Do you think this book marks the end or christianity?

[InStoree]

This one little book (or rather, short dissertation)...end Christianity? Nope. I keep thinking up scenarios where this could be possible, and....nothing. A major catastrophic event could take place and I'm not sure it would even end then.

Now that sounds like a ravishing theme for a book, Chrystal! A collection of vivid scenarios that could end Christianity or any other popular religion. Although, I would still imagine it in the Sci-Fi genre.

[Seraphia Bunny Sparks]

I don't think that this book will ever have the ability to dismantle or bring down Christianity. I do believe that the author's intent is to attempt to get those who are devout Christians to question what they have been taught and believe. But for those who are truly rooted and grounded...they won't be affected by this book if they choose to read it. Some, I think will question, but Christianity has been around for a long time and I don't see this book impacting that any time soon.

[Sahansdal]

The Gnosticism ideas in the book can challenge some people who don't have strong faith. Sure, a few people will be influenced to end their affiliation with Christianity. However, it will not end Christianity. Christianity has been questioned and challenged from time immemorial, but it has not ended.

People will still believe. But it's over. Lots of people believe in a lot of things that do not happen to be true. (The author)

[Washboard]

One book end Christianity? That's like saying, will dipping a bucket of water from the Pacific Ocean cause it to dry up.

Although I agree with you that this book probably won't have an impact on Christianity, a lot of people do believe in Christianity to begin with because of one book (or two, if you count Old Testament and New Testament separately). I think a single book can make a huge impact when faith is involved. I just don't think this one is going to be one of those.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

One book end Christianity? That's like saying, will dipping a bucket of water from the Pacific Ocean cause it to dry up.

Although I agree with you that this book probably won't have an impact on Christianity, a lot of people do believe in Christianity to begin with because of one book (or two, if you count Old Testament and New Testament separately). I think a single book can make a huge impact when faith is involved. I just don't think this one is going to be one of those.

Excellent point.Although it seems unlikely that this book will end Christianity, we should ALL remember that Christianity was spread by ONE BOOK, the BIBLE. If this book fails to down Goliath(christianity), then hopefully one will in the future.

[Monet_va]

While the author proposes very valid points that definitely got me thinking and reevaluating my perceptions, I don't think one book is enough to destroy an entire religion. Besides, Christianity is based on more than just one event...it would take a lot more to challenge Christianity in its entirety.

[56lives]

I do not understand the question properly. Is it the end of Christianity? If yes, then I will say that a single book based on academic research cannot end Christianity. Christianity has stood the test of time, actually more than 2000 years. I believe that Christianity is more than a religion. It is life. As such no publication will ever stop its surge.

[alicia_fountain]

Hi Julius,

Your question raises an important subject. Many psychologists, sociologists, archaeologists believe that religion arose out of psychological need to feel important. One answer to your question is that no, no book will be the end of religion. However, you spoke only of Christianity. Simply put, religion is in the eye of the beholder. Christianity may still meet it's demise one day, but it is not because of this book. Misreading Judas was published approximately 2.5 years ago and did not add very much to the biblical literary community.

It is funny that you ask if this book marks the end of Christianity. Christianity is still going strong. Religion in general is still going strong. New ways of thinking are constantly changing Christianity so that it feels new and good to the newer generations.

[Chrystal Oaks]

This one little book (or rather, short dissertation)...end Christianity? Nope. I keep thinking up scenarios where this could be possible, and....nothing. A major catastrophic event could take place and I'm not sure it would even end then.

Now that sounds like a ravishing theme for a book, Chrystal! A collection of vivid scenarios that could end Christianity or any other popular religion. Although, I would still imagine it in the Sci-Fi genre.

You're right! I didn't even think about turning this idea into a book (should have because of love for books), but it would be interesting. I agree that it would have to be considered a Sci-Fi book. Maybe there are some available to read, if not, one or more could be written.

[Chrystal Oaks]

Hi Julius,

Your question raises an important subject. Many psychologists, sociologists, archaeologists believe that religion arose out of psychological need to feel important. One answer to your question is that no, no book will be the end of religion. However, you spoke only of Christianity. Simply put, religion is in the eye of the beholder. Christianity may still meet it's demise one day, but it is not because of this book. Misreading Judas was published approximately 2.5 years ago and did not add very much to the biblical literary community.

It is funny that you ask if this book marks the end of Christianity. Christianity is still going strong. Religion in general is still going strong. New ways of thinking are constantly changing Christianity so that it feels new and good to the newer generations.

You raise some excellent points. The idea of religion having developed to satisfy the psychological need of importance makes sense, because once individuals feel important than it's a slippery-slope to thinking it's okay to control and belittle others. As far as Christianity changing, I agree. It's changed in my lifetime and sometimes wonder how much it has changed over the two millennia.

[Erin Painter Baker]

If every Christian read this book AND if every Christian then accepted the author's conclusions, then perhaps this book could end Christianity. Certainly, the ideas that Christ was NOT sacrificed, and that the only way to be saved is to study with a living Master, run antithetical to Christian teachings.
However, not every Christian is going to read this book, and even for those that do, I think it is safe to say, based on the responses on this thread alone, most are not going to accept the author's conclusions.
As many have mentioned, there have been numerous threats to Christianity over the years, including ones that have come from differing translations of the Bible. Just think about how many different versions are in use right now!
As a non religious person, I find these arguments fascinating, but did not feel the author supported them well enough for me to fully accept them. I would like to see an actual Biblical scholar take this up and respond, just because I think the debate would be incredibly enlightening.

[Zeix]

Not many people read books, so for Christianity to end it would take more than a book to do so.

[InStoree]

Not many people read books, so for Christianity to end it would take more than a book to do so.

Indeed, those who are not book's fans will miss the so-called end of Christianity! But, what if the book is so good that a movie will be produced, and then some soundtracks with the same message, and then t-shirts, pens, pillows and so on? The book will spread like a virus and eliminate the Christians, one by one. And even so, I still think that there will be one or two who would have missed the lesson.

[iced_sunshine]

I think saying that this book marks the end of Christianity is a bit much. Obviously, it has some details that will make Christians and lots of other people more aware of the other side of the story. But judging by how ingrained most people tend to be in their beliefs, I find the 'end of Christianity' as a result of this book a stretch.

[Claudia DCD]

At this point, as many have pointed out before me, Christianity has lived through many ups and downs of faith. It's more than just one story and more than just one book at this point, though the symbolism of one book is enticing. Honestly, even the Holy Bible as we know it has multiple books within it. I think he meant, now that Jesus didn't die, now that Judas was taking on the mantle to continue Jesus's work, what do we do with that? Christianity relies on the death of Jesus, at times. What if he didn't die? What if his spirit just passed forward constantly? Where has it passed to by now, you think?