The author's inspiration.

[Karenshinn1959]

I think the author's inspiration is to draw attention to the Gnostic school of thought regarding Christianity, Jesus, Judas, and James. The idea that God is within each person is present in ancient eastern religions and modern new age religions as well. I think the author is challenging people to open up to accepting these beliefs rather than orthodox Christianity.

[Wriley]

I think he author feels he has some insight into the Judas scroll that was found fairly recently thought to be written by Gnostic Christians. The author tries to explain what he feels the scrolls mean, that Judas actually didn't betray Jesus but sacrificed himself for Jesus. If I understand Gnostism then they believe spirit is more important than the physical body. I think the author is trying to clear up what he thinks Biblical scholars missed when examining the scrolls. I'm not sure he's trying to convert anyone but felt some type of obligation to clear up questions from his enlightening perspective.

[InStoree]

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.

A good point of view, Maritza! Maybe the author just wanted to bring his own contribution to the world by spreading the learnings he gained till present.

[Vickie Noel]

The book holds some controversial theories but, I believe everyone should be given the chance to voice their opinions. There are always several perceptions of religious ideas and figures. Judas's character had so many good qualities but he was judged only by his grave mistake and his greed for wealth. Maybe, it was his destiny to betray Jesus, and we must accept that man's destiny has God's participation. I also must express, that I am not really convinced by the Gnostic theories present in this book.

I don't think it was anyone's particular destiny to betray Jesus, it was just a prophecy written and could have fallen on anyone else who set himself up in a position to be the one. It was Judas first and personal choice to betray Jesus, thus, allowing the previously made prophecy to fulfil in his account.

[Fazzier]

There are always two sides to a story and I think the author just wanted to bring out the side that most people had chosen to ignore for so long (almost 2000 years). He made a good attempt, that I have to say.

I agree with you he might have just been trying to bring into spotlight the other side of the story.

[Julius_]

I think he was just inspired by the need to find out an uncompromised truth. But partly, it maybe because of his hatered towards christianity.

[SavannaEGoth]

It could be a multitude of things. People are naturally curious, and sometimes aren't satisfied with a single point of view. We poke and prod and push our noses into different sources of information to build our own ideas and beliefs. There's nothing wrong with healthy curiosity, or wanting to know "why?" I myself am drawn to tragic or antagonistic characters. I've always been a fan of themes of betrayal and "the bad guy." There's always some kind of motivation, or something going on psychologically that influences their behavior and actions overall. Why not place Judas' story under the lens? It can be interesting to learn multiple sides of an account, and may improve your knowledge or even shatter the reality you'd built in your own mind in regards to some event or character.

[Chrystal Oaks]

I think the author is interested in presenting his findings, like a research. The effort and time he has put into this work is evident. And the book reads like a scientific paper with references. Considering this, I think the author's inspiration would probably have been the deep rooted hatred of a single man and the curiosity whether he actually was hateful - whether Judas actually deserves the way he is treated. That being said, the author also connects Christianity to gnostic thoughts, so perhaps he was also inspired by their spiritual teaching.

I am a Satsangi with the Radha Soami Satsang Beas, and have been since 1975. That's a long time. My understanding of mysticism has only grown since then. I was a Christian before that, and a 24/7 one, living with brothers in a brothers house. I don't do anything halfway! The teachings of RSSB are IDENTICAL to Gnostic teachings, right down to the words they use, if you will believe it. Anami Desh of the Sant Mat Masters, the Region with no name, is "the region never called by any name" in the Gospel of Judas. How is that for a match! Yes the cosmology is the same. Even Paul "knew a man" (likely James, not himself, as so many may think) who went to the third heaven. Sant Mat and Gnostic teaching hold that there are seven heavens. The ticket to ride is the Word (Bible), or Unspoken Melody (Sant Mat), the Apophasis Logos of the gnostic Gospels of Thomas and Judas. Btw, this is the Name of the Lord in the Tanak (Old Testament). It is all the same teaching!!!

I wish you could have added an "About the Author" page in this book. I found the above info. on your Amazon page, but for some reason it didn't make sense to me. What you wrote above made better sense to me and relatable.

Is it possible to start a new thread/topic (ask the author)? I have some questions I want to ask; some of the things you wrote left me confused.

[Chrystal Oaks]

It could be a multitude of things. People are naturally curious, and sometimes aren't satisfied with a single point of view. We poke and prod and push our noses into different sources of information to build our own ideas and beliefs. There's nothing wrong with healthy curiosity, or wanting to know "why?" I myself am drawn to tragic or antagonistic characters. I've always been a fan of themes of betrayal and "the bad guy." There's always some kind of motivation, or something going on psychologically that influences their behavior and actions overall. Why not place Judas' story under the lens? It can be interesting to learn multiple sides of an account, and may improve your knowledge or even shatter the reality you'd built in your own mind in regards to some event or character.

Good point.

[sri varshini303041]

The book holds some controversial theories but, I believe everyone should be given the chance to voice their opinions. There are always several perceptions of religious ideas and figures. Judas's character had so many good qualities but he was judged only by his grave mistake and his greed for wealth. Maybe, it was his destiny to betray Jesus, and we must accept that man's destiny has God's participation. I also must express, that I am not really convinced by the Gnostic theories present in this book.

I don't think it was anyone's particular destiny to betray Jesus, it was just a prophecy written and could have fallen on anyone else who set himself up in a position to be the one. It was Judas first and personal choice to betray Jesus, thus, allowing the previously made prophecy to fulfil in his account.

Maybe not destiny. It might as well been a prophecy. I agree that Judas chose to betray Jesus.

[Maria-Goretti Amarachi Okechi - Catherine]

I think the author just wants to use this medium to air his view and personal perspective which is totally different from the Christian belief about Judas.

[NIRUPAMA JHA]

I think the author expresses his unorthodox thoughts regarding Christianity or churches in the form of a novel to reach the larger audience. This controversial subject is not only written by him but Dan brown too has given so many of his opinions in that manner.

[nooregano]

The book holds some controversial theories but, I believe everyone should be given the chance to voice their opinions. There are always several perceptions of religious ideas and figures. Judas's character had so many good qualities but he was judged only by his grave mistake and his greed for wealth. Maybe, it was his destiny to betray Jesus, and we must accept that man's destiny has God's participation. I also must express, that I am not really convinced by the Gnostic theories present in this book.

Yes, Judas is always judged harshly, and I'd also say it's good to build compassion for the "vilified" religious ideas/figures, since I believe they are supposed to be reflections of what humanity itself is capable of.

[nooregano]

I think he just wants to get his unorthodox opinion out there. If he knows anything about the Christian faith, he should know that his book conveys a pretty controversial message, but maybe he wants to express something that he found profound and worthwhile in a professional way.

I agree! This is an even-handed and very just reply.

[nooregano]

The author is Gnostic and have views that differ from the more broadly accepted beliefs in Christianity. The Gnostic view seems to aim at the Bible not being a history, but a metaphorical guide to salvation and redemption. The idea that Judas was misframed as a betrayer would be very attractive to a Gnostic trying to change the perception of the Bible as a straight history. Judas is a well known character of the Bible. Even individuals without a religion have probably heard of Judas at some point, even if it is just through pop culture references. By choosing such a large figure, and such a polarizing subject, the author would have a greater chance of sowing seeds of interest and curiosity to a broader audience. If he would have chosen a lesser known story, or it he would have sampled several instances of Bible stories being misread, I feel the book would have lost its gravitas.

I did not know this about Christianity and Gnosticism. It was very interesting to read! Great analysis on why the author might have chosen to write about Judas, as well!