Why the Gospel of Thomas Remains Controversial- Reasons for Its Non-Acceptance in Christian Canon
Why is the Gospel of Thomas not accepted?
The Gospel of Thomas, a non-canonical Gospel discovered in 1945, has long been a subject of debate and controversy among scholars and religious leaders. Despite its unique content and early Christian origins, it remains largely ignored by mainstream Christian denominations. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the rejection of the Gospel of Thomas by the Christian establishment.
Firstly, the Gospel of Thomas presents a different portrayal of Jesus compared to the canonical Gospels. While the traditional Gospels emphasize Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the divine savior, the Gospel of Thomas portrays Jesus as a teacher and a revolutionary figure. This alternative view challenges the traditional Christian understanding of Jesus, leading to skepticism among many believers.
Secondly, the Gospel of Thomas contains sayings that contradict the teachings and doctrines found in the canonical Gospels. For instance, it includes a saying where Jesus claims, “My mother gave me life, but I say, who is my mother? And my brothers are those who hear the word of the father and do it.” This statement, among others, raises questions about the divinity of Jesus and the role of the Trinity, which are central to mainstream Christian theology.
Moreover, the Gospel of Thomas lacks a narrative structure and is primarily a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus. This lack of a coherent narrative makes it difficult for many scholars and religious leaders to accept it as a genuine Gospel. They argue that the canonical Gospels, with their well-structured narratives, are more reliable and historically accurate.
Another reason for the rejection of the Gospel of Thomas is its late dating. Although the text was discovered in a Coptic manuscript, some scholars argue that it was written as late as the second century AD. This dating is problematic for many Christians, as it suggests that the Gospel of Thomas was not part of the early Christian tradition.
Furthermore, the Gospel of Thomas was not included in the early Christian canon, which was established by ecumenical councils in the fourth century. The exclusion of the Gospel of Thomas from the canonical Gospels was due to its perceived heretical content and its deviation from the traditional Christian doctrine.
In conclusion, the Gospel of Thomas is not accepted by the Christian establishment for several reasons. Its alternative portrayal of Jesus, contradictions with canonical teachings, lack of narrative structure, late dating, and exclusion from the early Christian canon all contribute to its rejection. However, despite its controversial status, the Gospel of Thomas remains a valuable source for understanding the diverse expressions of early Christian thought and continues to spark scholarly interest and debate.
