The Books Banned From the Bible: What Are the Gnostic Gospels?

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- VIDEO NOTES
Elaine Pagels is an American historian of religion. She is the Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University. Pagels has conducted extensive research into early Christianity and Gnosticism.
- LINKS
Read "The Gnostic Gospels": amzn.to/4ad5n5X
- TIMESTAMPS
00:00 What is a Gnostic Gospel?
04:51 How the Gnostic Gospels Were Discovered
10:36 Secret Knowledge & Teachings
18:01 Do the Gnostic Gospels Contradict the New Testament?
23:01 Was Jesus Sent to Save Us From an Evil God?
28:27 Was Paul the Only True Apostle?
31:16 Nuances in Marcion & Valentinus’ Writings
37:44 Concept of God the Mother
41:20 Is Jesus the Serpent in Genesis?
47:02 Spiritual Revelation Over Authority
50:37 Worshipping Bishops as Though They Were Gods
54:42 What People Should Keep in Mind About the Gnostic Gospels
57:20 Controversial Final Passages in Thomas
1:07:33 Elaine’s Book
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[@0ucantstopme034]

What I found pretty cool in this interview was that after nearly 50 yrs. of studying this, Dr. Pagels was excited and animated when discussing things...

[@myhatmygandhi6217]

It would be difficult to study something that long if you weren't interested in it 😂

[@javiermerino7579]

@@myhatmygandhi6217 What about the man who wasted his life studying ant-eaters? :)

[@michaelfetter5413]

If she were honest, she would acknowledge the historicity of these documents is nothing near the canon. Not even close.

[@karekarenohay4432]

@@michaelfetter5413 What do you mean with "historicity"? They are historical documents, that show Christianism was not a monolithic faith in the first two centuries after Christ. Do you think Matthew 27:52, with the dead coming out from their graves just after the crucifixion and visiting Jerusalem, is more "historic" than Gospel of Thomas?

[@michaelfetter5413]

@@karekarenohay4432 Number and consistency of manuscripts also factoring in time from the events. The gnostic "gospels" are literally fanfic of cultists from hundreds of years later than the canon with a tiny number of manuscripts.

[@ionasmith1998]

I wonder how these older people feel about being approached by Alex who is so much younger to talk about their work. They must be so so happy to share their thoughts and feelings in a way they wouldn’t usually.

[@Jacob-py9mx]

Older people love when younger people pick up their work

[@James-ll3jb]

😂

[@TheClosestThingToTimeTravel]

[@kenkaplan3654]

She has talked with Dereck Lambert of Mythvision quite a bit and teaches young students. They're used to it.

[@Koko161081]

She’s a professor of history - she probably has dozens of such discussions in her classes and office with students on a weekly basis.

[@mymom1462]

Glad to see you get actual Gnostics on here. This is a reminder to all: The Early Gnostics did not call themselves 'Gnostics' they considered themselves Christians and simply disagreed with the orthodoxy. According to the Apocrypha of John, the main Tragedy in the Gnostic Creation myth was Sophia (a child of the Original God) birthing the Demiurge (aka Yaldabaoth) without the consent of the original God. This was the tragedy instead of eating from the apple. I reccomend ESOTERICA as an introduction to the whole concepts its pretty interesting. 😊

[@japexican007]

I recommended the video on my playlist “wake up this world is an illusion” titled Dualism: the Illuminati Religion, I pray you wake up from the lowercase god if this world who blinds those who believe not

[@WizDomSon]

Fascinating

[@rimbusjift7575]

Memory is finite. Save space for relevant matters.

[@bubbag8895]

Not a fan of Gnosticism, but it does have some interesting tidbits imo

[@tangimeme]

​@@rimbusjift7575 how do you know/judge what's relevant or not, especially considering you can't possibly know what will or won't be relevant in your future with any real certainty at all? I'm 100% sure you don't have a memory full of only "relevant" or utilitarian memories lol. Your comment is basically a roundabout way to do whataboutism and express that you don't care about this lol. It's very transparent, brother 😅 Let people enjoy the things they wanna enjoy instead of moralising and judging to make yourself feel special and smart 🤷‍♀️ The things you care about and think are important are just as accurate/inaccurate, meaningful/meaningless, and relevant/irrelevant as anyone else. You'd have to think pretty highly of yourself or lowly of others to believe otherwise and you should aim to avoid that. Maybe you really are extra special and know more "relevant" stuff than everyone else, but even that wouldn't make it make sense to judge what others want to use their minds for... People are allowed to enjoy things you don't care about and you don't have to let everyone know how you feel about it 🤷‍♀️

[@thomasthomasphilp4393]

In Kerala, India we believe that St. Thomas came to India in AD 52.

