Eve Is To Blame For All

 

Or, at least that is what Philip said...

According to The Herald's May 27, 1961 article :

The translations of the NHL appear to finally have gotten to what is known at this time as The Gospel of Philip.  So what does this article discuss?  

The article introduces the Gnostics, a primitive religious group in early Christianity with unorthodox beliefs surrounding the creation story. Contrary to the biblical version, they believed Adam's rib to be the root of evil. Eve, created from this rib, is blamed for bringing trouble into the world by introducing the separation of sexes. This idea is found in a Gnostic document called "The Gospel of Philip."

The article outlines the Gnostic ideas discovered in both "The Gospel of Philip" and "The Gospel of Thomas." Both texts express that gender division caused a "fall" for mankind. To gain salvation, individuals must overcome separation – women becoming more like men. Notably, in "The Gospel of Thomas," Jesus intervenes when Peter seeks to exclude Mary Magdalene, stating that he will help her become male so she can enter Heaven.

Another focus within Gnostic belief is transcending sexuality altogether. "The Gospel of Thomas" uses the analogy of stripping naked without shame to portray an ideal state of sexlessness necessary for salvation. Gnostics also considered creation itself to be imperfect, a flawed act by a lesser power than God. This faulty creation extends to women, their origin rooted in a grave mistake.  As the article quotes the Coptic find,

For he who created it intended to create it so that would be incorruptible and immortal. He failed and did not achieve what he had hoped.

The article concludes by providing context for the names of these gospels. Gnostic tradition credits Thomas and Philip, Jesus' disciples, with recording Jesus's secret teachings. These attributed gospels provide a window into the distinct philosophies of this early Christian sect.

All of that wonderful information in a small article from 1961...who knew life after death would be so difficult for women?