Review of Misreading Judas

[Timothy Rucinski]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Misreading Judas" by Robert Wahler.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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If you're like me, you can breeze through many of the books you read, often in one or two sessions. Other books, more thought-provoking, may take a little longer. Still others, such as Misreading Judas: How Biblical Scholars Missed the Biggest Story of All Time, require a great deal of concentration. The book’s author, Robert Wahler, challenges his readers to suspend their notions of the story of Jesus and his "betrayer," Judas Iscariot, and consider a revisionist interpretation based upon the Gospel of Judas.

Mr. Wahler contends that his work is the first serious analysis of the Gospel of Judas discovered in the late 1970s. This document is one of the several Gnostic Gospels that were excluded from the Christian biblical canon. Often older than the traditional Gospels, these writings are more accurately interpreted through an understanding of Eastern spiritualism rather than established Western Judeo-Christian tenets. The Gnostics were mystics, and to them, salvation was through "gnosis," or personal "knowing." Mr. Wahler contends, therefore, that the followers of Jesus were Gnostics, and for them, salvation was not possible through the death of a man on a cross but through spiritual introspection. Human sacrifice, to them, was anathema. To the author, literature is too often confused with history. Therefore, the Gospels written by the Four Evangelists are merely literature, and their historical accuracy is dubious. Furthermore, the salvation presented in the traditional Gospels is based on the metaphor of death and resurrection, whereas Mr. Wahler asserts the importance of Gnostic “wisdom salvation” rather than salvation through metaphor.

Mr. Wahler believes that the story of a martyred savior was not central to early Christians. Instead, because of the influence on them through Eastern mysticism, they sought salvation through a “Living Master,” not a dead one. The author argues that the true master of the early disciples was not Jesus but James the Just. James was the Living Master and the leader of the people until Paul came along and created the propaganda of Jesus’ martyrdom. By reading the Gospel of Judas and the other Gnostic Gospels, the author argues that Judas was not a betrayer but a facilitator to bring about the Living Master, James, following Jesus' ministry. He also contends that Judas may not have existed but was, in reality, James, under a different name. "Judas," Wahler writes, "was fictional, Jesus didn't die for anyone, and that James was the real savior." He further contends, “Only Living Masters can save. And Masters are beyond religion.”

Mr. Wahler points the finger at religious scholars that refuse to look at the Gnostic Gospels in any other light than what academia has already attributed to being the truth about the origins of Christianity. He provides several asides in his writing, chastising these scholars and all of academia. Interestingly, however, Misreading Judas reads just like an academic dissertation. Full of references to various ancient documents, I often found myself backing up and rereading sections to understand the author's intent. This wasn't a drawback; just an attempt to appreciate the complexity of the material presented.

I have believed for years that Paul of Tarsus hijacked early Christianity away from James and his followers. This earlier version was a religion of much more spiritual introspection, love, and understanding. The author sees Paul as an opportunist who was more interested in promoting his own agenda through his writings than addressing the lessons of love and compassion taught by Jesus. This criticism of Paul is the aspect of the book that I liked the most.

I would assume that devout Christians, at least those with a closed mind, would be immediately critical of this book soon after reading the first few pages. I, however, found it fascinating. The only negative aspect of the book was the difficulty in quickly digesting specific passages because of the citations from various sources. However, I would suggest that those Christians who take the origins of their faith seriously give the book a chance. Anyone interested in Jesus and his time, regardless of their religion, may find the book quite interesting.

I give Misreading Judas a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. There were a few typos, but nothing to downgrade the rating. I believe that this is an important book, no matter one’s inclination. It is undoubtedly a jumping-off point for those interested in exploring the Gnostic Gospels, and I recommend it highly.

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Misreading Judas
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[markodim721]

It is nice that the author offered a different version of well-known stories. Thanks for the good review and reading recommendation.

[Bigwig1973]

I've been eyeing this book for awhile and based on your review, I think I would really like this book. Wahler's explanation seems complicated; it's like the Greek Oracle and/or Jiminy Cricket gang hung out with Jesus Christ who was living a double life, like from Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. Why Paul might have hijacked or pirated Christianity is intriguing. Nice comprehensive review-I'll have to check this book out!

[Ellie Acheson]

Since I'm interested in early Christianity and the study of texts like the Gospel of Judas, I may just have to get this book. I agree with much of what's mentioned in this review but the contention that Judas might not have been a real historical person is new to me and I'd like to see how the writer justifies that claim. It can be difficult to argue any specific things about what the early Christians before the influence of Paul might have believed, because there are so few sources. Great review, thanks.

[Timothy Rucinski]

Since I'm interested in early Christianity and the study of texts like the Gospel of Judas, I may just have to get this book. I agree with much of what's mentioned in this review but the contention that Judas might not have been a real historical person is new to me and I'd like to see how the writer justifies that claim. It can be difficult to argue any specific things about what the early Christians before the influence of Paul might have believed, because there are so few sources. Great review, thanks.

Thanks so very much. Yeah, I think it's a worthwhile read.

[Timothy Rucinski]

I've been eyeing this book for awhile and based on your review, I think I would really like this book. Wahler's explanation seems complicated; it's like the Greek Oracle and/or Jiminy Cricket gang hung out with Jesus Christ who was living a double life, like from Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. Why Paul might have hijacked or pirated Christianity is intriguing. Nice comprehensive review-I'll have to check this book out!

Yeah, it's a bit complicated and I found myself rereading a few of the parts just to make sure I understood his thesis. But it's well worth the effort, particularly if you are open to an interpretation of a familiar theme that takes a different path from the perceived norm.