[@thomasjoseph1873]

👇🏾What to believe to live eternally 👇🏾 1 Cori 15:1 - 4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you 🌹the gospel which I preached unto you, 🌹which also ye have received, and 🌹wherein ye stand;15:2 🌹By which also ye are saved, 🌹if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.15:3 🌹For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for OUR sins according to the scriptures;15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day ACCORDING to the scriptures: Hello: 👉🏾Secure your Salvation eternally by faith alone, by trusting in Christ Jesus' propitiational death, resurrection and the redemption of sins according to scripture on the Cross at Calvary by the Grace of God alone. Also confess it with your own mouth according to Rom 10:9-11 👉🏾10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Please watch once 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHqxmoOQftmdipIsi=BqBh43pKkIkJ1-GZ For further details: visit 👇🏾 thegateministries.net God in His foreknowledge qualified Paul in advance, and appointed him from heavenlies to be His special ambassador to gentiles like 3:05 Moses to Jews and enabled him to lay foundation of the mystical 'Body of Christ' - the only and living Church -👇🏾👇🏾 1 Cori 3:10 🌹According to the grace of God 🌹which is given 👉🏾unto me, 🌹as a wise masterbuilder, 🌹I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 🌹For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, 🌹which is Jesus Christ. ( formed out of 'redeemed, by the blood of Christ' by believing & trusting in the propitiational death, resurrection of Christ by faith alone by grace of God alone) 👇🏾 1 Cori 3:10 🌹According to the grace of God 🌹which is given unto me, 🌹as a wise masterbuilder, 🌹I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 🌹For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, 🌹which is Jesus Christ. God bless🙏🏾❤️

[@pedmole5]

Great interview, very interesting topic and speaker. (P.S: commentors be grateful for the podcast guest) I notice some people complain about her not wishing to speak on certain topics. Bear in mind, her enthusiasm for the topic might not stem from the same place as yours, and that different angle for her curiosity is likely to be why she's dived so deep into these texts.

[@alexdenton6586]

Can you have Jesus on your podcast next time ? I think it would answer a lot of questions

[@alanbregovic8889]

dude has a sword mayb he got arrested

[@alexdenton6586]

@@alanbregovic8889 I do not understand why he is not responding. It is a perfectly valid request.

[@lifethroughromans8295]

​@alexdenton6586 - Jesus is responding. He is on the KZbin channel called "Tom Loud".

[@DilutedH2SO4]

dw lad, i've got him on speed dial. i'll see if he's not too busy with world hunger and all that x

[@zsqu]

it seems pretty intellectually dishonest to criticise his works and teachings without debating or even offering to talk with him.

[@blossom357]

The thumbnail got me hyped for a split second, did Alex get an interview with THE Jesus Christ? lol

[@butter_nut1817]

Doubt it would be his first stop after coming to earth again but you never know

[@Henok-qn6nc]

Lmao

[@eprd313]

​​@@butter_nut1817 he'd most probably be murdered by Evangelicals in the US as soon as he said that they are the new pharisees, but we know no one's coming back from the dead after 2000 years of a failed promise.

[@SamoaVsEverybody814]

The state of Christianity: 💩 Jesus: This. 🤬

[@patrickdeoliveira6434]

​@@butter_nut1817You're right, Lex would get him first

[@Zachary_Setzer]

Having earned my degree in Religious Studies from UNC under Bart Ehrman, among others, it's very odd to hear a scholar dodge questions and say, "I'd prefer not to comment on that," and, "I dont like that [source] very much" every time anything contrary to her poisition is raised. Great interview Alex.

[@joshualavender]

I found that odd, too. She admits to "playing favorites." It's as if she's formed up her own orthodoxy for early Christianity, based on both the Gnostic Gospels and the New Testament. There are places in this video where she doesn't appear to be speaking as a scholar but as a believer, and I wonder whether for her there's any daylight between the two. Strange to see in a foundational interview meant to give us an "overview."

[@newtonswig]

She is against the sensationalisation of the Gnostic gospels. Her position is explicitly against some sources, and has to entail some ignoring of the most obviously wacky of the Dead Sea scrolls.

[@pietervoogt]

I don't mind her moving between believe and scholarship. It adds some personal flavor.

[@Zachary_Setzer]

@@newtonswig Wanting to avoid sensationalizing them is one thing. Denying they contain certain ideas and then hand-waving away evidence to the contrary is something else. Seems like anything she doesn't like isn't "real" gnosticism. It has kind of a "that's not real socialism" feel to it.

[@Zachary_Setzer]

@@pietervoogt Nothing wrong with it until it becomes unclear which hat you're wearing.

[@Fernando-ek8jp]

Imagine a teacher saying: "I'm going to explicitly try and teach a group of students so they don't understand, then select a smaller group to teach them properly" That is different from: "They aren't at the level that would be able to understand, so I have to dumb it down for them to get the basics. You're more advanced so I can go more in depth"

[@RanEncounter]

I get what you are saying and mostly agree, but there is a kernel of truth to the original claim. You cannot teach calculus to the average first grader. You have to start at the basics. And yes you as a teachers have to adapt your teachings to the level of the students even if they are a group. Again I am not saying you are wrong, but there is a kernel of truth in what she is saying. I think she is using this fact as a defense.

[@bobbabai]

Artificially crafted mystery and conspiracy. People love that shit.

