Near Nag Hammadi, Egypt in 1945, a farmer unearthed texts believed to be about 2000 years old. Many of these texts are likely part of the beliefs of an early Gnostic sect of Christianity. Of these, one of the most widely studied is referred to as The Gospel of Thomas, a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus. Thornbro discusses this text in his book and makes the claim that the text is likely the Holy Grail of legend.

Thornbro first offers the text alongside his own commentary to clarify the meaning and modernize the language for ease of understanding. Following this, he divides the texts under the five trees or themes where he sees each fitting and elaborates on each theme and how it can relate to the reader’s personal journey to find self. In closing, he discusses the ideas of heaven and eternity and reiterates his reasons as to why he considers The Gospel of Thomas as the legendary Holy Grail.

The author’s belief in the spiritual importance of the texts he has researched and presented in this book is clear from the beginning. He writes with fervor and conviction and in sentences that are easy to read and understand. Thornbro presents his research on this non-canonical gospel knowledgeably and without overloading the reader with information. Readers interested in ancient texts excluded from the traditional Bible will enjoy this work. It is a book for those seeking alternative answers and ways of thinking, and that is exactly what the author delivers.

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