I'm apologizing immediately for my ignorance, but this news interests me today. I have been ambivalent in my bible studies since Sunday School in the sixties. This news today, at least in the MSM, actually has treated the concept of Jesus Christ as a holy being as being a well, sort of given, acknowledged, holy being for the first time in my memory. I suppose that that fact is only in the interest of gaining ratings. I think that the commonly held view of most newsmen is that the religion of Cristianity is hooey.
I, however, am taking interest in the historical aspect. What was actually going on, that there was such interest, and texts written, about this person, Jesus Christ.
I actually never realized that the "gospels" were written by Mathew, Luke, And John. Perhaps that is the ignorance of childhood.
But, to read this in the paper today, that scientists have translated an ancient text that may be a missing part of the bible. I am intrigued.
There were many accounts written by Jesus. Some written sooner than others, and some which had more direct connection to the apostles than others.
One of the first problems facing the christian community was how to define the divine/human nature of Jesus Christ.
The christians believed he was fully God, and fully human, and that both of these natures were "good" or "perfect."
Gnosticism was one of the earliest heresies that posed as semi-christian belief but also held beliefs contrary to christianity.
The early christians did not consider gnostics to be christians because of their erroneous beliefs considering the nature of God's creation, and the human/divine nature of Christ.
An early bishop, Ireneaus, was aware of this gospel of Judas, and described it as heretical - incompatible with christian faith.
I would compare it to how mainstream jews feel about Kabbalah.
Anyways, the gospel of Judas is a gnostic gospel, just as the gospel of Thomas and Mary are also. They share the same themes that the early christians considered to be heresy. They are not christian writings.
Here's a good article on gnosticism..
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06592a.htm
Early christian writings
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers