Rating: 
Summary: It's an okay book
Review: This book presents new translations of four early Christian Gnostic texts, which are the Secret Book of James, the Gospel of Thomas, the Book of Thomas, and the Secret Book of John. This is a small book of 129 pages. The Gnostic texts are presented in the front of the book without accompanying explanations. The Notes are listed in the back of the book. These consist of cryptic commentary tightly spaced. This book would have been a more successful read if the commentary was included with each of the gospels. The title is misleading although several of the Gnostic Gospels use the terminology /secret teachings/. You will not find anything secret inside this book. If you are seeking a quick read of Gnostic material, you might consider this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Gospel of Thomas
Review: This is in response to anyone who might think it's a bad idea to give any credence to the Gnostic Gospels or any text arising out of the early centuries during the start of the Christian church and the man they call Jesus. I've spent many a good year pondering over various sections of the bible trying to figure out how to make it all make sense and please everybody in every church at the same time. And I found out I had so much to wake up to. Further, my life basically drifted farther and farther from anything sensible. And all because I was conditioned to believe that in order to serve God I had to make everyone else happy. Well, to make a long story short, I would be in time, most fortunate to find out (or come to believe) that God is just not like that. That the last thing he wants for me is to think I got to make everyone else happy in order for God to be happy with me, or to simply to be loved. As for those religious zealots who feel that they have something to prove or on the other hand nothing to prove, I won't be wasting my time arguing. But I have found this to be true, that the very same book you quote tells me the first rule of knowledge is to "acquire knowledge" and "with all your acquiring, obtain understanding". Well, as a result of that, un-biased, directive, I can safely say that the study of history of the time reveals that the bible, especially the new testament, may not be as bullet proof as we have been led to believe. As a matter of fact, when we study the events that led up to its formation we find that indeed; the book was formed on the complete and unconditional directive of the Roman Emperor! And being Emperor, we have reason to believe he was much more interested in the Bibles ability to keep an empire together than the salvation of lost souls or a relationship with God. Now then, when was the last time you heard that preached from the pulpit? Now I'm not attacking the proclaimed "word of God" but let me tell you, how refreshing it is to be set free from the same crowd of bureaucrats today that existed in those times who show by their very actions that they couldn't care less if I was living or dead (sounding bitter, my apologies, but this is my life and I will take respondsibility for my actions, not someone elses). Well I could say more, but given the limited space and the sensitive nature of the subject involved, I can only recommend that you yourself, out of your own interest, find out for yourself but way of many points of view and by way of studying the actions, the causes and effects of the people of those times and judge for yourself, what works and what doesn't.Go in peace and God's blessings. (Thomas 113)
Rating:
Summary: Gnostic Teachings and Jesus
Review: This is quite a small book re the words and teachings of Christ and it is pretty clear why the early church did not include them in the authorised new testament. Some of the purported things said by Jesus are difficult to grasp in the light of what we have been traditionally taught. For the academic student who wishes a more comprehensive view of Jesus then this book is worth starting with. For the religious student/aspirant however it is too brief and there is little here that is not in the new testament anyway and some of that which is different and out of kilter with traditional teachings.
Rating: 
Summary: Quick & Simple
Review: This was a speedy read. Proved to whet an appetite for more information re: the Nag Hammadi Codices. I recommend this book as a "first-book" for those searching for more information about the Nag Hammadi Codices. I recommend this book a bit higher for the Christian demographic of the same audience. I recommend searching elsewhere if you have a more closed mind or a disinterest in a piece of history.
Rating:
Summary: Secret teachings? - the truth is out.
Review: What with this excellent book and the truly remarkable "The Autobiography of Jesus of Nazareth and the Missing Years" by Richard G. Patton, there must be some serious head-scratching going on in ecumenical circles. After reading this book, I have to wonder how long the establisment Church can continue to deny Jesus's humanity. Give your religious beliefs a walk in the park - read this book.
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