#ThegospelofBarnabas is fake!
The Gospel of Barnabas is widely regarded by scholars and historians as a forgery or pseudepigraphical work. It is not considered a canonical gospel in Christianity, nor does it hold significant credibility within Islamic or Jewish traditions.
Some key reasons for this assessment include:
1. Historical Anachronisms: The text contains numerous historical errors, including references to concepts and practices that did not exist during the time of Jesus or Barnabas, such as the use of medieval feudal terms and descriptions of the Muslim Shahada.
2. Language and Style: The language and style of the work suggest it was written in the late medieval period, likely in the 14th or 15th century, long after the time of Barnabas, who was a companion of Paul in the New Testament.
3. Discrepancies with Early Christian Writings: The Gospel of Barnabas contradicts both the New Testament and other early Christian texts, as well as historical Islamic teachings. It presents an unusual account of Jesus' life that aligns with neither Christian nor mainstream Islamic theology.
4. Unknown Provenance: The earliest known manuscripts of the Gospel of Barnabas date to the 16th century, and there is no evidence of its existence before then.
Most scholars believe the text was written to promote specific theological or political agendas during the Middle Ages, likely by someone familiar with both Christianity and Islam. It is not accepted as an authentic work by any major religious tradition.
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The King James Bible does not include a number of ancient writings that are considered apocryphal or pseudepigraphal (false or spurious writings), many of which claim to be gospels or texts about Jesus and the apostles. Here's a list of notable counterfeit or excluded gospels, along with general scholarly perspectives on their significance:
1. Gospel of Thomas
- Date: 2nd century AD
- Content: A collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, often esoteric in nature, with Gnostic overtones.
- Why Excluded: It does not align with orthodox Christian theology and emphasizes secret knowledge.
- Scholarly Value: Rated highly for historical insight into early Christian sects but rejected as Scripture by the early church.
2. Gospel of Judas
- Date: 2nd century AD
- Content: Depicts Judas Iscariot not as a betrayer but as a favored disciple who acts at Jesus' request.
- Why Excluded: Promotes Gnostic beliefs that contradict mainstream Christian teachings.
- Scholarly Value: Fascinating for understanding Gnosticism but rated low for theological relevance.
3. Gospel of Peter
- Date: Late 2nd century AD
- Content: Focuses on the Passion narrative but includes fanciful details (e.g., a talking cross).
- Why Excluded: Contains theological errors and embellishments.
- Scholarly Value: Moderate; important for studying early Christian literary creativity.
4. Infancy Gospel of Thomas
- Date: 2nd-3rd century AD
- Content: Describes Jesus' childhood with miraculous events and mischief (e.g., killing a boy and resurrecting him).
- Why Excluded: Theologically unsound and filled with legendary material.
- Scholarly Value: Interesting for folklore studies but theologically rated very low.
5. Protoevangelium of James
- Date: 2nd century AD
- Content: Focuses on the birth and upbringing of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
- Why Excluded: Contains embellishments and legends not consistent with canonical Scripture.
- Scholarly Value: High for Marian studies but low for doctrinal accuracy.
6. Acts of Paul and Thecla
- Date: 2nd century AD
- Content: Tells the story of a female disciple of Paul named Thecla, who performs miracles.
- Why Excluded: Considered fictional and inconsistent with Pauline theology.
- Scholarly Value: Useful for studying early Christian perspectives on women but not as Scripture.
7. Gospel of Mary (Magdalene)
- Date: 2nd century AD
- Content: Features Mary Magdalene as a prominent disciple and teacher, emphasizing secret knowledge.
- Why Excluded: Gnostic in nature and promotes views counter to orthodox Christian doctrine.
- Scholarly Value: High for gender studies and Gnostic thought, but not canonical.
8. Gospel of the Egyptians
- Date: 2nd century AD
- Content: Includes esoteric teachings of Jesus, heavily influenced by Gnostic ideology.
- Why Excluded: Rejects bodily resurrection and orthodox teachings.
- Scholarly Value: Significant for understanding early Christian diversity.
9. Gospel of Philip
- Date: 3rd century AD
- Content: A Gnostic gospel with mystical sayings, including speculation on Jesus’ relationship with Mary Magdalene.
- Why Excluded: Heretical views inconsistent with Christian theology.
- Scholarly Value: Valuable for studying Gnosticism but irrelevant for orthodoxy.
10. The Didache
- Date: Late 1st or early 2nd century AD
- Content: A manual for Christian living and church practices, including teachings on baptism and communion.
- Why Excluded: Not a counterfeit gospel but excluded because it is more of a church manual than inspired Scripture.
- Scholarly Value: Highly rated for historical church practices.
11. Gospel of Barnabas
Date: Likely written in the 14th-16th century AD
Content: Claims that Jesus was a prophet, denies His divinity, and states that Muhammad was the final prophet, aligning with Islamic theology.
Why Excluded: Not an ancient document; it is a medieval forgery with anachronisms, written to support Islamic views of Jesus.
Scholarly Value: Very low, as it lacks credibility and historical accuracy.
Summary of Ratings
- Scholarly interest: High for understanding early Christianity and sectarian movements.
- Canonical value: Low due to doctrinal errors, Gnostic influence, or fictional elements.
The King James Bible excluded these texts because they lacked apostolic authorship, consistent theology, or broad acceptance in the early church.
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