There seems to be a lot of interest in what are known as the “Gnostic Gospels.” People are drawn to these mysterious books that never made it into the New Testament. One of the most well known authors in this area is Elaine Pagels.
Beyond Belief is supposedly focused on the Gospel of Thomas. Although Pagels does deal with Thomas, it is far from a study just in that text. Pagels spends just as much tie in other Gnostic writings.
I was not really impressed with this book. Considering her education and the school she teaches at, it did not feel very scholarly. I understand that it was meant for a popular audience but there were all sorts of problems.
Pagels argues for the same kind of conspiracy theories as people like Bart Ehrman. She suggests that early on that the Gnostic writings were just as accepted until what became orthodox took over. That is not the case.
She also brings out the tired argument that Constantine decided the canon of the New Testament. She should know better than that.
Ultimately Beyond Belief is not about the Gospel of Thomas, Gnosticism or early Christianity. It is about Pagels’ own journey beyond belief. Rejecting orthodox Christianity for a variety of reasons, she is attracted to an alternate reading of Jesus that is not based on doctrine.
Pagels is welcome to share this journey and I respect her beliefs, but I disagree with her account of the early church.
Point of interest: Elaine Pagels appeared in the documentary that was based on my book Unmasking the Pagan Christ and she was even on our side!
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