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==Non-canonical Gospels==
==Non-canonical Gospels==
In addition to the four [[synoptic]] or Canonical gospels, many other early texts claiming to record the accounts of Jesus's earthly ministry have survived. Most notable among these is the [[Gospel of Thomas]], which some scholars believe may be nearly as old as the Canonical gospels, and contains additional sayings and teachings. Recently, a [[Gospel of Judas]] surfaced, but this text is decidedly a later one, and its claim for any original authority is very slim. These Gospels are considered [[apocryphal]] by most modern Christian denominations, and therefore not authoritative texts, but they have stirred considerable interest among theologians and many lay believers in the nature of early Christian beliefs.
In addition to the four [[synoptic]] or Canonical gospels, many other early texts claiming to record the accounts of Jesus's earthly ministry have survived. Most notable among these is the [[Gospel of Thomas]], which some scholars believe may be nearly as old as the Canonical gospels, and contains additional sayings and teachings. Recently, a [[Gospel of Judas]] surfaced, but this text is decidedly a later one, and its claim for any original authority is very slim. These Gospels are considered [[apocryphal]] by most modern Christian denominations, and therefore not authoritative texts, but they have stirred considerable interest among theologians and many lay believers in the nature of early Christian beliefs.
==Criticisms of the Gospels==
It is important to read the gospels in their entirety (rather than the nicest morsels which are served up at Sunday school), and to meditate upon their inherent contradictions and inconsistencies, before forming any strong opinions about their trustworthiness. In all, they provide some interesting stories - some uplifting, and some really troubling - and of course the famous segments underpin much subsequent Western culture, but some would claim they must be taken - like the Bible and all other religious and political texts - as essentially fictitious, or at best propaganda.
[[Category:Bible]]
[[Category:Bible]]