Synopses & Reviews
The discovery of a previously lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot has electrified the Christian community. What Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John tell us about Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, is inconsistent and biased. Therefore, the revelation of an ancient gospel that portrays this despised man as someone who saw his role in the Passion of Christ as integral to a larger plan—a divine plan—brings new clarity to the old story. If Judas had not betrayed Jesus, Jesus would not have been handed over to the authorities, crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. Could it be that without Judas, the Easter miracle would never have happened?
In The Secrets of Judas, James M. Robinson, an expert historian of early Christianity, examines the Bible and other ancient texts and reveals what we can and cannot know about the life of the historical Judas, his role in Jesus's crucifixion, and whether the Christian church should reevaluate his intentions and possible innocence. Robinson tells the sensational story of the discovery of a gospel attributed to Judas, and shows how this affects Judas's newfound meaning for history and for the Christian faith.
Review
Americas leading expert on ancient religious texts from Egypt. Associated Press
Review
Professor Robinsons new book, The Secrets of Judas, should be read alongside the National Geographic volumes for another perspective. New York Times
Synopsis
Presents a historical examination of biblical writings about Judas, argues that the case against Judas is not as clear as tradition taught, and describes the recent discovery of a fourth-century document entitled "The Gospel of Judas Iscariot" in which Judas may have felt he was playing a positive role in the plan for salvation.
About the Author
James M. Robinson, consultant for this collection, was instrumental in obtaining the cooperation of an international team of scholars. Robinson is the founding director emeritus of the Institute for Antiquity and Christianity and professor emeritus at Claremont Graduate University. He is the author of Trajectories Through Early Christianity; A New Quest of the Historical Jesus; The Gospel of Jesus; and The Secrets of Judas. He is widely known for his pioneering work on the Sayings Gospel Q and the Nag Hammadi codices, his contribution as the permanent secretary of UNESCOs International Committee for the Nag Hammadi codices, and his research and work as the general editor of The Nag Hammadi Library in English.