#38 The Dangerous Rise Of Fake Christianity

The Gospel of Mary is a Gnostic text discovered in 1896 in a fifth-century papyrus codex written in Sahidic Coptic. The text is incomplete, missing several pages, but it provides a unique insight into early Christian controversies and the role of women in early Christianity. It features Mary Magdalene as a key figure who receives special teachings from Jesus through visions. The narrative includes discussions on the nature of matter, sin, and the soul's journey to its final rest. The text challenges orthodox views by presenting Mary as a legitimate leader and teacher among the disciples, despite opposition from Peter and Andrew. It emphasizes inner spiritual knowledge and critiques the suffering and death of Jesus as the path to eternal life, instead focusing on detachment from the physical world and the attainment of inner tranquility.

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.