Customer Reviews

The Gnostic Gospel of St. Thomas: Meditations on the Mystical Teachings

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Wow!

There is something about this book that is saying far more than the scholars and modern academia is saying. Not only is it stylistically more interesting to read, it's practically and directly spiritual!

I'd been looking for a way to find SPIRITUALITY in the West, rather than stale dogmas, and real methods to feel connected with God, Divine Spirit, or whatever you want to call it in a practical and meaningful way. This book addresses those needs quite directly, unlike the scholars writing about Gnosticism who, at best, address those issues indirectly. I used to look up to the Eastern systems of metaphysics because they had a rich tradition of meditation and spiritual contemplation that I always felt I needed, but couldn't really connect with. But this author is coming to show me that such a spiritual richness and depth may also exist in the West!

The best part about the book is its practical use! The chapters are direct responses to each line of the Gospel of St. Thomas. There is a contemplation following each of St. Thomas' 114 sayings. This allows me to read in order, out of order, re-read sections in a nice, relaxing way as it fits into my busy schedule. Plus, each contemplation is good spiritual food for thought, so that I can read a contemplation, look back on Thomas' line and contemplate it myself to glean a little more on my own. It's the perfect book for anyone that has been looking for something more directly spiritual about Gnosticism, and more practically useful as good, solid food for one's truly spiritual considerations.

At last! While there is so much gratitude we owe to scholars who've made available English translations of Gnostic texts, I find their academic commentaries often reach only so far. Even more gratitude is owed to Tau Malachi for picking up where such academics leave off, guiding in a meditative and introspective voice that opens up the reader to spectacular vistas within the Gospel of St. Thomas. As a devout Christian who once had issues with there being any other scripture than my Old and New Testament, I've become not only intrigued by the bigger questions and contemplations Tau Malachi gently weaves around these 114 sayings, I'm surprised by how much benefit for my faith the Gnostic messages in this book have inspired!

The Truth spoken in the Gospel of Thomas has many subtle layers. Tau Malachi takes these subtle sayings and peels them open enabling one to more penetrate the Mysteries. The method and approach Tau Malachi takes is complex in it's simplicity. In his writing style he draws from the unspeakable and grounds it making the subtle Truth speakable. I'am very grateful that finally a book that goes into the depth of Christian Gnosticism exists! Thank You Tau Malachi!!

One of the Nag Hammadi manuscripts, the Gospel of St. Thomas is non-canonical gospel. In this gospel, Jesus is a mystical teacher--never as a savior. No miracles here, just an emphasis on his words as teaching. It professes the achievement of enlightenment through realization of self, a most Eastern twist on things. The text itself is mainly in the form of, "Jesus said xxx." Interestingly enough, very much like the set of "Confucius Said"'s from the Analects. It is generally rejected by mainstream Christians but it is a most interesting read for sure. This particular copy that I read has commentary and expansion on each of the versus of the gospel. I would give it four stars.

As author Tau malachi exclaims, "There is a need for a new gospel, a gospel of the Cosmic Christ-one that restores the mystical and magical elements to Christianity..." In the Gnostic Gospel of St. Thomas, Tau Malachi inspires us to look with new eyes, hear with new ears and open our hearts and minds to experience a living gnosis born from the Holy Spirit within. Whether your new to Gnostic Christianity or a fellow seeker of the Mysteries, this book will open new vistas that will deepen your Spirituality and understanding of Gnostic Christianity.

Tau Malachi brilliantly weaves his comentary on the Gospel of st. Thomas with very esoteric and subtle insights, as well as grounding it in practicality. His knowlege as well as his ability to speak to a wide range of people is stunning, and his use of language, elegant. There are few books today that not only serve to uplift one, but offer a ground for contemplation if one wishes. I would encorage those who are already well versed in the Kabbalah and the gospel of st. Thomas, and those who may not know anything about the subject to read this text. no doupt it will prove extremely insightful and benificial to anyone who so choses to read this delightfuly beautiful interpretation of the gospel of st. Thomas.

At last! While there is so much gratitude we owe to scholars who've made available English translations of Gnostic texts, I find their academic commentaries often reach only so far. Even more gratitude is owed to Tau Malachi for picking up where such academics leave off, guiding in a meditative and introspective voice that opens up the reader to spectacular vistas within the Gospel of St. Thomas. As a devout Christian who once had issues with there being any other scripture than my Old and New Testament, I've become not only intrigued by the bigger questions and contemplations Tau Malachi gently weaves around these 114 sayings, I'm surprised by how much benefit for my faith the Gnostic messages in this book has inspired! Cheers to you Tau Malachi!

Tau Malachi has succinct, clear, and beautiful insights on the sayings of Jesus. I feel inspired and joyful to read and explore my experience.

I would highly recommend this book to people who like to question the nature of reality.

This book is a great introduction to Gnostic Spirituality. I have read a number of books that describe historical gnosticism, but none that give insight into the current day form of the tradition.

Each verse and chapter make a great daily meditation.

Fabulous writing and very interesting topic.

To quote Stephen Davies: "It all depends on what you mean by Gnostic. If you mean by Gnostic the belief that people have a divine capacity within themselves and that they can come to understand that the Kingdom of God is already upon the earth if they can come to perceive the world that way then Thomas is Gnostic.

"But if you mean by Gnostic the religion upon which the Nag Hammadi texts are based, a religion that differentiates the god of this world (who is the Jewish god) from a higher more abstract God, a religion that regards this world as the creation of a series of evil archons/powers who wish to keep the human soul trapped in an evil physical body then no, Thomas is not Gnostic.

"This differentiation is very important, because some scholars reason that if Thomas is Gnostic (in the first sense) then it is Gnostic (in the second sense) and, as they believe,Gnosticism (in the second sense) is a second or third century heresy, they conclude that the Gospel of Thomas is heretical, late in date, and without very much historical value in regard to Jesus of Nazareth."

Why are there so many authors who claim The Gospel of Thomas is Gnostic? It isn't......it is another denomination of Christianity that was suppressed 1800 years ago.