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This is an exciting sample and I look forward to reading the entire book. I recently learned of Gnosticism from a spiritual mentor and have been attempting to find more of the literature. I am not a religious person but do consider myself a spiritual person and feel as though this may be a right fit for myself.

For religious historians, those interested in traditional religious tales, and those that are into Eastern mysticism, this book sounds like a captivating read about comparative analyses.

Interesting premise but not for me. I don't believe there was a hidden relationship between Judas and Jesus. I believe the Bible states it exactly as it was. Call me closed-minded. Call me what you want, but this book isn't going to change my mind. I'll pass. Thanks.

I don't think we should condemn Judas, for he was instrumental in God's saving work. That is where I can agree with the author. The rest of the book - Jesus as just another in a line of Masters, basically - is quite shocking for me. I choose to keep my belief in Jesus as the Savior who died for my sins and for everyone else's.

I have always had my own questions about the biblical relationship between Judas and Jesus...particularly whether Judas truly had free will. If he did, does that make him less a betrayer and more a sacrifice?

While nonfiction is not usually my go to, I find your description of the book. I am happy to hear that, though the author is offering a new interpretation, he has ample evidence for why he makes such conclusions.

Great review! Congrats! This is not up to my alley but I'm happy to hear of different angles to a story. It seems well thought out and well written.

Well I'm open minded and interested. I remember a long time ago I saw a documentary with the same premise and it would be nice to read this time. Thanks for your review!

I've always been fascinated with the times of Jesus and his people. I love learning about how certain books got "picked" to be in the bible, and this untold story of Judas has me enthralled. I can't wait to read it.

Sounds like an interesting and very different perspective of Judas' story, but I have no interest in the subject.

I love books on religious controversy. This one sounds interesting as its a topic I have heard of but never really delved into. It sounds like this author has done major work to support his controversial claims, which is why I will be picking this book up. Thanks for the excellent review!

gali wrote: ↑19 Dec 2018, 06:33 A book showing Judas as a savior sounds very refreshing and original. The author offers a new interpretation of the relationship between Jesus and Judas, and based his claims on the Gnostic tradition. It is nice that the writing is clear, well written, and organized. Thank you for the review!

Thanks gali. I really enjoyed this book - as you can tell from this long-winded review!

Great review. I am always interested in hearing and at times debating new theories on what originally was taught as facts set in stone. I like it when science takes a previous “fact” and reveals a truth never seen before but it needs to be sound science that makes sense. Not sure if that’s what I’ll find in this book but it’ll be interesting to find out. Thanks so much for sharing.

I've always wondered why Judas was considered a traitor when Jesus ordered him to do what he did. He even begged for it not to be him that had to.

The author’s belief in the succession of Masters is, however, another story.

Yes, I bet that's a hard one for people to even entertain as a thought. Not sure what I think about any of that but it certainly sounds worth investigating.

And did I read that sample right? It includes derogatory comments about the work; one complains that the author presents himself as a heroic sage...the typical "I'm the one who knows the truth and nothing can be properly understood until you accept that." Now, I don't know if the author actually presents things with that mindset but I was surprised to see that in the prologue.

Wow! What a great review to come read after the sample pages which only offered reviews of the book and not much content. I don’t mind learning new things such as this because I have always felt that if what I believe is true, then another person’s opinion, philosophy or push for me to change my beliefs won’t sway me. This certainly takes on a big subject, and I dare say that many hardcore believers in traditional Christianity are going to find this difficult to swallow.

bb587 wrote: ↑19 Dec 2018, 07:19 Faith is very important to me. While I don't believe the whole bible should be taken literally, I do believe Jesus was the son of God. God has sent others to help and guide us, but Jesus was a league of his own. This book seems researched and convincing, but it's not something I'm interested in reading.

I share your belief that Jesus was in "a league of his own." This book's challenge of that is definitely ruffling feathers of faith. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.