[@Fernando-ek8jp]

@@RanEncounter Again, that's different. The claim is that Jesus spoke in ways meant to be misunderstood. Sure, I wouldn't teach calculus to a first grader, I would teach them first grade math that they would understand. The equivalent would be for me to give text math problems to a group of first graders, and then I took aside a handful of them so I could explain how to solve the problems. The "secret" teachings, in the gospels at least, were: Here's a parable that will leave most of the listeners confused (but don't worry, that's on purpose) , but I'll explain it to a few of you.

[@Tom_Fuckery]

@@RanEncounter Or listen to the kid for once when they can say they can see and understand something and not swat away their funny way of describing the answer 4 units ahead of the lesson

[@RanEncounter]

@@Fernando-ek8jp Look you seem to have taken this totally different than what I actually wrote. You seem to be too eager to have a debate. "Again, that's different." Yes that is why I said that there was a kernel of truth in what she said. "The claim is that Jesus spoke in ways meant to be misunderstood." Yes this is the ideas of a person who has for years had to bend their mind to religion to make it make sense. I was just pointing out where this kind of thinking originates and how she does not see it as a problem any more. "The equivalent would be for me to give text math problems to a group of first graders, and then I took aside a handful of them so I could explain how to solve the problems." I literally agreed! Is really a kernel of truth so hard to understand? Do you not understand what I said at all? "The "secret" teachings, in the gospels at least, were: Here's a parable that will leave most of the listeners confused (but don't worry, that's on purpose) , but I'll explain it to a few of you." Yes. I literally agree. Sigh. Do you not understand that how she has in her mind changed the kernel of truth as I said it to what is in the gospels because of her beliefs?

[@Leaga]

"I'll speak on him in a moment" is a gangster ass way of saying "I cant remember the name right now but I will in a minute." Gotta respect that scholarly confidence.

[@exoplanet11]

Yes, and I"m sure she is kicking herself for forgetting the name of that other scholar. But it is truly remarkable the command of the material this 81 year old scholar has. I'm grateful for her compassion in being willing to share it with us.

[@cwellik805]

I only hope to have the faculties Dr Pagels has in her 80’s. I’m 77 and can relate to very familiar names I suddenly can’t remember at the moment.

[@philm7758]

@@cwellik805 I'm 35 and have the same problem (and same hope) 😅

[@juliekongs4856]

But it’s not necessary to call her out in this, even in a “clever” gangster ass way.

[@sabinadonofrio8863]

This is one awesome lady. Unique in her style and point of view. She wants to cover what she feels is important for us to understand.🎉🎉🎉 Excellent Lady 💝

[@Thedeepseanomad]

She comes across as a believer who gets out of her comfort zone when demiurg and weird named realms come up.

[@swolejeezy2603]

I’d get out of my comfort zone too if I was a believer, but it just seems weird to hear from such a credentialed professional

[@Neognostic-pk5wu]

​@@swolejeezy2603well, agnostic or otherwise, the idea of the demiurg at least provides a better explanation for the Paradox of Empiricus than anything i've heard from a more traditional Christian apologist.

[@Orikon25]

Precisely, that's what people don't get. She's a believer, but her scholarly experience forced her to be open to the idea of Christian teachings beyond the Orthodox, and she fully recognizes how Church fucked up the entire religion... but the "alternate" cosmology is outside of her comfort zone. Which is a bit odd I admit, because things like the Demiurge and Sophia are very much part of the Valentinian systems that she defends. Nevertheless, she's still has a more open-minded and mature approach not just to Christianity but religion as a whole than 99% of the people out there, and for that she needs to be commended.

[@TotallyNotKanye]

Then you don’t get Gnosticism as you can only see the esoteric not the exoteric.

[@jacquelinelucien1572]

I found this discussion extremely fascinating; it resonated with some of my own thoughts about religions and Bible texts. I have listened to it ten times, and each time I go back, I discover another gem. One takeaway: I feel the first trinity is a mother, father, and son, not a father, son, and a spirit.

[@louisXiceyX]

she was fucking adorable. her enthusiasm for this and energy was incredible: you can tell she really connects with this work in an intrinsic way. I appreciate that more than anything.

[@doneasneakyonya]

Unless you bring up Samael/Yaldabaoth/Abraxas then she shuts down, dodges and dismisses.

[@susiejoyk1287]

Totally NOT necessary to use the F word. You just used it for shock value. It takes away all credibility for anything else you say after that!!

[@RitaDimarco-xx4tx]

Agreed , swearing is from the devil

[@Actuary1776]

She claims the gnostics are misappropriated as believing in a demiurge yet when challenged on that multiple times she dances around and says “I’d rather not comment on that”. Wtf.

[@AudunWangen]

Obviously biased, and she basically admits to that. It's not really what I'm looking for. I'd rather hear from scholars that at least attempt to be objective.

[@Si_Mondo]

@@AudunWangen You won't get that from a Gnostic. Like trying to get truth out of a Freemason....

[@wagnavian]

elaine pagels is a modern gnostic, same heresy that irenaeus and the other church fathers debunked a thousand years ago already

[@Actuary1776]

@@AudunWangen It’s disappointing for sure, she’s supposedly an icon in her field.

