The Gospel of Thomas: Origins, Omissions, and Ontological Implications

Introduction

The Gospel of Thomas, a collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus Christ, has been a subject of intrigue, debate, and contention among scholars, theologians, and religious leaders since its discovery in Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945. Unlike the canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which are narrative in structure, the Gospel of Thomas is a “sayings gospel,” without a storyline. Its unique character and the theological differences it presents when compared to the Roman Catholic version have led to its exclusion from the canonized New Testament. This thesis aims to explore the origins of the Gospel of Thomas, its exclusion from the canonical texts, and the theological and metaphysical divergences it offers.

Origins of the Gospel of Thomas

The Gospel of Thomas is believed to have been written in the early-to-mid 2nd century AD, although some scholars argue for an earlier date, placing it in the mid-to-late 1st century. The text itself claims to be the secret sayings that Jesus shared with Thomas, one of his twelve apostles. It was discovered among a trove of ancient documents, now known as the Nag Hammadi library, and was written in Coptic, although it is generally agreed that the original was likely in Greek.

Exclusion from the New Testament Canon

The formation of the New Testament canon was a complex process that took several centuries. A variety of factors, including theological coherence, apostolic origin, and widespread usage among early Christian communities, influenced the inclusion or exclusion of texts. The Gospel of Thomas failed to meet these criteria for several reasons:

1. Theological Coherence: The Gospel of Thomas presents a “Gnostic” view of salvation, emphasizing knowledge (gnosis) as the path to enlightenment and unity with the divine. This stands in contrast to the Roman Catholic view, which stresses faith, grace, and sacraments as the means to salvation.
2. Apostolic Origin: Although attributed to Thomas, the text’s late dating and Gnostic leanings led early Church Fathers to question its apostolic origins.
3. Community Usage: The Gospel of Thomas was not as widely used in liturgy or instruction as the canonical Gospels, making it less influential in shaping early Christian doctrine.

Theological and Metaphysical Differences

The Gospel of Thomas diverges significantly from the Roman Catholic understanding of theology and metaphysics.

1. Nature of Jesus: While the canonical Gospels portray Jesus as the Son of God and the savior of humanity, the Gospel of Thomas emphasizes Jesus as a teacher of wisdom.
2. Salvation: In Roman Catholicism, salvation is a communal experience tied to the Church’s sacraments. In contrast, Thomas promotes an individualistic, introspective path to salvation through self-knowledge.
3. Cosmology: The text also offers a different cosmological view, dismissing the material world as illusory and emphasizing the eternal realm of the spirit, a view more aligned with Platonic and Gnostic thought.

Reintroduction to Christianity

The discovery of the Gospel of Thomas in the 20th century rekindled interest in Gnostic teachings and offered an alternative perspective on Jesus’ teachings. It has been subject to numerous translations and interpretations and has found a place in modern Christian thought, albeit outside the traditional canon.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Thomas offers a unique lens through which to view early Christian thought and Jesus’ teachings. Its exclusion from the New Testament canon highlights the complexities involved in forming a unified set of religious texts. While its theological and metaphysical perspectives diverge from traditional Roman Catholic views, its rediscovery has enriched our understanding of early Christianity and the multifaceted nature of religious belief. Its teachings continue to captivate scholars and spiritual seekers alike, making it an enduring subject of study and contemplation.