of the gnostic scriptures.

[Kirsten]

THis is a hard book to read! I think I need to read it out loud to really "get it"

[Ryan]

I've flipped through this one at the library but never actually picked it up. from what I could gather, it looks quite interesting

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as I expected. It was more gnostic and philosophical, than religious about Jesus.

[Duncan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Font waste your time reading this !!