The author's inspiration.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

Also, I think the notion "people aren't born villains" was the other reason for the author to dig in much deeper about Judas. Judas, being the bad guy, surely has a "backstory" that may have contributed to him being a traitor. Though a creative approach, I don't think twisting the bible itself is a good thing.

Traitors can be heroes.

[iann88]

I think the author just wants to challenge people especially christians about how strong their faith is and the author just want to change people's common belief about Judas.

[DogoMulla]

In my humble opinion, most of us feel whatever spiritual intelligence we possess is the gospel truth - no pun intended. What follows is further research and learning of whatever religion we 'stumbled upon'. That said, the author's inspiration might have been his 'strong convictions'. Whichever material and research he did is just that, more information and theories.

[Sahansdal]

Inspiration sometimes comes from within. Sometimes listening to someone or witnessing an event may inspire. A book may inspire to learn more or act. In thinking about what inspires me and my journey, it is sharing the knowledge I have gained.

That was my intention also, inspired by Dr. Robert Eisenman. Dead Sea Scrolls expert.

[Sahansdal]

The author is not the first one to start a controversial discussion addressing Gnostic beliefs. I guess Dan Brown made them a popular trend still years ago

I agree on this one that Dan Brown may have planted a seed on the curious minds with his books.

Maybe. But he is a fiction author. Not me. I find reality more interesting than fiction and always have. I could never write what the Gospel authors dreamed up. That is a marvelous accomplishment.

[Sahansdal]

I think the author was inspired by Judas. I think the author is looking for like minds in search of a place to practice his beliefs free of criticism or argument. I think the author is inspired by past and current religious figures for whom he share lifestyle but not reason. So, he is motivated to talk a little about his inner self.

I was inspired by Dr. Robert Eisenman. I just think this stuff is fascinating. Don't you? I hope so. That would gratify me.

[Sahansdal]

The author is not the first one to start a controversial discussion addressing Gnostic beliefs. I guess Dan Brown made them a popular trend still years ago

I have not encountered the works f Dan Brown before but I guess now that I have seen his name here, I might as well dig deeper to see what he had to say too.

Read mythicists instead. Dan Brown is more like Van Daniken. Truth is stranger than fiction

[Sahansdal]

I also got the impression that the author was inspired by Gnostic beliefs. I once heard a very thought-provoking sermon suggesting how Judas's life would have differed if had waited three days rather than acting on impulses. I feel compassion for Judas, but I don't agree he was the Savior.

I don't say Judas was a savior. I say James was.

[Swat3737]

The author is not the first one to start a controversial discussion addressing Gnostic beliefs. I guess Dan Brown made them a popular trend still years ago

Exactly!!! The Da Vinci Code really got me started on researching Gnosticism and I ended up on so many various tangents. I’m not Christian so I’ve always read the Bible as history and it is fascinating

[Ekta Swarnkar]

I believe that an author's inspiration to write a book is his imagination and his perception of viewing life.

[zainherb]

I think the author simply meant to put forward his thoughts and findings in an academic/professional way. Something that can provoke further thoughts from other academics on the subject.

[Sahansdal]

I think the author simply meant to put forward his thoughts and findings in an academic/professional way. Something that can provoke further thoughts from other academics on the subject.

I can't tell you how many scholars I have approached about this. How could they all get the wrong guy at the climax of something as important as the Gospel of Judas? The "man who bears me" is JUDAS, not Jesus! No interest so far. None. Zip, zero, nada.

This is the most interesting and important discovery EVER, given the importance of Christianity. I'm fascinated by it.

[Samy Lax]

Like everyone else who has commented here, I too believe that the author found his inspiration from Gnostic beliefs. However, I do think that he - like everybody else - is entitled to his beliefs, and it is has often been written that Judas also had multiple good qualities. However, it is his one crucial mistake that led to his downfall.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

I believe that an author's inspiration to write a book is his imagination and his perception of viewing life.

[Ellylion]

The author is not the first one to start a controversial discussion addressing Gnostic beliefs. I guess Dan Brown made them a popular trend still years ago

Exactly!!! The Da Vinci Code really got me started on researching Gnosticism and I ended up on so many various tangents. I’m not Christian so I’ve always read the Bible as history and it is fascinating

Absolutely! The Bible really worth exploring just because of all the great stories it tells