"The Gnostic Gospels" refers to a collection of early Christian texts discovered in 1945 near Nag Hammadi in Egypt. These writings, which include works like the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary, present alternative views of Jesus and his teachings, emphasizing personal spiritual knowledge over orthodox beliefs. These texts are associated with Gnosticism, a religious movement that sought deeper understanding of the divine through mystical experiences. The Gnostic Gospels challenge traditional narratives found in the canonical New Testament, offering insights into the diversity of early Christian thought and the complexities of faith during that period.