The books that never made it into the Bible.

[Michael B]

Understand I don't wish to learn about the history of Christianity

Well, it's up to you of course, but I think you'll understand the teachings much better if you understand the history of the debates that forged the 'accepted' writings and teachings, and you'll understand the context of why other writings and teachings were rejected. None of this (the accepting of some writings and teachings, and the rejection of others) occured in isolation from what had gone on before and from what was going on around at the time. Some historical study will, I would say, reward you richly in return for the time it takes. But you're obviously free to do as you will.