The Early Christian Writers site includes most of the New Testament Apocrypha (pseudegriphal works that Eusebius would have called "really spurious") and the works of the men who came to be called the Apostolic Fathers (books accepted by the church as orthodox in doctrince, though not authoritative).Please choose either one of the Apocryphal books or the Apostolic Fathers (the first nine on the link here). What is your evaluation of this book? Is it a book to die for? Does it seem to you useful and/or interesting? Or is it a book you wouldn't mind seeing burned by government officials? Why?
12 comments:
For myself, I particularly like the Apostolic Father Polycarp. While reading Polycarp to the Philippians, it became quite apparent what his message was and one passage easily encapsulates his message: Stand fast therefore in these things and follow the example of the Lord, being firm in the faith and immovable, in love of the brotherhood kindly affectioned one to another, partners with the truth, forestalling one another in the gentleness of the Lord, despising no man (Polycarp 10:1).
Polycarp’s message, although traditional, resonates strongly to the audience he is writing to, and as a whole, the book outlines a list of do’s and don’ts, which the author uses to describe how to live a successful and happy life. I thought Polycarp definitely echoed some of I Peter’s teachings.
I chose the Gospel of Infancy Thomas.
I think this book is terrible and does not belong anywhere near the other canonical books. Right away you read things that he claims to have known Jesus do, but would be completely opposite of what Jesus is and what he did. We know Jesus was without sin, yet the author is trying to tell us that Jesus was a little kid with a bad temper and misused his power all the time. Like the child who bumped into his shoulder so Jesus killed him. Or the boy who drained Jesus' water so Jesus made him wither. Later he says that Jesus claimed to be making fun of teachers of the law as a child.
All of these things are completely false and show Jesus in a light that is opposite of who he truly was. This is one book that I would not eve consider dying for.
John Rawerts
I chose the Gospel of the Egyptians.
What I got from this is that the Gospel of the Egyptians is that it is trying to have the same type of appealing text that the letter to the Corinthians had, and the same overall appealing text that the rest of the letters had. What I surmised that this Gospel was about is that The Gospel wanted to people to return to a primordial type of living. It was going to be the same as how Adam and Eve lived. The Gospel also endorses sexual asceticism or a sexual life style.
Joe Adam
I chose The Gospel According to Mary.
In it Jesus is quoted as saying: "That is why you become sick and die, for you are deprived of the one who can heal you."
Since everyone eventually does die, wouldn't this mean that we are all deprived of God, assuming that he is the one that can heal us.
This is completely different than what the other Gospels tell us, which is that God is always with us and that we are NOT deprived of him.
Jon Adam
In Apocrypha: the Gospel of Thomas, I have a feeling this is one of the many books that mention Jesus's life after his resurrection.
In this book, Jesus takes more time to speak with his disciples and tell them about when they will preach the Gospel to other regions of the world.
I think this book has significance; this is one of the many books that speak of Jesus's disciples, and also of the first martyrs of the Christian Church. If strength in faith is something that will help preach Jesus's message, why were these books eliminated?
I looked at the gospel of Mary too. I thought that the book did have some interesting passages and added some relevant things. It however, did not stay consistent with the Bible and seemed to take on other religions aspects. It tried to show the importance that woman played in the early church. It makes Mary to be preferred by Jesus. I do not think that it was not included because of the close association between Mary and Jesus. It was removed because the message contradicts some traditional church beliefs.
I looked at the gospel of Mary.
I think these have some really good points about them. Expecially if you are a women and reading this. Speaks alot to that audience that was not really addressed in this way in the other books of the Bible.
Would i give my life for this book or others like it? Probably not. I think these books are good just like reading a book like "Four Agreements" or "Jesus Style." They teach great lessons and give us insite upon issues that are def. important, but not comparable to the Bible.
I read the Gospel of Mary. It was very interesting, although much of the text has been lost. We only have portions of it. Some of the text seems as though it would fit right in with the teachings in the bible. Other parts of it seem more like getting in tune with nature, philosophy and your inner self. It is also controversial because it is written by a woman. Peter even says, why would Jesus come to you in a vision and tell you these things, why not us, his disciples. Mary says that she can't help it that she is shown these things. Also, there is controversy now, because of the Da Vinci Code and some people's belief that Mary Magdalene and Jesus had children together.
Polycarp to the Philippians was the book I chose to read.
It was small in length and sounded like more of televised church service when it was read. The words are easily read and flow together real good. He makes a few points that go against the teaching we know as Christianity. I believe it has a very “Catholic” charm to it.
Could we live without this book? Yes! It is just a perspective of another believer. This was a time that the printed word was rated highly and for this gentleman to write a letter of this kind he must have been of a higher nature. Just because you don’t believe of somebody elses beliefs doesn’t mean that is should not stay in print.
To getting burnt, I wouldn’t want that because someday or one day it unlock a secret that has been hidden for years.
Sam Merkel
What stood out for me was Polycarp and his message. In the story he gives a list of do's and dont's which shows how to live a happy and a successful life. To me I think that Polycarp does follow some of Peter's teachings.
I read the Apotolic Fater Polycarp, and I thought that he sends good messages in his preachings. Like Jade said, he is very traditional. I like that, it is good to be simple and tell people to follow the Lord as your example. I think that he is saying that if you follow the Lord that you will have stronger relationships and be happy with life.
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