Before the Gospels: The Gospels of Thomas, Q, Signs, and The Passion: The Writings from which the Gospels Sprang

Jesus was a man of few words, simple words, and a deeply challenging message. However, through the years his words and message have been clouded with additions and redactions. How can we possibly know the words he spoke? What were his original teachings? Where did his message stop and the many changes begin? Hidden in the gospels themselves are the source materials containing the original message preached by Jesus. Before the gospels were written, there were proto-gospels, notes, lists and collections of sayings used to construct the gospels we have today. By examining history, language, and content we can cut through additions and redactions to extract the earliest source materials and examine the true words and teachings of Jesus.

Joseph Lumpkin has a long and varied background in research and writing. He worked in research and development within the U.S. Department of Defense for many years. Major projects included Hypersonic Missile Technology and Computer Clustering for Super Computers. In addition to his background in science, computers, and research, Joseph has a Doctorate of Ministry and has acted as chaplain to several outreach programs. He has written for various newspapers and has authored over two dozen books on subjects of theology, religion, history of Christianity, and philosophy. Dr. Lumpkin has appeared on Radio, Television, and Internet shows as a guest speaker on subjects of Fallen Angels, Church History, Religion, Theology, The Sacred Feminine, and the Axial Age. Shows include L.A. Talk Radio, Rainmaking Time, Cryptic Knowledge, and Threshing Floor Radio. Access shows via http: //www.fifthestatepub.co