What's your review of "Lost Scriptures: Books That Didn't Make It into the New Testament"?

The Bible is the most widely read and revered book in the world. It's a collection of sacred texts that have been passed down for centuries and have shaped the beliefs and practices of millions of people.

However, there are numerous texts that didn't make it into the final version of the New Testament. The book "Lost Scriptures: Books That Didn't Make It into the New Testament" by Bart D. Ehrman explores some of these texts and offers readers a glimpse into the early Christian church and the many voices that contributed to its formation.

Summary

"Lost Scriptures" covers a wide range of texts, including gospels, apocalypses, and letters, and offers readers a glimpse into the diverse beliefs and practices of early Christians.

Ehrman does an excellent job of contextualizing each text and explaining why it was excluded from the New Testament. He also provides readers with a clear understanding of the historical and cultural context in which these texts were written.

One of the most interesting aspects of "Lost Scriptures" is the way it challenges our assumptions about the early Christian church. Many of the texts that were excluded from the New Testament offer a very different perspective on Jesus and his teachings.

For example, the Gospel of Thomas presents Jesus as a wisdom teacher who offers his disciples esoteric knowledge that will lead to salvation. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene portrays Mary as a prominent disciple who is privy to secret teachings from Jesus.

Another intriguing aspect of "Lost Scriptures" is the way it highlights the diversity of early Christian beliefs and practices. The texts that were excluded from the New Testament come from a wide range of Christian communities, and they reflect the many different ways that Jesus and his teachings were understood.

For example, the Gospel of Peter presents a very different account of the crucifixion than the canonical gospels. Similarly, the Apocalypse of Peter offers a vivid description of the afterlife that differs significantly from the ideas presented in the Book of Revelation.

Review

Ehrman's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of contextualizing each text and explaining why it was excluded from the New Testament. The book is well-organized, with each chapter focusing on a different text and providing readers with a clear understanding of its historical and cultural context.

One potential criticism of "Lost Scriptures" is that it may be too academic for some readers. Ehrman is a respected scholar of early Christianity, and his writing can be quite technical at times. However, I think that most readers will find the book accessible, especially if they have an interest in early Christian history and theology.

Another potential criticism of "Lost Scriptures" is that it may challenge some readers' preconceived notions about the early Christian church. As I mentioned earlier, many of the texts that were excluded from the New Testament offer a very different perspective on Jesus and his teachings.

Some readers may find these ideas challenging or even heretical. However, I think that this is one of the strengths of the book. It encourages readers to think critically about the early Christian church and to consider the many different ways that Jesus and his teachings were understood.

Conclusion

If you have an interest in early Christian history and theology, I would highly recommend this book.