The Judas Complex...

[Little Horn]

This is a short essay that I wrote about a year ago regarding Judas Iscariot. I personally don't think it's all that great in the way that it's written but I think the information contained therein is important. I don't mean to "bash" anyone's religion. I just thought that it would be a good way to raise questions and start good conversation.

Judas Iscariot is, quite possibly, the most hated man in the bible no doubt. We all know Judas as the man that betrayed Jesus Christ, a betrayal that ultimately led to the crucifixion of Jesus. There are a mass of questions that arise when on the subject of Judas Iscariot. According The Gospel of Judas, Jesus had asked Judas to betray him. Jesus knew that he was born to die on the cross and knew that this was a necessary step in the process of saving man. While the Gospel of Judas is not widely accepted as truth by most Christians, it shows an interesting side of the story.
The most widely accepted story is that Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Upon realization of his deed a guilt-stricken Judas returned the silver and hanged himself (Matthew 27:3 - 8). I’m amazed that this is the most widely accepted of the stories concerning Judas considering that this is not the only one that appears within the New Testament.
The Acts of the Apostles (1:16 – 19) tells us that Judas took the thirty pieces of silver and purchased a field called Akeldema where he “fell headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” The question is what really happened? This is not two contradictory stories coming from two different sources but two contradictory stories contained within the same book. A book that to most is the undeniable word of God.
Some argue that it’s possible that Judas hanged himself and in the process the rope broke and he fell and “burst asunder”. This still does not explain what happened with the silver. Did he return it or not? Who exactly purchased the field? Was it the priests or was it Judas? If this is the case why is the hanging not mentioned in Acts and the deadly fall not mentioned in Matthew? This “possibility” provides no answers but only raises more questions.
Religionists will tell you that the details are insignificant and that it is the over all plot, the moral of the story, that is important but I couldn’t disagree more. Details are everything, particularly in this instance.
It is commonly accepted that Judas was damned to hell for all eternity. If this is so then would it not be safe to say that it is truly Judas who made the ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of man and not Jesus Christ? Jesus only suffered during his imprisonment and on the cross whereas Judas must suffer for all eternity. It seems to me that Judas is a much more qualified savior than Jesus. Although no “official” canon states the damnation of Judas it has been emphasized time and time again by members of many different churches including the Catholic Church. Judas’ damnation has been the example of many, many sermons and tele-evangelical tales.
Certainly if one takes into consideration the suicide of Judas according to Matthew then it is easy to assume that Judas is in hell. Suicide is the ultimate, unforgivable sin. Many church leaders, pastors and ministers have stated that if it were not for Judas’ suicide, he could have attained Sainthood much like Peter.
If you read Acts where there is no mention what-so-ever of suicide what has Judas done to be worthy of damnation? Yes, he betrayed Christ and turned him over to be crucified but did Jesus’ cry “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) not apply to Judas Iscariot? Was his betrayal not a key element in the salvation of man?
To suggest that Jesus knew Judas would betray him brings to question the subject of free will. The idea of omnipotence is quite contradictory to the notion of free will. If Jesus knew of Judas’ betrayal prior to the act it suggests that Judas’ fate had already been determined.
In the Gospel of John we are led to believe that Satan had a hand in the betrayal. Why would Satan do this? Surely the last thing that Satan would want would be the salvation of man. Why would he desire the son of God to be crucified? He must have been aware of the purpose Jesus’ sacrifice. If Satan played a role in the betrayal how can Judas be held morally responsible for his actions including the suicide? Who’s to say that Judas’ “suicide” was not a part of Satan work?
What I find odd is the recently (relatively) discovered and translated Gospel of Judas that I mentioned earlier and how most people have shunned it completely. In this story we find that not only did Judas betray Jesus but Jesus had gone to Judas and asked him to do so! This account has been written off by church leaders and hardcore conservative Christians as blasphemous and heresy. Isn’t it possible that this is the case? We only know of the circumstances surrounding Jesus capture and crucifixion from the views of the other apostles. In the Gospel of John we are told that Jesus actually points Judas out as his betrayer and tells him to do what he has to do quickly (John 13:27). Is it not possible that Jesus knew this because they had discussed it at an earlier time in the absence of the other apostles? So would it not appear to John or Matthew or Peter that Judas betrayed Jesus with malicious or personal intent not knowing that he had been asked to do so?
These are only some questions, contradictions and inconsistencies that arise when looking into the story of Judas and this is, after all, only one story within the New Testament. There are an endless number of questions that can be asked and with each “answer” there will always be more questions. With each question there is only more doubt.

[Dark616]

interesting. I only had time to skim it now. I will give a full read and my opinion after I get home.

[Trogdor]

What I find odd is the recently (relatively) discovered and translated Gospel of Judas that I mentioned earlier and how most people have shunned it completely. In this story we find that not only did Judas betray Jesus but Jesus had gone to Judas and asked him to do so! This account has been written off by church leaders and hardcore conservative Christians as blasphemous and heresy. Isn’t it possible that this is the case? We only know of the circumstances surrounding Jesus capture and crucifixion from the views of the other apostles. In the Gospel of John we are told that Jesus actually points Judas out as his betrayer and tells him to do what he has to do quickly (John 13:27). Is it not possible that Jesus knew this because they had discussed it at an earlier time in the absence of the other apostles? So would it not appear to John or Matthew or Peter that Judas betrayed Jesus with malicious or personal intent not knowing that he had been asked to do so?

If so you must realize that the Gospel of Judas has reason to be accepted but isn't faith based and Faith is always greater than human reason

[Dark616]

to your 'why would satan...' argument:
the devil could have been foolish enough to think that death would stop God, and probably didn't expect a resurrection, as he doesn't know Gods plans

[Little Horn]

Originally Posted by Dark Whole

to your 'why would satan...' argument:
the devil could have been foolish enough to think that death would stop God, and probably didn't expect a resurrection, as he doesn't know Gods plans

You have to keep in mind first and foremost that I am an atheist and do not believe in any of this but I do study religion in my spare time. Also I have to make it clear that I am not trying to criticize you or your beliefs. That aside...

I would have to say that you're seriously underestimating the intelligence level of Satan. We're talking about the same deity that convinced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit (of course depending on your views of who the serpent really was), the same deity whose greatest trick was convincing the world he didn't exist. I can't say that he knew what God's plan was but I would assume that he had some sort of an idea especially if you take the whole "last temptation" thing into consideration. And if you do so I would say that you're argument ends there.

As for the issue of faith... faith is just a fancy way of saying "I don't know". To suggest that the idea of faith is superior to human logic and reasoning is an insult to every human being. Faith is a MAN MADE concept. It is a way for people to control other people without having answers.
My question to you Trogdor is; what qualifies/disqualifies a doctrine to be considered "faith based"? Does this simply mean that in order to swallow what is being told to you through these books requires loads and loads of faith whereas books like the Gospel of Judas and ideas like the ones that are outlined in the book Holy Blood, Holy Grail, don't require as much faith because there is more evidence to support the authenticity of the context of these books?

[mr.handsomeman]

hmmm...i only skimmed it, but it looks like you got a good essay going on here. I'll check it out with my girlfriend soon man. thanks for your thoughts!

okay, I read it, analyzed, and I really don't have anything to say to this, I'm stumped, although I did have a question. What's the Gospel of Judas? teach me, enlighten me.