the gnostic gospels look to stimulate knowledge and insight. >> gnosticism held a fascination for many christians for another reason. its gospels seemed to offer a more female-friendly faith. >> it was the gnostics that thought the role of the female as an image and the role of women within the church should be advanced so that god is not only male, god is also female. there are not only male leaders, there are female leaders. there are not only male priests, there are female priests, and in this way, there is a kind of gender balance found in these texts. >> that balance is not found in the gnostic gospel of thomas, where peter asks jesus to send mary magdalene on her way, for women aren't worthy of apostolic