[@AudunWangen]

@@Actuary1776 She may have good reasons for ignoring certain parts and acknowledging others, but she's not doing herself any favors not to mention them. I don't know her or her work, but it seemed to me she was more interested in preaching than teaching. Not my cup of tea.

[@BrodieTV]

THE GOAT 🐐 ALEX O’CONNOR BACK AT IT AGAIN, I’ve learned so much from you my man, so grateful you’re around on KZbin. LEGEND 🔥

[@BillyBobs-zz5ol]

And what do u believe ?

[@kevinmccabe9188]

What an incredible conversation. That woman is so learned and fascinating. Great post!

[@GnosticInformant]

Amazing interview Alex. Listening while I fly home from Florida.

[@bargledargle7941]

What would you feel if Alex asked a question related to paprika specifically in this interview? Is there any possible way this could be related to paprika in any way without changing the subject?

[@tanausu7]

Unfortunate that she says she’s only interested in text that is ‘spiritually worthwhile’ showing a biased perspective to fit her need for spirituality instead of being a champion for truth and accuracy in historical texts

[@Si_Mondo]

If she was for historical accuracy, she wouldn't ascribe to Gnosticism 😂

[@tanausu7]

@@Si_Mondo of course that’s the whole point of theology scholars, unless they’re atheists, they lean towards confirmation bias

[@tanausu7]

@@Si_Mondo look at francesca stavrakopoulou

[@achillez16]

Could you expand on why you think the 4 that were selected are more historically accurate?

[@tanausu7]

@@Si_Mondo that’s the point that there’s confirmation bias by theology scholars, that prioritise belief over historical accuracy of events or information in texts. Pick and choose to fit their narratives. Check out the work of Francesca Stavrakopoulou. 😉

[@Rathe6]

I struggle with the lack of time spent on why the original church fathers felt the way they did about these texts. She makes it all feel very arbitrary. It seems apt to subject these texts to some textual criticism and dig in to why they were discarded.

[@rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr1]

Yeah. These were the Scientologists of their day.

[@MasterofLightning]

There were councils held to bring the people of faith together to decide on what was the truth. The most split opinions were on more vague theological ideas (e.g. is God three persons or three natures - one or three, etc.). Damn-near nobody believed the Gnostic beliefs. Same thing with these "banned" gospels. They weren't banned. They were essentially fan fiction. People always point to the most sane things from the heretical texts while ignoring the completely insane parts that obviously invalidate them. A KZbinr named Wendigoon did a video on them that was really good and entertaining.

[@andiwestcott7187]

Can't wait to see you in Atlanta!

[@foxxcharmer]

Her knowledge and wisdom is appreciated thank you for delivering this!!

[@mercy2351]

Dr. Pagels is such an excellent scholar! Wonderful discussion!

[@dahveed72]

Wonderful interview. Keep going dude

[@AKAMustang]

Aww it's heart warming to see her eyes light up when you asked a sensible interesting question.

[@monoyamono]

Man, Alex's face ,he looks kinda pissed, lol around 36 minutes after obviously being super enthusiastic and curious to speak about admittedly one of the most interesting texts, the Gospel of Judas, and the interviewee just does a cobra and goes back to the others. I totally felt that. I may be projecting but his usual "I'm listening face" doesn't not have such a frown. 😜

[@smillstill]

He does the same thing when she flat out refuses to talk about the Sethian dark demiurge.

[@TheRealShrike]

Yeah, what was that all about? Such a strange refusal from her in an otherwise interesting interview. It. came across as really bizarre.

[@smillstill]

@@TheRealShrike I think these iconic academic people are used to being able to give a presentation on what they want and not be told what to talk about. They just tour with a topical presentation and do the same one for a year or two. She's like 80, so maybe she doesn't remember anything else...

[@mangleman25]

It's disappointing as hell as a listener too because the Gospel of Judas is the most interesting one of these texts. She just completely sidestepped talking about it for "muh spirituality", which is pretty irritating to hear coming from a scholar.

[@James-ll3jb]

He smells witchy b.s.

[@matthewbazeley2984]

I really enjoyed this video Alex , thank you

[@ronwright6870]

This is an incredible interview!

[@willard73]

Alex wants to explore the breadth of Gnosticism. Pagels wants to talk obout the Gospel of Thomas.

[@matthewkopp2391]

There are many other experts. Pagels was at one short period a fundamentalist who did not like many literalist doctrines, especially the „going to hell“ ideas which are not even Biblical. But texts like the Gospel of Thomas confirmed her spiritual sense of Christianity and a path to practice Christianity in a non-literal way. So there is a little bias but still a great scholar and I appreciate both her spiritual sense and her scholarship. A lot of what she writes is basically an apologetic defense for non-literalist interpretations and that there is very old tradition of it. There are other scholars such as mythicists who focus on other Gnostic texts to continue their critique of Christianity, who do go into the texts and interpretations that Pagels finds shallow. No doubt IMO the Marcionist literalists, probably inspired later literalist groups like the Bogomils and Cathars. I find their persecution by the Catholics horrendous but I would no more want to defend their interpretations than I would want to defend literalist Catholics or Protestants. For example. I read Pagels not just for good scholarship but because I too, appreciate that she opens up Christian spirituality.

