April D. DeConick

April D. DeConick is a distinguished professor at Rice University specializing in New Testament and Early Christianity. Her academic career began after earning her PhD from the University of Michigan, where her doctoral research focused on the Gospel of Thomas. She has significantly contributed to the study of early Christian thought, particularly concerning Gnosticism, non-canonical gospels, and mysticism. DeConick's work often challenges conventional interpretations, notably in her reevaluation of the Gospel of Judas. She has also been instrumental in establishing academic forums and journals dedicated to Gnostic studies and early Christian mysticism.

DeConick's academic focus lies in the history of early Jewish and Christian thought, with a particular emphasis on New Testament literature, non-canonical gospels, and Gnostic movements. Her research has significantly impacted the understanding of texts like the Gospel of Thomas, which she has analyzed as potentially originating from early second-century Christian mystics with ties to Jewish Christian traditions. She has also critically examined Gnostic literature and movements, exploring themes of mysticism and esotericism in early Christianity. Her approach is characterized by a willingness to challenge established scholarly consensus, seeking insights beyond traditional interpretations.

A notable area of DeConick's scholarship involves the Gospel of Judas, a Gnostic text rediscovered in the late 20th century. When National Geographic published its initial translation and interpretation, DeConick was among the first scholars to offer a dissenting view. She argued against the notion of a 'good' Judas presented in the text, proposing instead that the Gospel of Judas functions as a parody, possibly written by a Gnostic group known as the Sethians, depicting a 'demon' Judas. Her critical analysis was disseminated through publications like The New York Times and her book, 'The Thirteenth Apostle: What the Gospel of Judas Really Says,' and she was featured in a CNN documentary on the subject.

Beyond her research, DeConick has played a key role in shaping the academic landscape of Gnostic studies and early Christian scholarship. She founded and serves as the executive editor of 'Gnosis: Journal of Gnostic Studies,' a significant publication in the field. Additionally, she is a recruiting editor for the monograph series 'Nag Hammadi and Manichaean Studies.' Within academic societies, she established and chaired the 'Mysticism, Esotericism and Gnosticism in Antiquity Section' of the Society of Biblical Literature and previously chaired its Committee for the Status of Women in the Profession. She also organized and led the Early Jewish and Christian Mysticism Group.