Christianity And Judas

[eve1974]

Judas was following God’s wish to sacrifice Jesus for humanity,

Is it right for Some Christians to demonize him?

Ps I’m a Christian btw but I came across this question tonight and it got me thinking.

I’ve not thought of that aspect before?

I guess my answer wld be that I don’t demonise Judas...i kinda feel sorry for him

[Theland]

I'll be next in the queue!

[AZardoz]

That was to AG.

[douglas9401]

I'll be at the bar.

[nailit]

//Poor old Phaeroa had free will like the rest of us, but was created for destruction//
Nowhere does the Bible says that he had free will, but it does tell us that God himself hardened his (pharaoh's) heart so that jehovah could show off his almightyness by destroying sentient beings.

[eve1974]

Thanks everyone ...

The question isn’t one of been mulling over particularly at all, I read it elsewhere (tonight) n was curious to hear others opinions. I knew Judas part was integral but I’d never given it much thought

Always good to find out other opinions ...and that’s what I enjoy about AB.

[nailit]

//Its a paradox//
Its a fable.

[Jackdaw33]

There is a branch of the church, I can't remember which one, in which Judas is venerated as a saint.

[Theland]

Some folk think I'm sensible!

[eve1974]

Oh jackdaw that’s interesting!

[Theland]

I am not too proud to learn, or unlearn.

[Peter Pedant]

// ‘Judas was following God’s wish’, it suggests that Judas was aware of God’s plan //

no it doesnt - think about 'following Trump's wish' and the interesting idea of whether anyone knows what he is thinking

But it does impinge on whether god;s knowledge of the future ( he is omniscient remember) involved the inevitiable sacrifice ( or not)

and Calvins big thing about whether God knows who he is going to save ( predestination )

I leave this sort of thing t the priests to be honest

[naomi24]

pp. // ‘Judas was following God’s wish’, it suggests that Judas was aware of God’s plan //

//no it doesn’t//

Yes it does.

Eve, could you answer my question please?

ps. Are you sure you sure about the Best Answer?

[eve1974]

@naomi to answer your first question as to following Jesus’ wish. No I didn’t mean that Judas was aware I meant that Judas was following the scheme of things to be (if I’m explaining that ok?) albeit it unawares.

I’ve reached (my own) conclusion that Judas Shlndnt be castigated as if it weren’t for him salvation wldnt exist


(And yes I KNOW whether or not salvation exists is a diff topic but that’s NOT what this post is about.... I only wanted to find out thoughts on Judas )

[Mozz71]

//Judas had a choice about whether to betray to Jesus or not. He had freewill like we all do. Ultimately God knows everything, so knew that Judas would sin in this way.//

If God knew how Judas was going to behave, then surely it was predestined and not free will?

[naomi24]

Eve, //No I didn’t mean that Judas was aware I meant that Judas was following the scheme of things to be (if I’m explaining that ok?) albeit it unawares.//

Thank you for answering. In that case it would appear that Judas was pre-programmed so no free will involved - and that was the reason I asked the question. Mozz seems to have drawn the same conclusion.

[Mozz71]

//Mozz seems to have drawn the same conclusion.//

And believe me Eve, for Naomi and I to agree on something is no small thing! ;-)

[goodlife]

When a baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Simon Iscariot of the Judean village of Kerioth at the beginning of our common era, they had great hopes for him. As God-fearing parents they named him Judas, meaning “Praised,” it being the Greek form of Judah. But so far did Judas come short of their expectations that ever since no parents who are familiar with his life would think of naming a son Judas.

Still Judas has many who make excuses for him. Typical of the opinion held by many professed Christians is that found in the Interpreter’s Bible. At John 18:2 it speaks of “The Mystery of Judas” and goes on to say that “at this point the Fourth Gospel grows . . . unsatisfying, particularly with regard to Judas. . . . Is there not a half hope for him in the man’s unbearable horror of himself and his deed?” “The love of Christ is very wonderful. And my experience of it makes me still harbor hopes for Judas—and for me.”—Vol. 8, pp. 754-757.

True, mercy is a virtue we all must have and show if we would receive mercy. (Matt. 5:7) But in view of Jesus’ terming Judas “the son of destruction,” and saying of him: “It would have been finer for him if that man had not been born,” may we make excuses for Judas? No, we may not, even though needing mercy ourselves. Jesus, who understood the hearts of men better than any other man ever on earth, settles the matter for all who believe in the inspiration of the Bible. A careful consideration of its testimony will reveal that Judas poses no mystery whatever.—John 17:12; Matt. 26:24.

[Atheist]

Maybe Judas thought that Jesus was a dangerous character, maybe even a blasphemer who claimd that he was god; maybe a troublemaker who would put ordinary jews in danger by his claims. We don't know.

[JimF]

Surely Judas did God's will and betrayed Jesus, thereby fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy so, as sooner as he topped himself, St Peter would have opened the pearly gates for him, no doubt with a pat on the back and hearty "Well done!"