April DeConick

April DeConick is a distinguished professor specializing in New Testament and Early Christianity at Rice University. Her academic career is dedicated to the study of early Jewish and Christian thought, with a particular focus on non-canonical gospels, Gnostic literature, and mysticism in the early church. She earned her PhD from the University of Michigan, where her doctoral research centered on the Gospel of Thomas, proposing it originated from early second-century Christian mystics connected to Jerusalem's Jewish Christian community.

DeConick is widely recognized for her significant contributions to understanding the Gospel of Thomas, often reinterpreting it as a reflection of early orthodox mysticism rather than solely Gnosticism. Her work has also critically examined the Gospel of Judas, challenging conventional interpretations and suggesting it might be a parodic text by Sethian Gnostics. She has authored several books and articles in these fields, engaging with topics such as Gnosticism, mysticism, and the historical context of early Christian movements. Her scholarship is characterized by a willingness to challenge established views and explore alternative perspectives.

April DeConick's scholarly pursuits lie in the history of early Jewish and Christian thought, with a strong emphasis on New Testament and pre-Nicene literature. Her research extends to apocryphal gospels, Gnostic writings, and the development of mysticism and esotericism within early Christianity. She is also known for her work on new religious movements, both historical and contemporary, and employs a theoretical framework known as post-constructivism in her analyses. DeConick's academic career has been marked by her engagement with texts that offer alternative perspectives on early Christian beliefs and practices, often challenging mainstream interpretations.

A significant portion of DeConick's research has focused on the Gospel of Thomas. Her doctoral work proposed that this text was composed by early second-century Christian mystics associated with the Jewish Christian tradition in Jerusalem. This perspective offered a reevaluation of the Gospel of Thomas, suggesting it represented early orthodox mysticism rather than exclusively Gnostic ideology. Her subsequent work has continued to explore the complexities of early Christian texts, including Gnostic literature, contributing to a nuanced understanding of diverse spiritual currents in antiquity.

DeConick gained prominence for her critical engagement with the Gospel of Judas, particularly following its rediscovery and the publication of its English translation by National Geographic. She notably challenged the prevailing interpretation that the text portrayed Judas as a 'good' figure. Instead, DeConick argued that the Gospel of Judas functions as a parody, depicting Judas as a 'demon' and originating from a specific Gnostic Christian group known as the Sethians. She articulated these views in public forums, including the New York Times, and in her book, 'The Thirteenth Apostle: What the Gospel of Judas Really Says.' Her insights were also featured in a CNN documentary.

Beyond her research and writing, DeConick has been actively involved in shaping academic discourse in her field. She founded and serves as executive editor for 'Gnosis: Journal of Gnostic Studies,' a significant publication in the field. She also holds editorial positions for monograph series focused on Nag Hammadi and Manichaean Studies. Furthermore, DeConick has played a key role in academic societies, establishing and chairing the 'Mysticism, Esotericism and Gnosticism in Antiquity Section' of the Society of Biblical Literature and previously serving as chair of its Committee for the Status of Women in the Profession. She also organized and led the Early Jewish and Christian Mysticism Group for many years.