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Buying into the alternative forms of Christianity described in your article "The Lost Gospels" [Dec. 22]--the early Christian Scriptures that were dropped from the canon--is like buying a new car without an engine. It may look great at first glance, but it's not taking you anywhere. Wake up, people! There's a reason that religious belief is called faith. KELLY HARRIGER Brookville, Pa.
Gnosticism's appeal was not confined to ancient times but has proved to be widespread and enduring. Gnosticism addresses the feelings of displacement and alienation that have haunted us in recent times. While some Gnostic sects dissolved early, others lasted into the fourth century. Many people today feel frightened and amazed by the complexities of the world. The platitudes of organized religion do not seem sufficient. Gnosticism offers a consolation to be found in an esoteric mystical insight. IGNACIO L. GOTZ Point Harbor, N.C.
For this struggling Christian, the theory of religion professor Elaine Pagels--that John intended his Gospel to debunk and debase the Gospel of Thomas--is as plausible as it is unsettling. If Pagels is correct, does John play equally fast and loose with the truth in the sayings he attributes to Jesus? John's Gospel is the most direct assertion that Jesus is the Son of God, and if this Gospel were put aside as unreliable, then Christians would be much closer to being left with a man who is merely another prophet, a peer of Confucius, Buddha and Muhammad, but nothing more. THOMAS GUY Boston
In approaching religion, "anything but orthodoxy" continues to be the goal of many. It is our nature to drag down the exalted, demanding Christ of the four biblical Gospels to a level at which we can control and disobey him. Why would we want a Saviour? ROBERT B. PUTMAN Schaumburg, Ill.
The life of Jesus is like a Rorschach test: people look at it and see what they want to. That applies to us atheists too. We see continuing confirmation of what we've long contended--that man created God in his own image. RICHARD S. RUSSELL Madison, Wis.