The Mystery and Controversy of Excluded Christian Texts

Why do most Christians I encounter not know about the contents of the Dead Sea Scrolls? Was the exclusion from the Bible decided at the Council of Nicaea? Why do you think so many gospels were excluded? These are common questions that many Christians grapple with, and delve into the history and reasoning behind biblical authorship and the selection of texts.

Myth vs. Reality: Council of Nicaea and the Dead Sea Scrolls

The Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD, had nothing to do with the contents of the Bible. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which contain ancient biblical manuscripts and sectarian texts, were written and buried at least two centuries before the Council of Nicaea. Among the Dead Sea Scrolls, there were no gospels of any kind. This clarifies the misconception that certain scrolls were used to dictate what texts were included in the Bible.

The Canonical Canon: Early Decisions and Councils

In A.D. 363, the Council of Laodicea stated that only the Old Testament (including the Apocrypha) and the 27 books of the New Testament (the current canonical New Testament) were to be read in the churches. Later, the Council of Hippo (A.D. 393) and the Council of Carthage (A.D. 397) also affirmed this list of 27 books as authoritative.

The Mystery of Excluded Books

There are at least 14 books that we know of which were excluded from the Bible, although some scholars suggest the number could be as high as 50. The reasons for their exclusion are shrouded in mystery, but historical and sociopolitical contexts provide insights. For example, the inclusion of certain books was influenced by the desire to control the masses. In the early 300s, Constantine was the Roman Emperor, and Roman Catholicism was the growing religion of the time. It made sense for Constantine to make it the religion of the empire, and one method was to regulate religious practices and control the beliefs of the people by limiting the biblical texts available to them. By framing certain practices under the guise of "confession," people were encouraged to self-report and remain in their place with the local priests or law enforcement under the pretense of religious duties.

Biblical Selection and Control

Another method of controlling people was to deny them the full and true context of the texts. By selecting certain books that aligned with the interests of those in power, the religious authorities could maintain control. While the Bible is said to be the inspired word of God, it is important to recognize that it is a collection of human interpretations and bias. Choosing the Bible's books that align with the interests of the leaders can be seen as a form of control and manipulation.

The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Excluded Gospels

Acquiring a complete understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the excluded gospels can provide readers with a more comprehensive insight into the early Christian world. The scrolls contain several alternative accounts from the 8 main disciples that were excluded from the Holy Bible. These gospels often portray Mary Magdalene as a prominent and close figure to Jesus, and they delve into deeper spiritual relationships with Christ. They offer a different perspective that can be enlightening and thought-provoking.

Why Read the Excluded Gospels?

Many who have read the Dead Sea Scrolls find them to be a fulfilling and profound revelation of the Word of God. These texts are rich in spiritual depth and provide a broader understanding of Christian history and beliefs. By reading these gospels, one can gain a more nuanced perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Some of the gospels even explore concepts like reincarnation, as seen in the Book of Sophia, providing a unique and detailed insight into early Christian beliefs.

Recommendations and Resources

I highly recommend reading the Dead Sea Scrolls and these alternative gospels. They are available in various formats, including physical books and online resources like YouTube. While the Vatican archives might contain even more information, the materials available today offer valuable insights into the early Christian world. Below, you can find some of the resources I recommend:

Male reader: [Name] Female reader: [Name]

These readers bring a unique and engaging perspective to these texts, making them even more accessible and understandable for modern readers.