[@bargledargle7941]

@@matthewkopp2391 Look what you say is interesting, I am not particularly educated on theology or history. But I think she is missing the point and is wrong about calling the biblical God inferior. I am an atheist but I feel way more inspired from the old testament rather than those gnostic texts or new testament. I think it's a much more sensible God too if I were spiritual at all...

[@matthewkopp2391]

@@bargledargle7941she is not saying the Old Testament god is inferior she is saying that certain early Christians held that belief. She described Marcion for example who believed in the demiurge vs the transcendent God. But a similar distinction is made in the Old Testament. At times God is YHWH and spoken of in anthropomorphic terms and then other times God is described as transcendent and in non-anthropomorphic terms such as I am. There is a theme in the Old Testament as to what constitutes idolatry and the same obsession occurs with Plato who described the demiurge in more neutral terms versus a transcendent god. Early Christianity was infused with Platonism and some took the Plato demiurge idea as evil because of the evil in the world and the evil demonstrated by an Old Testament god. She is just describing different ideas that were around at the time.

[@bargledargle7941]

@@matthewkopp2391 It's important you corrected me about this. I think the idea of "God of the old testament is evil or inferior" is extremely unattractive and spiritually poor.

[@gaylerosenthal1828]

@@matthewkopp2391 I am Jewish and she sounds like she wishes she were Jewish too. I am reading "A LIttle Boy in Search of God" by Isaac Bashevis Singer and he speaks of pantheistic ideas. They sound very similar.

[@christophermull]

Thank you for this interview. I've been fascinated with Gnosticism for a couple years now. I was raised Catholic and when I got older, I began to have many questions. The teaching of Christianity never really added up but when I began to study Gnosticism it began to all come together. These teachings tied up a lot of loose ends. It makes it all more believable. Although I don't know if I'll ever have complete faith.

[@metagalaxy-go-the-distance]

They are filled with Greek philosophy which differs from disciples which is mainly based Jewish and old testament

[@varunbhati1083]

A lot of the times, when Alex releases his videos, I become a bit skeptical of whether it would be interesting to watch or not simply because he has been discussing on a wide variety of topics lately. However, I'm quite delighted to announce that once I start watching any of his videos, I become hooked and can't really stop watching. I reckon I've got to stop doubting his ability to produce excellent content. Edit - I have begun to truly admire how he seeks to learn new concepts. I wish I really had his enthusiasm to learn.

[@codegeek98]

He is a stellar and practiced conversationalist who always works to bring out the best of his partner.

[@varunbhati1083]

@codegeek98 Certainly! He has earned a name for not only a conversationist, but also for a great interviewer!

[@devilishegg]

I'm only 5 minutes in but I absolutely love the authentic joy Elaine has talking about the findings from 1945. It's so contagious, I love it. :)

[@j.paulpepper6110]

Wonderful to see Elaine on the podcast. I’ve been following her work for more than 20 years. Crucial insights on my spiritual journey. Thanks and cheers to you both.

[@James-ll3jb]

"The gnostic gospels don't contradict the canonical gospels"--well that's a lie! She's still trying to convince herself the gnostic gospels are authentic secret teachings of Jesus!!!!!😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@jenniferabel2811]

Are you aware of her ever acknowledging/addressing "A Course in Miracles"? I recently discovered it and am thunderstruck by its quality. I noticed similarities to some gnostic teaching, and some of those who study it have referred to it as "Neo-gnostic." Edit: I've reviewed some part of work, on youtube and elsewhere, but I've yet to see any reference to ACIM.

[@James-ll3jb]

@@jenniferabel2811 no

[@jacobia7093]

Bravo and thank you, Alex and Elaine 🙏🤗

[@winterphilosophy3900]

A parable can be seen as a first explanation. First explanations will almost always be so simplified that they give answers contradicting the later conclusion.

[@flibflob69]

Jesus is real I promise

[@ikeiampossible9502]

True. I did my research. Jesus is real. Politics mess everything up😂

[@Jaycub_Hess]

I’ll take that to the bank

[@Hj61S827]

Real yes, God no.

[@Legendwill876]

Yeshua the Messiah is real, jesus was created by roman catholic

[@Zapotec-Tribe-Mexica]

​@@Hj61S827I've been dead, and He is very much a part of The Most High ABBA YAH, YAHshua Christ (there weren't e's either) Holy Spirit was there, but I wasn't able to see Everything or I wouldn't be able to come back...

