The Truth About Jesus and the "Lost Gospels"
by David Marshall
Published by Harvest House Publishers
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Reviewed by Diane Snyder
Mr. Marshall, founder of the Kuai Mu Institute for Christianity and World Cultures, has authored several books prior to this one. In this current book he argues that the Gnostic texts are not Christian and that it is incorrect to call them Gospels.
After the Di Vinci Code and The Matrix gained much public and media notice, questions were raised about the life of Jesus and the four accepted Gospels: Mathew, Mark, Luke and John.
Marshall felt it necessary to write this book to dispel the myths that are currently being taken seriously—and the tendency of myths, if left too long unchallenged, to be taken as truths. His main focus is on the most popular Gnostic texts, the Gospel of Thomas, but he cites others such as the Judas Gospel, the Gospel of Mary and the Gospel of Philip.
His aim is to give those who hold the four New Testament Gospels as historically correct some background to refute the supporters of the Gnostic texts. There are eight criteria in which “to judge truthfulness” of information and sources according to Marshall. He lists and explains each point, contrasting and comparing the Gnostic texts and the New Testament Gospels. The last several chapters deal less with the Gnostic texts and more with a reaffirmation of his belief in the truths of the New Testament Gospels.
Mr. Marshall does not present an unbiased argument. He does not pretend to do so. As he states, “This is my view.”
For those wanting to read all sides of the controversy, this short book with its very good bibliography would be a place to start. The bibliography is also a good source list for further reading. Also in the text of the book you will find names of the leading historians and scholars who have studied the lost scriptures.
Armchair Interviews says: Good book for people who like to learn more about controversial subjects.