The Gnostic Gospels

The Gnostic Gospels are a collection of early Christian texts that were discovered in the 20th century, notably the Nag Hammadi library in 1945. Unlike the traditional New Testament, these writings emphasize personal spiritual knowledge (gnosis) over orthodox beliefs and rituals. They often depict a different view of Jesus and the divine, focusing on inner enlightenment and the struggle against ignorance. Gnostic Christianity was considered heretical by early church leaders, leading to its suppression. These texts offer insight into the diverse beliefs and debates of early Christianity, highlighting its complex spiritual landscape.