Gospel of Thomas and Christian Origins

Stephen J. Patterson, Ph.D. (1988), Claremont, is the George H. Atkinson Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies at Willamette University. He is the author of several books and articles on the Gospel of Thomas, including The Gospel of Thomas and Jesus (1993).

• 1. Introduction2. The Gospel of (Judas) Thomas and the Synoptic Problem3. Wisdom in Q and Thomas. 4. Askesis and the Early Jesus Tradition.5. Paul and the Jesus Tradition: It Is Time for Another Look.6. The Gospel of Thomas and Christian Beginnings.7. Apocalypticism or Prophecy and the Problem of Polyvalence: Lessons from the Gospel of Thomas.8. The Parable of the Catch of Fish: A Brief History (On Matthew 13:47-50 and Gospel of Thom 8).9. Jesus Meets Plato: The Theology of the Gospel of Thomas10. Platonism and the Apocryphal Origins of Immortality in the Christian Imagination or Why do Christians Have Souls that Go to Heaven?11. The View From Across the Euphrates.

These essays are richly instructive and help clarify one's thinking about some of the most significant issues in Thomas studies. Having these essays together in a single volume is a welcome convenience.Paul Foster, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh, Expository Times 126/6 March 2015