Judas - most faithful apostle?
Easter is rapidly approaching. It therefore seems like an appropriate time to bring up the fascinating discovery of the Gospel of Judas. The document, discovered in the Egyptian desert in 1970, was translated and made public by the National Geographic Society. The text describes Judas as having betrayed Jesus on his orders. Instead of traitor, Judas is the most favored of the apostles.
This discovery serves as a reminder that text-based religions undergo a period of evolution during which the texts are not yet finalized. Early Christianity consisted of many beliefs, the majority of which were later declared heretical. The Christianity we know today is an arbitrarily defined one - based on a majoritarian declaration of textual authoritativeness. Even after the initial formalization of Christianity, minority 'heretical' viewpoints often survived for centuries, only gradually becoming extinct. The "globalization" of Christianity undercut its diversity, standardizing religious practice much like McDonalds has standardized its sesame seed buns and beef patties.
For some reason I suddenly have an urge to reread the Name of the Rose...
This discovery serves as a reminder that text-based religions undergo a period of evolution during which the texts are not yet finalized. Early Christianity consisted of many beliefs, the majority of which were later declared heretical. The Christianity we know today is an arbitrarily defined one - based on a majoritarian declaration of textual authoritativeness. Even after the initial formalization of Christianity, minority 'heretical' viewpoints often survived for centuries, only gradually becoming extinct. The "globalization" of Christianity undercut its diversity, standardizing religious practice much like McDonalds has standardized its sesame seed buns and beef patties.
For some reason I suddenly have an urge to reread the Name of the Rose...
posted by Nixie at 3:44 PM
6 Comments:
The fundies are saying this is the same document as the Gospel of Thomas and there's absolutely nothing to it.
This runs into mythological logic. Judas would be the most faithful, most tried disciple anyway -- he's the most necessary guy -- because the entire point of Jesus' mission on earth is dependent on Judas. No one else comes close, certainly not Peter with his series of last-minute panics and embarassments.
this is the first post you have written that does not make me want to diarrhea.
this is the first post you have written that does not make me want to diarrhea.
First of all, that was not me (first two anonymi). Second of all, diarrhea isn't vomiting, a reaction of disgust, rather it comes from consuming too much sugary and greasy junk food. Or an infection in bad water. So you are either being characterized as a tropical vacation or as delicious.
get up and get get get down
late nine one one wears the late crown
'sup? want to read a droll yet terrifying piece on how we're all going to die or wish we had? it is here.
It is amazing how many times the bible has been rewritten, although it has not been updated to meet the current times. I still must side with the whole science side and not with the bible. I just dont understand how people can follow something that has so many new findings about the people portrayed in it!
I like your post! :)
Red
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