As you explain in your book, Jesus, for John, is a uniquely divine being—the way, the truth, the water of life—and salvation requires belief in Jesus. What is Jesus for Thomas?
Elaine Pagels: Well, you see that in Thomas belief is never asked for and the only time it's mentioned—when the disciples seem sort of desperate and they say, "Tell us who you are so that we may believe in you"—Jesus doesn't answer them. So, this gospel comes from someone or some group for whom believing in Jesus is not the point. Read more...
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