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Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
The Hidden Messages of Jesus: How the Gnostic Gospels Change Christianity by Larry A. Angus is an exceptionally detailed and documented history of how Christianity developed and evolved after the first-hand witnesses – the Apostles and others – had left the scene. In spite of what the title may conjure up in your mind, Angus does not preach a new “hidden message” to which he believes all Christians should now adhere. On the contrary, Angus shows many similarities between the four Gospels in the Bible and the Gnostic Gospels. He also shows there are some differences, which primarily seem to encourage rational introspection on the part of individuals, as they seek always to enrich their personal relationships with their Creator. His aim is to let Christians know it is perfectly all right for them to question certain “truths” they have been taught to blindly believe, and focus on becoming more Christ-like in their daily lives.
The Hidden Messages of Jesus is a well-written and thought-provoking volume on a topic most contemporary Christians will never have heard about. Angus presents persuasive arguments as he urges Christians to move beyond simply “believing” what their denomination tells them to believe, and to proactively seek a closer walk with God. Angus manages to portray a well-balanced picture of extra-Biblical texts and the Bible itself, carefully drawing attention to both complementary and contradictory passages found therein. Although The Hidden Messages of Jesus is sure to draw the ire of the power structure within the Church, Angus basically offers lay-Christians a history lesson which will help them move closer to God. I was very reluctant to read this book, having my own preconceived notions of what it might have to say. Having read it thoroughly, I have no reluctance about recommending it as a tool to help individuals in their personal relationships with God. I doubt many people will agree 100% with everything Angus states, which is really the point of the book, but I am confident 98% of it will be a great help to many Christians today.