[@jojones4685]

I love Elaine Pagels, she's such a well spoken and fascinating scholar

[@bradrcool]

Ahhh Elaine Pagels!! She's great!!! She is an excellent guest! Thanks for a great conversion

[@siddharthamishra1999]

Interesting discussion! I know that the title's a bit too long already, but I feel like you should include the guest's name in the title as you have with (almost?) all other guests

[@Julia-hd6ts]

Impressive interview, and was nice to see so much wisdom in a young person, being on par with the older one. Love it ❤

[@chadwood1975]

Mr. O'Connor and Mrs. Dr. Pagels, job well done. Enjoyed your conversation on many levels. It was intellectual, spiritually and emotionally fulfilling.

[@jshauns]

This will be excellent!

[@stephenbyrneireland]

Great stuff, Alex. I love this road you are taking. I'm envisioning many conversations between you and Derek of Mythvision down the line.

[@allisongreen1517]

Loved this interview! 10/10

[@lisaclausen8304]

Cant wait to see her again in upcoming interviews!!!!

[@steveymoon]

Absolutely fascinating episode. Thank you, both.

[@shinetah360]

Another great guest you have here Alex 👌🏾keep it up 👏🏾

[@BZ007]

What a wonderful session...do more with her!! Keep going keep going. I hope you have more episodes with her.

[@learnedhand8559]

James Tabor wrote a fascinating book called the Jesus Dynasty that talks about these gospels. Very interesting read.

[@user-bt8kn6rz8j]

Hello Alex, I am the author of 'The Zen of Jesus Christ' (paperback published on Kindle/ Amazon in 2016) in which I interpret the Gospel of Thomas through the lens of Zen Buddhism. I sent Professor Pagels a copy of my book while she was at Princeton and she graciously sent me back a hand-written note of encouragement in which she admits the remarkable similarity between the sayings in the Gospel of Thomas and those of Buddhism in general and Zen in particular. She is very passionate and knowledgeable, I greatly admire her and have read her books. Of course she is familiar with Zen Buddhism but it is not her area of expertise, which is the early history of Judeo-Christianity. It is my position that Zen Buddhism provides the key to unlocking a profound understanding of the truths within the sayings of the Gospel of Thomas. In short, Jesus was a Buddha, a Bodhisattva, which is to say a Human Angel, an Enlightened Being. Namu Dai Bosa, Namu Dai Bosatsu! Carlos O. Santacruz 🙏

[@Fullmoonrisingtarot]

Can u recommend a basic book on the basics of zen ? I’d like to learn more of this philosophy and if it’s the same as Buddhism or a different flavor of Buddhism?by by Basic I mean, Short and to the point?😂

[@user-bt8kn6rz8j]

@@Fullmoonrisingtarot Hello Tarot, I would recommend 'Zen Flesh, Zen Bones' by Paul Reps & Nyogen Senzaki. It's a great place to start. Zen is generally the result of the collision of Buddhism and Taoism when Buddhism spread from India to China. Then, I would suggest 'Selected Writings on Zen Buddhism' by D.T. Suzuki, culled from his 3 volumes of essays, which are more in-depth. This should be more than enough for you to begin exploring... Happy Hunting! Carlos O. Santacruz

[@Fullmoonrisingtarot]

@@user-bt8kn6rz8j thank you so very much for all the helpful information!!

[@ohwhen7775]

The amount of times I've said "Jesus was an atheist" over the years and had my comments deleted by _right_ leaning KZbinrs 😂It will be interesting to see if this takes off in the future as the new norm for understanding more about what he potentially meant by his teachings.

[@sathiahalya3003]

Biochemistry determines human nature. Psychology understands human nature.

[@alphanumericskeptic]

A very interesting interview. I loved hearing Elaine Pagels share her knowledge. Thank you Alex!

[@Watcher02260]

Very interesting conversation.

[@user-oi8hk8xt6b]

My older brother handed me Pagels' The Gnostic Gospels in the mid-80s, not so long after its publication. The discovery of these documents is fascinating, and Pagels' take on them is interesting. A great read.

[@hutdweller7430]

It's ironic that in Greek Gnostic means KNOWN. Maybe they're called Gnostic because they knew about them and ditched them anyways.

[@user-soon300]

I'm so excited to watch this video ❤ thank you

[@scottfarrar3463]

There is also Nicodemus who met Jesus "at night" suggesting the secretive nature of the communications to be received.

[@Banshee409]

I’ve never encountered here expertise or thought, but I just bought her book. So bummed I didn’t find out about her sooner but can’t wait to read it. Such an interesting source.

[@hedger1118]

Thank you for fascinating conversation! ❤

[@tezzymai5076]

What an interesting subject and guest! So much went over my head but her passion for the subject made it quite inspiring, looking forward to the future discussions

[@Kabster_the_Lime]

I really like this! Academics need more outlets for what they find, and so for you to platform them are great :D

[@tomjordan5832]

Wonderful video......Thank You !

[@phoebeberlet4633]

THIS IS MY DREAM COLLAB. I love Elaine Pagels so so much!!

[@seventeenthchild655]

This was absolutely fascinating. She is amazing. Thank you for posting this interview.. ..just amazing.

[@eleni8920]

Wow. This was a beautiful discussion.

[@seanryan471]

This is an incredible interview for a skeptic by a skeptic. I am interested in her perspective, but I wouldn't have gotten it anywhere else. This was done respectfully. Thank you.

