There have been a lot of stories that have been re-written and almost completely altered to show different perspectives. When writings are popular among the people, others try to retell them in different ways. Most popularly are the retelling of the Grim Fairytales in Disney films and books. They took these dark, morbid stories and changed them to be light hearted so that children could enjoy the tales too. However, some authors don’t always turn the dark to light, but they also turn light hearted stories dark.
In reading the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, I was disturbed by how violent Jesus was portrayed as a child. I just don’t understand why this gospel needs to portray Jesus as a temperamental child. The beginning of the gospel was mainly of Jesus going around cursing people until his temper tantrum was over. What message are children supposed to gain from this version of baby Jesus? That it’s okay to have a temper tantrum and do all these awful things if you have the power to undo it. I’m not okay with that message. Yes, towards the end of the gospel Jesus behaves better but not by much. This version of baby Jesus portrayed him as a self entitled jerk that did whatever he wanted because he was the son of God.
Anyway, that is my interpretation of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. After reading it, I would say that it should be labeled as an apocrypha writing. I want to know what others thought of this gospel. What message did y’all gather from reading this writing?
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