[Clemenza]

Thank you for the ping, Coleus. I actually learned about the Gnostic Gospels in Cathecism Class when I was 12 and studied them further in high school. Its a shame so many people these days get their theology via pulp novels.

The Da Vinci Code has indeed shaken my faith...

...in Ron Howard as a director, that is!

[OneWingedShark]

It's a shame so many people these days get their theology via pulp novels.

That's true and bears some repeating.

As does that last paragraph (although I'll edit it for ease of read):
Why were the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John included in the canon of the New Testament and no other supposed gospels? The simple reasons for their inclusion is as follows:

1. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are rooted in the apostolic tradition and can be attributed to apostolic authorship, as noted above.
2. These Gospels are orthodox in their teaching, particularly about the identity and person of Jesus.
3. They were used in the Mass and other liturgical functions.
4. They were accepted by the whole Church, not just by some sect.

The Gnostic gospels do not fit any of these criteria, and therefore were rejected and condemned by the Church.