The question is, should someone who is interested in learning about Judeo-Christian beliefs use books available outside the Bible or use the Bible exclusively? Most denominations will suggest Sola Scriptura, which means use the Bible as the sole source for all enquiries and understanding concerning the teachings about God.
There are sources like the Nag Hammadi which contain writings concerning Jewish mysticism beliefs about the creation and redemption as well as other writings and books attributed to the apostles. These writings are known as Gnostic and are based in a belief that matter is evil. They also do not believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ, because they don’t accept the belief that He walked the earth as a flesh and blood man. They do, however, believe in a spiritual resurrection. We also have access to the Dead Sea Scrolls which speak to the Jewish Bible and the Old Testament in the Christian Bible. Admittedly there are many interesting things to be learned from these books. The accepted version of the Old Testament scripture follow the Dead Sea Scrolls quite accurately.
My feelings about the question I posed are not based on my belief that I’m an authority but are based on personal experience. I feel that if you are truly interested in understanding scripture you should stay with the Bible, Sola Scriptura. I understand that there are things in the scripture that aren’t always accurate, but I believe they are still divinely inspired. For example, there is a thing called an anachronism, which is placing an event in the wrong chronological place in time. In the scripture it says that Abraham was rich with many camels; however he was probably rich with many mules. The writer is relating Abraham’s wealth to camels because, in the writer’s time, camels were the prized animal; however there were no camels in Abraham’s time. We also find names changed and other nonessential errors, but again I say that these are man’s errors–the basic truth is in the scripture because it was inspired by God.
I’m not saying that there aren’t other works inspired by God but I suggest that one doesn’t get into them until they have a firm foundation in the basic truths. Why bring in writings that will only serve to confuse you? I can say from personal experience that if you are serious and diligent in your pursuit of knowledge, The Holly Spirit will awaken in you what some call the light of Christ. Romans 2: Verses 14 thru 16, Paul says “When Gentiles, who have not the law, do what the law requires, they are a law unto themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” Paul is speaking about the law because he’ s trying to show that the Gentiles are responding to Christ’s teachings and they know nothing of the law. I believe there are things that have been written on your heart and when you aspire to know the truth the Holy Spirit turns the light on. In my opinion the Bible has all the knowledge you need to know.
There are also volumes written about the Bible by divinely-inspired men and women that will help. These are called commentaries and they will be very helpful to your studies. Here I suggest that you look for a writer that is of your denomination and will see things the way you what to see them. You might say that I’m contradicting myself, but I don’t believe I am. If you belong to certain denomination, you’re comfortable with their views and reading a writer of a like mind will help. Take my word that you’ll know in your heart whether something is right or not.
