The Secret Teachings of Jesus: Four Gnostic Gospels Paperback – May 12, 1986

I like this book and require students to read various sections in my New Testament class. Although it is not cannonical, it does give some interesting views of gnostic teachings outside of the early church. It is a great connect when talking about Paul's letters and his warnings against false teachings and false doctrine.

I love this book as it has truly expanded bible study taking it to the next level. My only problem is that Marvin Meyer refers to Jesus as the "Child of Humanity" (his decision given the author's notes) instead of the more correct "SON OF MAN" as it is in Scripture. This makes it suspect that what else has he taken license with that might clarify instead of confuse?either way, if you are willing to get past these things and really press on with open mind, these books offer amazing insight in to how Jesus spoke at a much higher level to His disciples when in private and after His Ascension.

I decided to read the Gnostic Gospels based on the fact that the Catholic Church and the Pope in place, at the time, were the ones that removed them (i.e, The Gospel of Thomas). I have alwys known about these Gospels, but in all honestly I was happy to just read what the internet had to say. I thought all the missing Gospels would be included in this book, but was dissappointed to find out there were only 4 Gnostic Gospels included and I am still missing much more information. But this was a good starter for me.Some of them are hard to understand because it is basically some of Jesus' sayings, without any more elaboration. I am aware that I will need to read and re-read this book and some others. But I consider it all worthy after all. Knowledge always requires an effort.

Other than the writings of early Christians, there are no historical accounts of the life of Jesus. The Romans never wrote of him, never even documented his crucifixion. He would not exist in our present era if not for his early followers writing of him. When the New Testament of the Bible was created some 350 years after the crucifixion, some of these writings were excluded and hidden away by the Vatican, though written by followers of Jesus who are just as credible as those who wrote the books that made it into the Bible. When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, this history could no longer remain hidden. For the most part the reading is a little dry, but for providing a fuller picture of the life of Jesus and what the early Christian Church (pre-Vatican) must have preached, it's an important read.

Enjoying the book was as expected

These four Gospels compliment this topic perfectly. The author Marvin Meyer is among the most respected authors I have ever read on this topic. It is very enjoyable, very thorough, and very precise. I highly recommend this to anyone studying Christianity of any form.

For years only theologians knew much about these books from the Gnostics. Now they are available to everyone, openly and readily. Because of their historical and religious significance, they are important additions to the literature. They give a view of Jesus that many of us never get to hear.

Am reading it right now and enjoying every bit of it. It's a great addition to the gospels and gives a more intense look at what Jesus could say to his disciples when they were alone.