I'm conflicted. On one hand I feel that the gnostic gospels, being later 'rediscoveries' makes them suspect, as all modern rediscoveries are. As many such things are likely fabricated. But on the other, the gospels paint a clear, coherent, and accurate representation of the spiritual side of existence, as well as explain many things about Jesus, his teachings, and his life. Ultimately I'm gnostic as the worldview appears to be correct, but I wonder how legitimate the gospels are?
Legitimate as what?
As a myth, for sure? That is demonstrable. Just as the Gnostic Christian myths are.
It is also true to say Christianity is now what one can plainly see as a fascist ideology masking as a religion.
Literal reading of myths by Christians is what had Christianity helping to usher in the Dark Ages.
I hope you can see how intelligent the ancients were as compared to the mental efforts that modern preachers and theists are using with the literal reading of myths.
What is God?
Further.
Bill Moyers Journal . Watch & Listen | PBS
Rabbi Hillel, the older contemporary of Jesus, said that when asked to sum up the whole of Jewish teaching, while he stood on one leg, said, "The Golden Rule. That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the Torah.
And everything else is only commentary. Now, go and study it."
Please listen as to what is said about the literal reading of myths.
"Origen, the great second or third century Greek commentator on the Bible said that it is absolutely impossible to take these texts literally. You simply cannot do so. And he said, "God has put these sort of conundrums and paradoxes in so that we are forced to seek a deeper meaning."
Matt 7;12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
This is how early Gnostic Christians view the transition from reading myths properly to destructive literal reading and idol worship.
Regards
DL