[@koulamused]

I’m currently re reading the new revised edition of The Nag Hammadi Library after over 20 years. Even more fascinating.

[@joemedley195]

I’d heard that Pagels was ill and might not make it. I’m glad to see her up and around again.

[@Cross-Carrier]

It's fantastic to see such a fantastic atheist thinker really enjoying discussing Christian history and theology. I was an atheist myself most of my life. Its so wonderful to see that people who don't believe in the supernatural elements still seeing value in the philosophy. That's how I switched teams originally. If you enjoy this you would also enjoy ESOTERICA who Alex had on last week and Filip over at th channel LETS TALK RELIGION that covers mysticism in a similar way to this , especially Sufi mysticism but Christian and Jewish also. I think Alex is absolutely wonderful.

[@CryptoCPA]

Thanks Alex. This was an interesting discussion. The more scholarly research and evaluation is done on ancient texts from the Dead Sea scrolls, Armenian and Ethiopian apocryphas, etc. it strengthens my belief in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

[@cellerdoor2954]

They made more since to me than the whole bible.they speak to my soul as truth and wisdom ans power❤No fancy lights or shiny lights needed just pure gold and the word of GOD❤

[@this_alec]

“So that they will not understand” reminds me of the paradoxical pointing-out instructions of Zen and Tibetan Dzogchen Buddhism. So fascinating. We have been given such a narrow view of Christianity for thousands of years. In the light of intellectual investigation, something much deeper and (in my opinion) wiser emerges.

[@Fernando-ek8jp]

Which is?

[@this_alec]

@@Fernando-ek8jp An approach to spirituality which is much less preoccupied with doctrine than it is an experiential, integrated way of being in the world. Seeing the Divine as the “ground of being,” the mystery of the universe, rather than a petty God with tribalistic concerns. I think that might have been what Jesus meant by the “Kingdom.” Might just be wishful thinking, though. That being said, these are all very mystical ways of talking about what we know by way of Natural Science. The universe is vast and we are a small part of it. That’s enough for me. :)

[@Fernando-ek8jp]

@@this_alec I may be completely misunderstanding, but the value I get from your response is basically the admission that we can't really be sure about everything so why not just accept that and stop pretending like we do, there's loads to learn out there.

[@this_alec]

@@Fernando-ek8jp Certainly not what I meant :)

[@Fernando-ek8jp]

@@this_alec Then I'm still not understanding what you meant. Maybe you're just applying the principle of speaking in ways explicitly meant to hide their meaning?

[@dalegoralsky3726]

You should interview David Bentley Hart. So much to talk about.

[@st.mephisto8564]

This!

[@AnthonyCasadonte]

Couldn’t agree more

[@Arthur.404]

I was about to say just that.

[@Fatheosphere]

Eyeopening conversation

[@Theslavedrivers]

Best guest possible for this subject.

[@ArtemMalian]

Ah, finally, I've been waiting for this. Can't wait to see the rest

[@johnellis414]

This is real Christianity. A brilliant, enlightening interview of well directed questions and enlightened responses. Congratulations

[@truthseeker-nv6ny]

Just because gnostics don't exist anymore doesn't mean they're the real ones. It could be gnosticism was an innovation in the first place but died down in history but archaeologists found their texts in the 20th century

[@robertd9965]

Seems more anti-Christian to me, and apparently even those Christians at a time where there was no institution or "canon" saw it this way.

[@adritachanda]

brilliant as always

[@razzbazle1582]

Thank you Alex! These conversations are so fascinating and informative. You are a wonderful host and respected scholar in your own right. Bravo! 👏

[@davidmatthewkelly]

This was excellent Alex and Elaine, thank you.

[@Sveccha93]

Such a cool and passionate scholar! Been loving her work for decades. What a privilege to live in the online age!

[@James-ll3jb]

"The gnostic gospels don't contradict the canonical gospels"--well that's a lie! She's still trying to convince herself the gnostic gospels are authentic secret teachings of Jesus!!!!!😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@Sveccha93]

@@James-ll3jb I really don’t think so. I sense you may be deaf to nuance. Do you have strong pre existing beliefs about the reality behind the gospels?

[@James-ll3jb]

@@Sveccha93 Not particularly. I have 2 advanced degrees in this stuff and have more than once nabbed Ehrman lying on the facts. It has nothing to do with "nuance." The yoyo for years denied Jesus thought himself divine until recently shown a Marcan passage confirming the opposite. The poor s.o.b. wasn't even able to acknowkedge his error! (And his rationale for disbelieving the Resurrection belong in logical comedy whether you believe in it or not!)

[@Sveccha93]

@@James-ll3jb no offense, but yours are not the words of a serious person, right or wrong. I see nothing but transparent ideology and emotion. Certainly Bart and Elaine get things wrong, but your dismissiveness is empty defensiveness. Yawn. Good luck to you.

[@James-ll3jb]

@@Sveccha93 I know overt lying when I see it. And good luck to you, sir lol

[@Brutuscomedy]

Awesome scholar to interview, Alex! Thank you both for this. 😊

[@ronrg9518]

Fascinating conversation thank you !

