Experts skeptical of new ‘Gospel of Judas’

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Washington D.C., Apr 7, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The Gospel of Judas, a manuscript which experts believe may date back to the 2nd century, and suggests that Judas Iscariot was merely taking orders from Jesus himself when he turned the Messiah over to authorities, was officially presented in Washington yesterday by the National Geographic Society.

The ancient papyrus manuscript first came to light 30 years ago when it was discovered on the Egyptian antiquities market. Aside from new dating, evidence of its existence stretch back to the time of St. Irenaeus, a bishop, who condemned it as early as 180 A.D.

The document is one of many ancient manuscripts which were rejected by Church fathers when formulating the canon of scripture.

According to the ANSA news service, the Vatican has denied suggestions that this week’s hugely publicized publication is part of a rehabilitation of Judas by the Catholic Church.

According to the National Geographic Society, the newly translated document begins: "The secret account of the revelation that Jesus spoke in conversation with Judas Iscariot."

In one passage, Jesus tells Judas, "You will exceed all of them. For you will sacrifice the man that clothes me," supposedly indicating that Judas was essentially following orders when he turned the Lord over to his death.

Another passage reads: "Step away from the others and I shall tell you the mysteries of the kingdom," Jesus says to Judas, singling him out for special status. "Look, you have been told everything. Lift up your eyes and look at the cloud and the light within it and the stars surrounding it. The star that leads the way is your star."

The text ends with Judas turning Jesus over to the high priests and does not include any mention of the crucifixion or resurrection.

A number of Catholic teachings come into conflict with the new document. For one, the suggestion that Jesus needed to be released from “the man that clothes him”, or his physical body, hearkens back to an early Church heresy that which suggested that the flesh was evil and mankind needed to shed material things for the sake of the spiritual.

In addition, Catholic ethics teach that one can never use an evil means to reach a good end. Under Catholic thinking, it would never be morally acceptable for Judas to betray his master, even for the sake of a greater good.

Comments: 11

Subscriber comments:

Published by: D. Discenza
CT, Burly 04/22/2009 09:23 AM EST

Wow, despite all of the paranoid pro-Catholic ramblings, I think it would help to contribut something intellectual. The Gnostic Gospels were written by the Gnostics who were a radical early group of Christians who had fundamentally differnt beliefs about most Catholic doctrines. Not only was the gospel written by people with entirely different beliefs it was also misinterpreted. I have learned much from April Deconick who has written a book detailing the circumstances surrounding the National
Geographic's translation release. Not only was it completely rushed, it has clear errors that make the gospel more controversial and more exciting. The fact is that this Gospel was widely known at the time and considered and the final Christian scriptures show mostly man's interpretation of scripture and not from God. There was debate of what to incldue and Judas didnt make the cut.

Published by: Dennis Rivelli
Orange 04/10/2009 01:58 PM EST

Wow! Talk about your blind faith, the comments I have been reading are amazing. I have been a memebr of the Catholic Church my entire life and have never claimed blind faith. I welcome all views of Christ and interpretations of his "word". There are no constants or words written in stone. The approved Gospels were translated thousands of times in hundreds of languages. It is the meaning and essense that supports one's faith and Christs meaning not the words. Get over it all of you with blind faith.

Published by: revd angyian moses
Nigeria 05/06/2006 09:38 AM EST

I appreciate the efforts of those who printed that document.however,one who knows the catholic faith will not be intimidated by it.Neither will they change the divine plan.

Published by: John Healy
Washington, DC 05/01/2006 06:38 PM EST

Jack,

If your faith is threatened by reading noncanonical Christian documents, your faith is pretty fragile and certainly not based on a rational understanding of the issues. Isn't it advantageous to know what many early Christians believed?

Published by: Jack A. Leone
Wantagh, NY 04/28/2006 03:04 PM EST

Why doesn't everyone just realize that this is all heresy. I just don't understand it. Also, Catholics should be aware of the latest installment of heresy: "The Jesus Papers." Yet many people are reading these works. Being curious is the danger zone. I pray that all stay away from these books.

The Gospels are the Truth. The rest is garbage, heretical and most importantly diabolical.

Satan is taking many souls to hell. Why do think he tries desperately to leading people away from Christ and the Church. because the Church was given for salvation?

The four Gospels are the Truth.

Mary, please help the faithful and unfaithful so they will not perish.

Published by: Julian
New Zealand 04/28/2006 12:33 AM EST

Why does everyone always jump on the anti-Catholic bandwagon? It amazes me how the media and 'popular society' are always trying to undermine the Church and its teachings on how much Jesus loves us. The Church teaches that evil is no means to reach an end, and the one person who we can know would follow this is Jesus. We are all Judus in our own ways, we all betray Jesus everyday, but that doesnt make it right. And no 2000 year old parchment can justify that the Son of God instigated his death. The Gospel of Judas cannot even be considered a gospel because the implication is that its been accepted by Church authority. It hasn't. I'm afraid that the Nat Geographic Society is biased and caught up in the anti-Catholic bandwagon themselves. There is no proof of anything in the writings and we should all rely on the wisdom of the Catholic Church. Heaven forbid that the Gospel of Judas becomes another Da Vinci Code.

Published by: tulika
india 04/14/2006 04:36 AM EST

why isnt it important to know the truth?we might even now pray to jesus but what about judas who have been looked down upon since ages. it is god's wish that he should be put off entirely from the blame. we cant be contend with whatever we have been taught till now and close our eyes our eyes to truth that we see for the truth we never saw.

Published by: John Healy
Washington, DC 04/10/2006 09:26 AM EST

Experts are not skeptical about the authenticity of the Gospel of Judas. This Gospel was mentioned by Irenaeus. It is a Gnostic gospel. The early Christians had quite a variety of beliefs: Ebionites, Marcions, Valentintians, etc. In fact, some of the major Church Fathers have, after the fact, been labeled as heretics because they were Marcions or some other non-orthodox sect. It took over 300 years for proto-orthodox Christianity to dominate. The Gospel of Judas demonstrates the beliefs of many Christians in the first centuries of Christinaity.

Published by: Kim Lewis
Barbados 04/09/2006 02:57 PM EST

Does it really matter the circumstances that surround the death of Jesus? Does it change who He was or what He did for us? People around the world seem to be constantly seeking to discredit the Church in some form or fashion but the bottom line is simply this - Faith. Faith that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, that He gave His life for us on the cross, that He performed miracles in His lifetime and daily in ours. Whether this Gospel or any other "found" documents are true or not it will not change the fact that there is a God and that He loves and cares for us. Let the others 'fight' it out in their world and let us stay true to out faith. The challenges our Church face today are really no different to those faced by the early Christians after Jesus died. May we not be found too weak for the'job'.

Published by: Gail Krebs
Amherst, MA 04/09/2006 01:31 PM EST

To be sure, Judas was the most tragic figure in the Passion. While he may have been fulfilling his role in history, whether or not this was God's will is questionable. Turning in for death, the Son of God, is certainly an evil act, it is difficult to believe Christ Himself would tell his apostle to commit it. Judas, of course might still make Heaven, but his act of suicide is one of despair in the mercy of God. The question is prior to death, was he sorry? Only God knows so Judas will have to remain somewhat of mystery as to his reasons and his depairing of God's forgiveness.

Published by: Dorian
philadelphia, PA 04/08/2006 02:19 PM EST

That's exactly what I had though after reading other atricles on the Gospel: Jesus was using evil to teach good.

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