I was unaware that Heinlein was inspired by the gospel of Thomas. Thank you for that. On the whole, however, this gospel is not authentic Scripture, as was recognized in antiquity, although it has more interest that other gospels as a collection of sayings. Factors for this judgement include disdain for the Hebrew Scriptures, anti-woman sayings (as opposed to Jesus), secret knowledge for salvation rather than death and resurrection which are not mentioned, extreme asceticism, among others.