[@aaroncalloway2898]

I'm sure she's brilliant, but it seems that she is fairly uncritical of the text, even going so far to affirm that the people who produced the texts are those whose name's the text have been given.

[@debblouin]

Yeah, something progressive biblical critics don’t do for the gospels.

[@toonyandfriends1915]

she says so but she probably knows it's just tradition

[@swolejeezy2603]

@@toonyandfriends1915Yeah I think if Alex really pressed her she’d admit she doesn’t actually think Thomas or Philip wrote the gospels attributed to them

[@rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr1]

Duh. She's only interested in undermining Christianity, not truth

[@swolejeezy2603]

@@rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr1 She is quite clearly a Christian. I don’t doubt you and her disagree over details but she is a Christian all the same

[@kaleypittman1105]

Hi, Alex, super interesting video, very cool!

[@Mar-dk3mp]

it is time for you to leave this worthless sick obsessive empty stupid toxic cult called atheism, get the dignity you lost when you stopped to believe in God (and you can only kiss the a... of those godless alone people, that is disgusting) and come back freerly to God, Ok? (also because every Godenier is a lier and you know that) (we all know you are the worst generetion and none will cry when you will be gond) so go back to God and get some dignity back, ok?..

[@Joel86543]

​@@Mar-dk3mp bro think he will convert people by offering them😂😂🤣. If atheism is a cult,what is religion?

[@xMXWLx]

really good stuff

[@janinenicoleenergy3944]

Great conversation! Elaine is full of wisdom 🕯

[@nails8647]

What a delightful interviewee, you can tell how passionate she is about her work-- always makes for a lively discussion. Wonderful as always Alex!

[@thezieg]

Excellent guest. Dr Pagels is an outstanding scholar and speaker and you interacted with her perfectly.

[@johnwheeler3071]

I agree. Alex didn't let her off the hook when she claimed the God of the Orthodox interpretation was just made up by Irenaeus and Marcion but is actually within the texts that she espouses. Elaine is very sneaky like Jordan Peterson.

[@galeehubbard5606]

I have to finish later. I love this.❤❤❤

[@MommyAdriKat]

I respect your output of content and respect you arent worrisome to question what you clame as fact...

[@Williamsdshs11]

Wow, Elaine Pagels is a beautiful person. Thanks for the introduction to her and her work. You're doing God's work, Mr. O'Connor.

[@BigHairyCrank]

Great interview. Learned a lot and I'm looking forward to more discussions on the Gnostics. Please have Elaine back - religious historians are fascinating. She's has so much knowledge about religious texts and I'd love to hear more.

[@kehyndman]

Brilliant! I loved every word.

[@MarshallVogel-ky2rd]

Imagine reading two different books and saying one of the two determined the outcome of the other...

[@jayreed4668]

Yaldobath is known as Enki the Annukai, and he's also known as Azazel in the book of Enoch.

[@TheJensense]

Jeez how interesting would it have been if she’d discussed Judas saying He knew what realm Jesus was from …..

[@DeAnnaYah]

Well, she did mention she didn’t feel the work itself was “credible”. Or others were “more credible” actually, implying she did put much faith in the “gospel of Judas”. Also it was not among the ones found with the ones she studied at length.

[@amandahollifield3297]

I’m also dying to know now

[@avisian8063]

I'm so glad i started following this channel.

[@ginothagreat5998]

Thank you so much, much appreciated for the knowledge

[@MythVisionPodcast]

Dr. Pagels is an amazing person! Great catch Alex.

[@John-sl3lu]

🙏🙏🙏

[@raya.p.l5919]

Gift for all even fallen angels 💞 j e s u s energy wash Enjoy

[@NuanceOverDogma]

Um no, she’s way off base, the parables were meant to explain things in simpler terms for the general public who were mostly the lower class can relate to. Saying that Jesus didn’t want them to understand what he was teaching is utterly ridiculous. Jesus later says more will understand when the Holy Spirit arrives after His death. Everyone who has basic understanding of the New Testament knows this yet she misconstrues this to fit her narrative.

[@cosme_fulanito695]

Low Bar Bill doesn't agree! He can name 20 better scholars!

[@fukpoeslaw3613]

​@@NuanceOverDogma But why would Jesus say: "otherwise they might turn and be forgiven" ? It's like Jesus didn't feel like forgiving them, so strange.

[@sobertillnoon]

"babies in Christ" has a nice ring. I'm going to change out "my brother in Christ" for it.

[@joannware6228]

"The Church refuses to explain sin away or make excuses for it or call it by another name. " Bishop Robert Barron

[@ghabilihabennywally9354]

This revelation revealing Missing Gospel which you called Gnostic Gospel is like a missing Cream on the Cake only to be a "COMPLETE CAKE" I'm so blessed and excited to read the Gospel in Fullness and glad now coming out from the hidden rocks. Thank God for all these revelation. Love you all 🇵🇬 🇵🇬 🇵🇬