Reading Judas

Oct 6, 2024 5:31 PM

Author:Elaine Pagels,Karen L. King

Reading Judas

Discover the true meaning of the lost Gospel of Judas …

Lost for 1,600 years, the Gospel of Judas has only now had its meaning unlocked for readers today. Its startling text included the claim that not only was Judas the favoured disciple of Jesus, but also that Judas was killed by the other disciples.

Was Judas a betrayer or a loyal disciple? Did he write this shocking document? And what does it mean for us today? In Reading Judas Elaine Pagels and Karen L. King, world-renowned experts in religious texts, explore the meanings of this contentious gospel in detail. Here they reveal a gospel that, far from seeing Jesus’ death as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins, opposes the idea that God desires martyrdom and instead points towards a faith that is based on inner spiritual life.

Containing a new translation of the Gospel of Judas from the original Coptic, Reading Judas radically challenges our notions of the Christian faith.

Reviews

Breaks new ground

—— Time Magazine

Pagels and King do an excellent job in explaining why mainstream Christianity has got it wrong for so long

—— The New York Times

Fascinating … impressive … takes such a refreshing approach to its subject

—— on Sunday , Scotland

Engaging, thought-provoking … wears its scholarship lightly

—— Church Times

One of the most helpful books I have ever read

—— John Cleese

Marvellous - like all the great teachings, it is both simple and complex, and full of love and compassion

—— Joanna Lumley

For readers of all religions and readers of none

—— The Observer

Sogyal Rinpoche speaks directly and clearly to the Western mind and heart with humour, joy and great warmth.

—— Richard Gere

I have encountered no book on the interplay of life and death that is more comprehensive, practical and wise.

—— Huston Smith author of The World's Religions

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