Fascinating......
I found this book/gospel to be fascinating. I can't say much about this particular translation as it compares to others (as its the only one I've read) -- only that I found it worthwhile.
Mildly Ripped Off
This book is a rip-off. The actual Gospel of Thomas could have fit into a 10 page manuscript, but was instead chopped into little sentences in order for this publisher to rake in the dough. The gospel itself is interesting but the commentary is only sparsely enlightening. It helps to have some context for a few of the more esoteric of Jesus' sayings. But the author's notes are often overly simplistic, and their tone is pedantic. I felt talked down to as an informed reader. Don't waster your $17. Find the gospels online and let them do the talking.
idiosyncratic interpretations
I confess I was somewhat disappointed in this book. At times, I struggled to get through it. I mean I considered putting it down and not wasting any more time on it. I did finish the book, and I did get some things out of it. There are perspectives presented that are new to me, things I'll check out and consider. I'll give it three stars for that.
Overall, though, I didn't enjoy it so much. I like the Gospel of Thomas. I simply felt that Davies' interpretations were often idiosyncratic and more likely his private interpretations than what the author sought to communicate or what you need to know to find immortality.
A couple of major disagreements I have with his commentary... First, I think he goes overboard in criticizing the other disciples besides Thomas, as well as everything canonical, orthodox, or even gnostic, that doesn't agree with his own notion of "Thomasian" Christianity. At one point, he actually calls the other disciples Jesus' enemies.
Second, he's really into the "salvation by works" theory. He rejects the notion of salvation by grace. His idea of "works" is not things like fasting and giving alms, but the study and interpretation of these sayings. He seems to have this theory that if you can crack the meaning of these sayings, you'll gain immortality. Wow.
Me, I kind of figure that both eternal life and the wisdom to understand the sayings of this gospel come by way of grace.
I've read the Gospel of Thomas more than a few times. I seem to be making some progress in understanding some of its sayings. Well, I like to think so. My interpretations often differ with the ones presented in this book.
I guess I benefit from exposure to the views of someone else. Even if I never come to accept his views exactly, I may gain something from his sharing of perspectives. That's good. I just don't think a newcomer to the Gospel of Thomas should be excessively swayed by the notion that this author's interpretation is the only one worth considering. I guess I'm glad I puzzled over the sayings by myself for awhile before reading a book like this.
Excellent information
There is information regarding the life and times of Jesus not in the conical christian bible, this is one of them and a must read for anyone seekig further information.
Not such a great interpretation of a Great Gospel
A great collection of sayngs from presumably during the time of Jesus. Its heartening to know after reading this and the Gospel of Mary and Judas that there was a greater truth revealed by Jesus than what the Church wants us to believe!!
Stevan L. Davies has done a wonderful job in trying to be very objective in his interpretation of the Gospel of St. Thomas and therefore this book lacks the spiritual intensity required in interpreting such great texts especially when I compare it to the Gospel of Mary Magdalene by Jean-Yves Leloup. I found many interpretations lacking depth and were purely literal translations. For example Saying 56 and 80 can be interpreted to mean that whoever has realized God would find that the material world is but just a corpse and not worthy of him. There are many others such as this.
The forward by Andrew Harvey is, as some others have commented, bombastic and clearly off mark from the central theme of the Gospel.
A great Gospel and highly recommended for the spiritually inclined and critically minded!!
(18 reviews)
