I suppose I could try to write fiction as Dan Brown did, but I don't think I have the imagination.Adedayo+23 wrote: ↑14 May 2019, 19:49 I like theories that challenge popular belief systems. Blind acceptance of widely accepted beliefs isn't always healthy as these beliefs generally tend not to be based on facts. This book gives me The Davinci Code vibes, but it's such a shame it doesn't read quite as easy as that controversial Dan Brown novel. I believe it is a must-read for all churches, to foster a healthy debate on the subject matter.
Overall rating and opinion of "Misreading Judas" by Robert Wahler
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Re: Overall rating and opinion of "Misreading Judas" by Robert Wahler
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Verna, I really believe I was more clear than you say on Judas and James and Jesus as Judas. James was a real person in history. Same with John the Baptist. They have a reliable presence independent of the New Testament, which is NOT a record, but a position. Neither Jesus nor Judas is historical. There is not a single iota of clear evidence for Jesus. There is abundant evidence for Judas as James, and even before the Gospel of Judas appeared. Dr. Robert Eisenman showed that before I ever did.VernaVi wrote: ↑10 May 2019, 17:02 I read this book very carefully, and although my review has not been approved or published yet, I give it 2 out of 4 stars. It bases its conclusions on an area of Gnostic literature which has not been validated by physical evidence or scientific proof. It expects the reader to blindly accept the wild theories posed by the author, theories that become wilder as the book progresses.For instance, he casts doubt on whether Christ was himself or James. His asserts that James is also Judas, while at the same time, he also thinks that Jesus was Judas. These statements are more than confusing for the reader since, by now, the author has turned Jesus into James, and Judas into James, and then into Judas. It also claims that James was the source of the concept of the virgin birth. I was grateful for my extensive background of research and study in this particular subject. I needed every bit of it.
There is a reason that Gnostic writings weren't approved or included in the Bible, they don't cross-reference correctly with other proven biblical works and evidence. Although I won't be recommending this book to anyone, it is good that it sparks debate and interest.
There is "proven biblical work" and no "evidence" for a Jesus Bible narrative. There is evidence, however, for a gnostic original which BECAME the Bible story. That is the Apocalypses of James mastership succession story.
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I will read the entire story and submit my final rating after doing some important things which I need to do.
It's fascinating to read the different views of the readers of this book. I can't wait to add mine.
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Cool. I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts on my book. I can answer most any question you may have. I practice mystic or 'gnostic' meditation every day.kelseydwf wrote: ↑16 May 2019, 16:24 I have only read the sample so far, but I am already very intrigued by this book. I have very limited knowledge of Gnostic traditions and beliefs, which I feel are pretty central to the book. I still want to give it a read and approach the presented research. I'm interested in hearing all the different opinions on this one.
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The evidence is personally experienced. It is true it cannot be imparted. That's part of why I like religion.unamilagra wrote: ↑17 May 2019, 08:11 I am not religious so I will be skipping this book, but I do kind of like the premise of it. I always like "conspiracy theories" or unique points of view when it comes to commonly accepted beliefs, especially about something like religion, where nothing is really based on evidence in the first place.
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- Latest Review: Misreading Judas by Robert Wahler
I think my interest in learning about antagonistic characters stems from the idea that there's a reason for everyone's personality, everyone's actions. We're all molded a certain way by events from our past coupled with our own psychology. I enjoy occasionally playing the devil's advocate (literally) and attempt to better understand what a character did that led to them "becoming" evil or at least why others perceived them to be that way.
I haven't yet gotten to read it, but from an interest standpoint I'm tentatively giving it a three out of four stars so long as it's well-written and seems plausible.
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I'm no putting down Christians! I'm calling out SCHOLARS whose JOB it is to know better! Getting tired of saying it.Chrystal Oaks wrote: ↑17 May 2019, 21:28 My first impression of Misreading Judas is that it is a short dissertation. I liked all the sources Wahler included, and being introduced to terms and concepts that were new to me. What I disliked most was Wahler's arrogant attitude peppered throughout his book. We all have experiences (in respect to religion or spiritual) that can feel like this is the ultimate truth, but we have to respect each others' experiences without putting them down. This is what I felt like Wahler did. I would recommend this book to anyone who is questioning religions or wanting another perspective on Christianity. Wahler does offer some interesting and different views on the Bible and the Gospel of Judas. I will rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.
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Thanks! I was beginning to wonder if I failed.bauer_ve wrote: ↑19 May 2019, 14:23 One word the perfectly sums up Misreading Judas...wow. I’m sure that the conclusions discussed are extremely controversial. Not only the fact that Judas was not a betrayer of Jesus, but that there were other successors after Jesus. I am not all to familiar with the ins and outs of the Bible so I like that Robert Wahler clearly explains his points and provides ample examples and quotations. I think this would be very interesting for the religious audience but I don’t know if they would necessarily like to read this book! It is well deserving of its 4 out of 4 star ratings