What did you learn about Jesus from the gnostics or from "apocryphal gospels?
I have not learned anything from them, other than there were a lot more writings gathered about Christ than are in the bible. If you recall, I stated that the writings I read to learn about Christ were placed in the bible. That doesnt' mean that I don't know there are other writings that were done, other people sending in their testimonies.
Of course there was word of mouth before the gospels. There is no word of mouth now that didn't originate in the bible and we are talking about now.
Well, I can't talk about what might have happened if there was no bible with authority, and neither can you. You can state what you think, same as me.
You take the gospels with a grain of salt but you have no other source of data about the Jesus you claim to know.
I do have another source now. I did not when I started out... well, not one that I knew to draw upon. Now I can ask Him, myself. But that is another can of worms, and I assume you guys want to know how my faith in Christ began.
I think you did say you believe in the virgin birth.
I said that I accept it. I could learn otherwise (such as it was meant to be symbolic for purity) and be fine - that is what I mean by 'grain of salt'. But for now, yes, I accept it.
There is an example of something you couldn't know without trusting the gospels, do you agree?
Sure. (Unless I asked and received truth on the matter from Christ, Himself - but again, different can of worms)
Are there any parts of these account you don't accept?
Nothing I can think off the top of my head.
Sometimes I dont' fully understand the meaning behind something that was taught or said. But I also never claimed to understand everything.
Peace,
Tammy