File:2006 Robinson.jpg

The Secrets of Judas: The Story of the Misunderstood Disciple and His Lost Gospel (2006) is a book by James M. Robinson.

Abstract

"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 ... 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."--Publisher description.

Editions and translations

Published in New York, NY: HarperSanFrancisco, 2003.

Contents

1. The Judas of the New Testament -- 2. The historical Judas -- 3. The gnostic Judas -- 4. The Gospel of Judas surfaces in Geneva -- 5. The peddling of the Gospel of Judas -- 6. The publication and significance of the Gospel of Judas

External links

• [ Google Books]