Bart Ehrman--the New York Times bestselling author of Misquoting Jesus and a recognized authority on the early Christian Church--and Zlatko Plese--a foremost authority on Christian Gnosticism--here offer a valuable compilation of over 40 ancient gospel texts and textual fragments that do not appear in the New Testament. This comprehensive collection contains Gospels describing Jesus's infancy; ministry; Passion; and resurrection; and includes the controversial manuscript discoveries of modern times; such as the Gospel of Thomas and the most recent Gospel to be discovered; the Gospel of Judas Iscariot. Each translation begins with a thoughtful examination of important historical; literary; and textual issues in order to place the Gospel in its proper context. This volume is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in early Christianity and the deeper meanings of these apocryphal Gospels.
#338846 in Books 2008-04-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.90 x 1.50 x 9.20l; 2.75 #File Name: 0199236631840 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Best Book on the TopicBy Akhilesh PillalamarriThis is by far the best book on the subject I've read. The author's approach is refreshingly holistic; combining insights from fields as diverse as anthropology; evolutionary biology; psychology; archaeology; economics; history; and International Relations theory. The book is extremely objective; relying on data (qualitative and quantitative) gathered from the social sciences and the author does not waste any space attempting to moralize; justify; or be subjective in regards to the topic of war. Dr. Gat is a mostly a realist for sure; and presents war as it is in human nature and throughout human history. The book is readable and interesting yet at the same time very thorough. I've read a lot of books- academic and non-academic- in the social sciences; but this is the book that has had the most impact on my understanding of the grand scheme of human nature and human civilization. A word to those who are expecting a book on strategy and specific battle tactics- those are not to be found in here. This book focuses on the big picture; on the phenomenon of war. As with everyone else who has reviewed this book; I believe this book to be a true masterpiece and recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning about war; and the connection between war and other aspects of human civilization and history.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A stunning study of War ...By Bart SFCAThis is a stunning study of one of the biggest engagements of the human race: War. The arc of war is long; crooked and thanatotic. The never-likely but always hoped-for result; Mr. Gat argues; is peace; stability and progress -- until the next war at least. It's a big book on big subject; but it can be digested in small repasts. It deserves its accolades. ##4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Eye openerBy BernardZI learnt much reading this book. I also think it showed that the writer actually has military experience and knows what he is talking about.The book itself should be split into two parts. The first part dealing with prehistoric and the second civilized warfare. Much of what he describes as primitive warfare we would call crime. I thought his comments about how civilization has actually reduced warfare fascinating.
