(Anna S.)
Throughout the Gospel of Judas, there is a significant separation of those who are human and those who are holy, from the beginning of the text Jesus laughs at his apostles actions, saying they do not pray of their own will, but due to the fact that it is how God is praised. Then he continues to tell them that there is no way they will ever truely know him.
He immediately establishes himself as someone beyond them, out of reach, and claims that their actions are only done to show that they are followers of God. Later on he tells them they are not able to see the holiest generation, telling them no mortal is strong enough to do so. Christian teachings, at least the ones that I have been told, always welcome people, and say that anyone who believes in God and repents for their sins is welcomed in heaven, so the idea that mortals would not be able to ascend is very strange to me.
Overall reading through this gospel is almost jarring, the gnostic messages and the behavior of Jesus is condescending at times, he speaks as if their efforts are in vain, almost mocking them when they are upset by his statements. It’s obviously faked and not even convincing due to the general views going against what Jesus actually preached.
A lot of this text confused me, as I was raised in a athiest household with little to no religious discussion, so much of the metaphors and phrases likely went over my head, but overall it just appeared strange compared to the limited knowledge I have on Christian scripture and practice.