The Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot: A New Look at Betrayer and Betrayed

This is terrific. Not unfamiliar ground for those who have read, for example, Robert Eisenman, but well-researched, well-written, and a welcome addition to the canon.

A thought provoking read. Well worth the effort.

It's important to state what The Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot isn't, before describing what it is. This book is not a translation of the Gospel of Judas Iscariot. While there are translations of passages from the gospel within the book, people looking for a complete translation will be disappointed.Instead of being a translation, Ehrman tries to explain the significance of the gospel, and how it "fits" within the context of both mainstream Christianity and Gnostic texts. On that basis, The Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot succeeds. Ehrman does a masterful job of showing the reader how passages in the Gospel of Judas Iscariot mirror similar passages in other works from early Christianity, and how they tie to various schools of thought within the formative years of the Christian religion. He accomplishes this task by referencing some general knowledge about Christianity, and then linking that knowledge to a point made is either the Gospel of Judas Iscariot or another early Christian work. Ehrman has used a similar style in other books, most notably  Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why (Plus) . However, the style in this book is not as formal as it was in his earlier works, resulting in a casual, yet equally informative read.After reading The Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot, it's easy to see why Ehrman is regarded as an expert on early Christianity. He is able to take ancient works written in foreign languages and effectively communicate their importance to the modern Christian. For that reason alone, The Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot should be read by anyone looking to either expand their Christian faith or learn more about the roots of the religion. Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why (Plus)

Ehrman is a scholar and comes at Judas through an historical lens. What is most likely to be true? Great resource for an academic paper. What is most likely historically true may not align with a belief system at all. Faith is the difference. Well written.

Bart has brought history and current events together in a very readable text. Brief and non-biased comparisons of early Christian, Gnostic and other documents/beliefs provide a clear and concise explanation of the relevance of the Gospel of Judas for us today. It is rare when history is related with such enthusiasm. I would take a class from him if given the opportunity.