After reading The Gospel of Judas, my major takeaway was how the text contradicted Bible teachings.
One example is the difference in Judas’s character in the text versus what is in the Bible and accepted throughout society. Commonly Judas is known as one of the original disciples who betrayed Jesus for silver. Judas is seen as a traitor and today, his name carries the same negative meaning. This common portrayal of Judas is vastly different than how Judas is displayed in the text. In The Gospel of Judas, he is rendered as a confidant to Jesus. Jesus holds private conversation with Judas which suggests that Judas is the only original disciple that could understand the knowledge being given. It felt like Judas was enlightened by Jesus and his only goal was trying to fulfill what Jesus desired. As I read, I had a hard time wrapping my mind around the Judas who is portrayed as follower of Jesus and the traitor Judas is portrayed to be in Christian teachings.
Additionally, I noticed that the creation of humans in the text also differs from the Bible. In the text, it names many different spiritual beings and claims that Saklas is the creator of Adam and Eve. However, the Bible teaches that God personally created Adam and Eve. In fact, Adam is generally known to be the son of God.
The contradictions created by The Gospel of Judas may be the reason this text is considered “forbidden.” The immense disparities of Judas’s personality and the identified creator of humans could lead to Christians and the church rejecting the gospel and all its content. Moreover, if accepted, this gospel could change the confidence placed into the Christian church. Specifically, the text could challenge the trust put into the Bible since there are many differences between the two. This could lead Christians to doubting their beliefs and teachings.
In conclusion, The Gospel of Judas presents contradictions to Christian beliefs. Common teachings about Judas’s character, and the creator of Adam and Eve are brought into question. When foundational beliefs are brought into question, believers can experience tension and uneasiness. These feelings can lead to the gospel being cast out and fully rejected.