Although this commentary is not a close linguistic reading of the text, Duffy does still pay careful attention to the original language of the gospel, with quite fruitful results, as when he breaks down the complex meanings of a Greek loanword that appears in the English translation as solitary. Some of the sayings Duffy examines fit neatly with his philosophy of non-dualism, though the interpretations of some others seem strained. This is compounded by Duffy’s periodic reliance on scribal error or emendation to explain inconsistencies, as when he argues that the “perplexing” twelfth saying of Jesus in this text must not be “original to” the Gospel of Thomas. These concerns are difficult to resolve given the limited manuscript history available.
Still, Duffy acknowledges the philosophical lens through which he reads the text, and he does an excellent job of illustrating individual sayings, expanding its meaning of the gospel beyond a straightforward Gnosticism. His careful unpacking of complex sayings both illuminates the text and demonstrates the kind of deep contemplation he believes it takes to arrive at an enlightened reading. The spiritual seekers reading this commentary will not just learn about a lost gospel. Instead, they’ll also find ample encouragement to realize the ultimate unity of all things.
Takeaway: Spiritual seekers interested in non-canonized gospels will find this commentary fruitful and enlightening.
Great for fans of: Elaine Pagels’s Beyond Belief, Jean-Yves Leloup’s The Gospel of Thomas: The Gnostic Wisdom of Jesus.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B
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Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
5.0 out of 5 stars, A Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021
This is the best commentary you will ever read on the Gospel of Thomas. I've read probably 5 other commentaries by much more well-known authors, and this book puts them all to shame. The author's analysis and research is fantastic, and he does an excellent job of weaving the sayings together to form patterns and threads of common thought.
But the main thing is, by reading this book, my understanding of the gospel of Thomas has increased probably tenfold. It really is life-changing when you really understand it and live it. My heartfelt thanks to the author!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly and Inspirational
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2021
One of the best commentaries on the Gospel of Thomas. Duffy provides several different translations to many of the verses, especially the ones that are more esoteric or difficult to understand. The very informative introduction and the commentaries on each verse provide both historical and spiritual contexts for the teachings in this non-canonical Gospel. Scholarly but also inspirational. I wish an index had been included, but the book does provide a list of suggested readings for those who want to delve deeper. Highly recommended for all students of Wisdom literature.
5.0 out of 5 stars, Scholarly Validation...
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2020
I first read this gospel sometime in the 1980s but had not returned to it until I read Mr. Duffy's book. I feel he has unlocked the mystery of these early teachings. I won't be surprised if his book becomes widely regarded as the definitive word on the Thomas Gospels. For someone with a prior interest in these teachings, I found myself reading and responding with a great sigh of relief: oh... I see.
Highly recommended.
