Inspire, Winter 2006

What's the Word? In lightofthe recentpublication ofThe Da Vinci Code and the promotion ofthe Gospel ofJudas, individuals both in society and in our churches are increasingly questioning the veracity, finality, and authority ofthe Gospels and other inspired books in the biblical canon. Could the church have intentionally, or even unintentionally,suppressed missing Gospels?Ifso, what are these writings,andshould they be included in our New Testament? The GospelofJudas is one such book that has recently risen within this discussion and debate. Dr.David Hoffeditz'92 addresses these issues in his very popular "Jesus and the Gospels"course, as well as outside the walls ofCedarville University. The Springfield(Ohio)News- Sun recently printed one ofhis articles(below). David also participated in the documentary The Gospel ofJudas and Other Gnostic Secrets Revealed (pictured below),produced by Dr. Tom Dallis'82and Ensign Media. The documentary was recently releasedfor worldwide distribution through Vision Video. Congratulations, David! The Gospel of Judas: A Traitor to Christianity? By Dr. David M. Hoffeditz'92 The villain in the story ofJesus of Nazareth is one ofthe 12 disciples,Judas Iscariot,who betrays his leader for 30 pieces ofsilver. Many individuals wonder ifthe recent discovery of an early Christian manuscript named after this identical character may prove to be just as equally scandalous.Does this document,the Gospel of Judas,undermine Christianity or change our understanding ofJudas'act ofbetrayal? Should we rethink the church's theology in light ofthis writing? Scholars date this manuscript around the fourth century.Thus,some suggest that this gospel may originate two centuries earlier. Scholars also recognize the gospel's Gnostic tendencies.This is significant as Gnosticism was a chiefopponent oforthodox Christianity. This syncretistic religion and philosophy rejected the visible world,proposed that a subordinate deity created the world,and equated salvation with the acquisition ofspecial knowledge.The early church fathers were very critical of Gnostics,arguing that their teachings contradicted apostolic teaching and writings(e.g.,Irenaeus,"Against Heresies"). The Gospel ofJudas does appear to arise out ofthis movement.This recently discovered manuscript depicts Jesus providing special attention and information to Judas.These private conversations reveal that Jesus commanded Judas to betray him and that Jesus predicted Judas'ultimate end of destruction. 1111 GOSPEL oFILIDAS 01111.1t6NOSIIC SECRETS REVEALED R.ht.... N.hd P;# 14!480 And yet,the gospels of Matthew,Mark,Luke, and John portray a far different scenario. Judas takes the initiative and looks for an opportunity to betray Jesus,brings the soldiers to Jesus,and eventually regrets his own actions.While Jesus recognizes Judas'evil intentions and encourages him to act quickly,Jesus never instructs Judas to instigate disloyalty.In fact,the Gospel of John states that Satan placed the notion ofbetrayal in Judas'heart(John 13:2). Even ifwe take the Gospel ofJudas at face value,the writing is removed from the apostolic period and rejected by orthodoxy.Early church writings as far back as the late second and third centuries bear witness to a fourfold gospel account with apostolic roots,the grounds for truth,widespread acceptance and use, and the dispersion and rejection offalse writings(e.g.,the Muratorian Canon).Certainly the Gospel ofJudas and other extra-canonical books such as the Gospel ofThomas possess historical value by granting insight into deviant offshoots of orthodox Christianity. But to argue that such writings should be incorporated into the Christian faith fails to note the vast differences between the two expressions ofChristian faith — differences so deep that neither side accepted the other in early Christendom.Clearly the Gospel ofJudas does not share the same theological or historical perspectives as the four canonical Gospels.The uniqueness and vitality ofthe Christian faith,as well as its relevant message,maintained a solidified position during the time ofthe Gnostics. It undoubtedly will continue to do so in the future. ,01111.111111111111111111111.111111111, 16 Winter 2006