The Gospel of Thomas is a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus Christ that is believed to have been written in the 2nd century. It is a non-canonical text, meaning that it is not included in the traditional biblical canon. However, it has gained popularity in recent years as an important source for understanding the philosophy of Jesus and his teachings.
The Gospel of Thomas is often seen as a window into the early days of Christianity, before it became a structured and organised religion. It is believed that the text was used as a source of spiritual guidance for early Christian communities. Its philosophy is centred around the idea of inner enlightenment and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Unlike the traditional gospels, which focus on the life and teachings of Jesus, the Gospel of Thomas is a collection of sayings that are attributed directly to Jesus himself.
One of the key themes of the Gospel of Thomas is the importance of self-discovery and inner reflection. The text emphasises the idea that the kingdom of God is within each individual and can be found through self-awareness and self-knowledge. This idea is reflected in saying 3, where Jesus states, ‘If those who lead you say to you, ‘See, the kingdom is in the sky,’ then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, ‘It is in the sea,’ then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you and it is outside of you.’
This philosophy is in contrast to the traditional Christian belief that salvation comes from following certain rules and rituals. The Gospel of Thomas teaches that true salvation comes from understanding oneself and connecting with the divine within.
Another important aspect of the philosophy of the Gospel of Thomas is the concept of duality. This is seen in sayings such as, ‘When you make the two one, and when you make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside, and the above like the below, and when you make the male and the female one and the same, so that the male not be male nor the female female…’ This saying highlights the idea that there is no separation between the physical and spiritual realms, and that they are ultimately one and the same.
The Gospel of Thomas also emphasises the importance of seeking and questioning in order to gain understanding. In saying 2, Jesus states, ‘Let one who seeks not stop seeking until one finds. When one finds, one will be troubled. When one becomes troubled, one will be amazed, and will rule over all.’ This suggests that the journey of seeking knowledge and understanding is a lifelong process, and that it may lead to moments of confusion and amazement.
The Gospel of Thomas also promotes the idea of individual responsibility for one’s own spiritual growth. In saying 70, Jesus says, ‘If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you. If you do not have that within you, what you do not have within you will kill you.’ This saying highlights the importance of personal effort and inner work in achieving enlightenment.
Overall, the philosophy of the Gospel of Thomas can be summed up as an emphasis on self-discovery, inner reflection, and seeking knowledge and understanding. It teaches that the kingdom of God is within each individual and that salvation comes from understanding oneself and connecting with the divine within. This text offers a unique perspective on the teachings of Jesus and provides valuable insights into the early days of Christianity. Whether one sees it as a legitimate source of spiritual guidance or simply a historical artifact, the philosophy of the Gospel of Thomas offers a thought-provoking and enlightening perspective on the teachings of Jesus.
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