Does the book change your religeous beliefs?

[ReneeBrown]

No, the book really doesn't affect my beliefs at all because they are very firm, and one book could never tear them down that easily. I personally view this book as one person's opinion based on what they have researched. I have also done some research into non-canonical books of scripture, and I think when it comes down to it, you just have to take everything that the author says with a grain of salt. That being said, I think this book is very well-written and deserves to be read and thought about.

[librarygurlz]

No, this book did not so much as make my beliefs tremble. The truth is that Judas knowingly betrayed Jesus, a person he should have held in the highest regard. Nothing can change that fact. Anyway, if your faith can be shaken by a book, you need to do some personal reflection and meditation.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

No, but I was taught that Judas's betrayal wasn't out of greed, but more because he did not truly understand Jesus's teachings. To put is simply, I was taught that Jesus believed Jesus to be a war prophet, and felt that by setting the guards on Jesus, Jesus would finally take up the sword and defeat the Romans.

I did not know that so thanks on sharing it, but I think you misplaced Judas for Jesus on the third to last line.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

Nothing a book could say could change my religion ever. Ones religion should be unshakable and unchangeable. I've read the reviews for this book but to me it's just interesting information. I'm not sure the author us actually trying to convert anyone to mysticism though.

No, I am not trying to convert anyone to anything. I just want the truth about the new texts and how they bear on the New Testament to be told.

I approve of sharing new information and I think the testament of free will lies in the decisions everyone gets to make for themselves. Learning new information is free to those willing. Converting said information to belief is again, a free-will choice afforded to all.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

No, it doesn't change my beliefs as such, but merely confirms them. I've always felt deeply about the so-called 'betrayal' of Judas, and thought that he has been maligned for the pivotal role that he played in Jesus's death. According to the Christian view, Christ had to die on the cross to redeem mankind from their sins. Judas was the catalyst and proponent of the Resurrection.

Very interesting belief! It isn't one that is frequently discussed, I don't think, but it is important to remember that Jesus HAD to be crucified. His death allows future generations entrance into Heaven. That being said, Judas played his role. (I'm not super knowledgeable on religions--I find them fascinating but I'm far from a scholar in the field.)

Well, I am. Comparing the gnostic texts with the Gospels and modern mysticism in India, it isn't that hard to piece together what happened in the first and second centuries and how the Church eliminated the Gnostics. Thank God for the lonely monks in Egypt who were thoughtful enough to bury their most treasured writings. Many were killed.

This is getting a little interesting now

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

The premise of this header post is misleading. The sacrifice is a spiritual one, not death of the person physically. The first thing to know about mysticism -- and gnosticism, which are the same -- is that the self is sacrificed spiritually to become one with the Master. I strive to do this every day. It is a process brought about through many years of daily meditation (Matthew 26:40-41).

I appreciate this accurate representation of the mystical sacrifice. This is definitely the lens through which Wahler wrote this book. As a student of Transpersonal Psychology (which means beyond the personal) mystical/spiritual pursuits are a fundamental aspect of my life. I strive for a mystical orientation to the divine, through vipassana meditation as well as more traditional prayer.

I am usually seeking to discover the similarities in different religious and spiritual traditions. I think that, while many on this thread are seeing Christianity and mysticism as mutually exclusive, Christianity's roots are in mysticism. Many of the early saints were mystics. At some point, there was a shift in experience of spiritual teachings from symbolic or metaphorical (mystical) to a literal interpretation.

The very definition of faith is a striving to believe in something we can't experience literally on the physical plane. I think faith is what still tethers modern Christianity to mysticism. The symbolism that runs through all religions arises from mysticism. I believe mysticism is the underpinning that connects all major religions and world spiritual traditions.

This is an interesting bit of information that I would like first to digest before responding....and I will respond, mind you.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

I have read the summary and based on it, If have a strong faith in what I believe in, whatever I may read that will contradict my beliefs will not have that strong an impact. The issues or arguments presented may raise some eyebrows but in the end we hold on to our own.

I think if you read my book carefully, you will change how you view the Bible.

It did not change the way I view the Bible it just challenged me to take all teachings and I apply them to the issues I face, as they arise.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

No, the book really doesn't affect my beliefs at all because they are very firm, and one book could never tear them down that easily. I personally view this book as one person's opinion based on what they have researched. I have also done some research into non-canonical books of scripture, and I think when it comes down to it, you just have to take everything that the author says with a grain of salt. That being said, I think this book is very well-written and deserves to be read and thought about.

I agree on the book being well written and presenting an argument to mysticism well. I would like to read your research on non-canonical books of scriptures.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

No, this book did not so much as make my beliefs tremble. The truth is that Judas knowingly betrayed Jesus, a person he should have held in the highest regard. Nothing can change that fact. Anyway, if your faith can be shaken by a book, you need to do some personal reflection and meditation.

A view that is shared by many people.

[randompersonavility]

If one book could change your religious outlook then, in my opinion you are not strong in your faith. So, the answer to the question, for me, is no.

This is on point. No matter how many books try to debunk something you believe, as long as you have a strong faith and deep relationship with your God, nothing can change your view.

[shaz1994]

My faith has not been hindered in any way by the writing of this book, I actually respect the author for trying out a different path in his book.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

My faith has not been hindered in any way by the writing of this book, I actually respect the author for trying out a different path in his book.

I agree with your appreciation of the author tackling a different aspect to the commonly held belief of Judas.

[aolayide]

No, it does not. No matter how much how Judas may be portrayed I guess, he still remains to be the traitor who ended up committing suicide.

Thank you for your precise analysis. This is exactly what the bible said about Judas

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

If one book could change your religious outlook then, in my opinion you are not strong in your faith. So, the answer to the question, for me, is no.

This is on point. No matter how many books try to debunk something you believe, as long as you have a strong faith and deep relationship with your God, nothing can change your view.

I agree with you that as long as someone has unshakable faith in God, no new information will test them.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

No, it does not. No matter how much how Judas may be portrayed I guess, he still remains to be the traitor who ended up committing suicide.

Thank you for your precise analysis. This is exactly what the bible said about Judas

I would also add what Jesus said when Judas came before him before he was arrested.