Description:

What are the apocryphal gospels? Purporting to fill in the missing pieces of Jesus’ life story, these books are often the subject of popular discussion and heated debates. Few, however, truly understand their context and meaning. In this course, you have the opportunity to explore these gripping texts with one of Catholicism’s great scholars. These twelve erudite lectures shed light upon the early Christian community—and how they responded to questions that could not be found in the canonical New Testament. Under the guidance of Father Bert Buby, you will explore the most important non-canonical gospels and the controversies that surround them. As you will come to understand, the apocryphal gospels display the great diversity among the churches in the early centuries of Christianity. While exploring such texts as the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, and early Gnostic books, you will gain a powerful glimpse into the beliefs of first followers of Christ. Just like the ancient writers of the apocryphal gospels, believers today are fascinated by the life of Christ. Take this adventure through the intriguing stories that influenced the founders of our faith.