4.10.2006

The Gospel Of Judas - Redux

As many of you have heard or even seen last night on the National Geographic Channel, there is a Codex (book) that has been released to the general public that supposedly gives new information on the person of Jesus and His relationship to Judas. The document reveals that Judas was actually the hero of the betrayal of Jesus and his act of betrayal was supported and encouraged by Jesus.

The sad thing is that many Christians will spend more time denouncing this "release" than studying it. Knee jerk reaction isn't the answer to responding to those who are investigating and promoting this document. There is value in looking at the facts and studying the Gospel of Judas. The main value is that we get to see Gnosticism in a reliable ancient document. By reliable I do not mean that the contents are true (or false). By reliable I mean that it a genuine document of antiquity - around First Century.

While I have done some study on this, others have done a much better job of scholarship than I ever could have done.

Here are some links for you to study and be informed rather than be stupid and speak to others about something which you haven't really looked into. The first question that you should ask when real dialogue starts on this issue is, "what have you studied on the issue?" And you should ask the question of yourself first.

National Geographic Web site for Gospel of Judas
Mark Roberts report on the Gospel of Judas
PDF link to the English and Coptic Translation
Mark Daniels blog (Many great links to other studies on The Gospel of Judas)
John Reynolds
Albert Molher
Boston Globe Article

(Basic disclaimer: That fact that the above are posted does not mean that I agree with all the author's of the sites promote. The links are for you to look at the Gospel of Judas and relevant information for your own study and information.)

I believe that as a follower of God I should be able to discuss and share information relevant to my faith in an intelligent and systematic manner. This gospel has gotten the attention of many people who are asking questions about God, Jesus, and Christianity. Who is going to answer those questions?

WH

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