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Since the 2nd century, the church has had 4 gospels... but what if there was room for one more?

Since the 2nd century, the church has had 4 gospels... but what if there was room for one more?

Hear our speakers discuss why they think their chosen gospels should be the 5th gospel.

 

  • Dr Philippa Townsend will discuss "Hypostasis of the Archons".

One of the texts discovered at Nag Hammadi, this treatise retells the first few chapters of Genesis / Bereshit, giving a different perspective on the origins of sin and suffering and the path to salvation.

 

  • Dr Sara Parvis will argue for the inclusion of  "Gospel of Mary"

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene (also known as the Gospel of Mary) is a Gnostic work written in the second century around 120-180 A.D. In this gnostic gospel, Mary Magdalene appears as a disciple, singled out by Jesus for special teachings.

 

  • Professor Paul Foster believes "Q" should have its place as the 5th gospel arguing, "Q is the hypothetical source that is postulated to stand behind the Matthew and Luke. It may well be the earliest recoverable source of Jesus' sayings and teachings. That is why it should have pride of place as the 5 Gospel."

 

  • Professor Helen Bond, "Protoevangelium of James"

The Gospel of James, also known as the Infancy Gospel of James or the Protoevangelium of James, is an apocryphal Gospel probably written about AD 145, which expands the infancy stories contained in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and presents a narrative concerning the birth and upbringing of Mary herself. It is the oldest source to assert the virginity of Mary - not only prior to but during (and after) the birth of Jesus. It was hugely popular in the middle ages, and has informed much of what we think we know about the nativity today.

 

  • Dr David Reimer, "Isaiah".

Did the prophet Isaiah foretell the coming of Jesus, as many Christians have supposed? Did his book form the blueprint for the Christian gospels themselves? And if so, should it be given the status of Fifth Gospel?

 

All are welcome!