Gospel of Thomas

Thank you Rev. Thompson for putting together such an enlightening course on the Gospel of Thomas.

Why such a collection of Jesus sayings would be kept a secret for so long is beyond me. I would be most interested in another course on the other hidden Gospels.

I thank you for Lesson 1 as I was not aware how the Gospel’s had been found. It has to be God’s direction that lead the two Arab peasants from Nag Hammadi to find the jar buried there. What a collection of articles they found that would lead to a study of the years following the crucifixion of Jesus.

I grew up studying the four synoptic gospels and this was a real awaking to read these collections of Jesus sayings’ and the authors reflection on each one. Rev. Thompson’s reflections on each saying opened my mind to many new thoughts on the Gospel writings.

In Lesson 15 we learn of the early years of Jesus in Egypt. I was unaware that bisexuality was the norm for men in that time. I did not know that older men would become teachers, mentors and lovers for boys. The idea that this was normal and the question arises why would we think Jesus would be any different made me really think about this. Over the centuries we have changed. Yes, I can see how the Gospels have been changed to our Jesus conform to our sexual standards of today.

If we would take the Gospels as written and preach the love of Jesus and get rid of all the man made rules of the Church we would be a better world. As we minister to people today everyone is on a different level in there spiritual journey and that respect must be given to each individual were they are today. I believe that Jesus taught acceptance and love for each person regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. It is our responsibility to help them along their journey not make rules for them to follow.

These lessons have given much food for thought in preparing Sunday messages and guiding people on their spiritual journey.

Once again a ULC Seminary course has provided me an opportunity to open mind to new ideas. Thank ULC Seminary for providing this course.

Rev. Don Eck

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