Thomas Web-Zine
Past Issues for 2008
Christmas is a myth!
(November 2008)
Much of the Bible and other religious writings is a mixture of myth and allegory surrounding great Teachers. This is not a criticism, only an indication that these writings need to be considered with discernment to avoid literal meanings and mis-understandings.
What then are the facts surrounding Christmas?
Harvest Time
(September 2008)
As we move into Autumn thoughts of harvest arise in both country and city dwellers; a throw-back to our agrarian ancestry. It's a remembered time of reaping, lifting, and storing to provide food during the colder months of winter. In our current food market talk of food-miles dominate: for example, strawberries in December from Chile, but we shrug and enjoy the delight despite the cost.
In Jesus's environment, harvest time was critical. Most lived on a subsistence diet where a poor harvest could lead to starvation; something we in the West have long forgotten.
Small Things
(July 2008)
From the earliest times mankind has had expectations: "we will get meat today", "tomorrow the sun will shine", " I'm sure it will be a boy!" In the world of today our expectations have become ever greater: everyone expects to own their own home, a Brit will win Wimbledon! Even our charitable actions have been corrupted by expectations; we expect some 'reward' from our charity. Pop concerts entertain us, charity dinners feed our body but not our soul. Jesus clearly warns us of the dangers of charity: and if you give alms you will do harm to your spirits [logion 14.6-7]. When 'being seen' or 'being there' is more important, then ahamkara (pride) has taken control.
Show Me the Way
(May 2008)
Seekers have a hunger. A hunger that's often expressed in the pleading "show me the way" or the common question "what is the way?" . The Way-with a capital letter-takes on a special meaning and when uttered usually results in slow nods by the listeners. Knowing-looks signal "we understand", "we know what you mean", when in reality there is little common understanding of The Way!
What have you given up for Lent?
(March 2008)
Many sayings in 'Thomas' begin with "The disciples said to him." as they struggled to understand the message that Jesus was teaching. Logion #6 reflects the in-between stage that his followers were experiencing:
Do you wish that we should fast?
And in which way should we pray?
Should we give alms?
And what diet should we observe? [#6 2-5]
Life, Death, & Resurrection
(January 2008)
About twelve months ago, the BBC broadcast a documentary titled the 'Lost Gospels' which explored the findings from the Nag Hammadi library; The Gospel of Thomas was one of the first documents discussed. A leading gospel expert was on-camera quoting logion #1: And he said: "Whoever finds the inner meaning of these words will not taste death."
He turned to the presenter and commented how irrelevant was such a gospel, "it's all about immortality" he said. Then went on to discount the whole gospel based on this single logion! This was a leading 'expert', yet he seemed to be unable to grasp the significance of 'life' and 'death' in 'Thomas'.
