With regards to my last question (the narrow-minded need not apply)....?

Question

I did get a honest answers to this question but a couple were quite narrow minded.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=As9L23w5m_4qvA3I7Puj.Y7d7BR.?qid=20070118121642AAms3TR

If the Gospel of Judas is valid, not saying it is but it does seem supported by 1 other Gospel, then did Judas not make the ultimate sacrifice. Giving his salvation in exchange for the salvation of humanity?

Would any Christian be capable of such a sacrifice if it was required of you?

Answer 1

That's a pretty good question, while I'm not a christian, and I'd give my life fairly freely for a variety of reasons (the "salvation" of all man kind coupled with omniscience omnipotence and omnipresence being one of them), knowingly condemning one's self to eternal suffering is another thing entirely... I think I could force myself to do it pretty easily, though it would require putting myself in a slihgly less contemplative mental state (i.e. getting drunk), and lots of going back and forth between decisions of the sort... Ultimately though, I'd probably be able to convince myself hell was tollerable and go for it.

I mean I couldn't do it if I were constantly thinking of the concequences, but it isn't that hard to remove yourself from the presence of an otherworldly life even if you know one exists. The capacity for self-deception and that for selflessness aren't that rare....

PS: Most people answering this question apparently don't understand hypothetical situations.

Answer 2

I think that's an interesting philosophical/theological quandry.

Personally, I don't think that the Gospel of Judas is historical (probably, like the other gnostic gospels, it was written much later with a theological rather than historical agenda, which is not to say that the four synoptics are perfectly reliable as history either.)

That being said, I'm more likely to surmise that the character of Judas was not historical either, but emerged out of re-tellings of the passion narrative and out of the break between Christianity and judaism. The name Judas is perhaps a reference to blaming Jews for betrayal of the Christian narrative, which of course is at the root of blood-libel.

But I digress--to answer your more philosophical question, did Judas make the sacrifice? Perhaps that's true, and if so, perhaps the grace of an all-forgiving God means salvation for even Judas.

Ever heard that Tom Waits song covered by Johnny Cash called "Down by the Train?" He writes
"There's a golden moon that shines up through the mist
And I know that your name can be on that list
There's no eye for an eye, there's no tooth for a tooth
I saw Judas Iscariot carrying John Wilkes Booth"

Everybody gets forgiveness, eh?

Answer 3

I agree with Jen there. How do we know anything aobut what's real in the bible anyway. I look everywhere for something might be true,I dont personally belive that the gospel of Judas is real but as to sacrificing yourself for the good of humanity, going to hell for everyone else in the world...that's a little beyond me I'm afraid to admit I don't think I could do it. I don't want to go to hell if it exists, that would blow pretty hard. So no I don't think there are alot of people capable of this. If there is someone well...there a f***ing saint, maybe ten people tops on the planet could do it, that's what I think.

Answer 4

First, the gospel of Judas is Gnostic therefore does not have the authority that the Bible does. Not to mention all the times that is clearly contradicts the Bible. Second, I don't see how arguing the atheist perspective, unless it was in terms of apologetics, would bring someone closer to salvation.
Many Christians have given their lives to save others. Jesus is the ultimate example. You should read Shusaku Endo’s book "Silence".

Answer 5

So if I understand your question correctly, betraying your closest friend to the ruling elite, knowing they will be put to death, for a monetary reward, and then later regretting your choice, returning the silver by chucking it into a field and then hanging yourself so your guts gush out should be rewarded? In every action there needs to be an understanding of motivation.

Judas made no sacrifice, he made a selfish and self centered decision. He was not out to benefit mankind or Jesus, he was out to benefit himself. Christ made the sacrifice and sought to benefit mankind and glorify God, not himself. If Judas had any knowledge or foresight into the end result of his action, do you think he would of done it? Christ on the other hand, knew what Judas would do (knowledge does not mean that he caused it though) and knew he would be betrayed into the hands of evil men and suffer death for all mankind.

Answer 6

You're thinking is so twisted as usual. Where do you come up with these things?

To Jen1981 - The bible was not compiled in 325 ad by a pagan emporer. The old testament was compiled during the Babylonian captivity to renew Israel's patriotism during their captivity and the first total collection of old testament and new testament books was done by 2 church councils, the council or Laodicea in 363 ad and the council or Carthage in 397 ad. These were not run by pagans or any emporer. They were run by church elders of the times.

Answer 7

No, he didn't give his salvation so Jesus could save mankind. He just sinned, just like we all have.

Jesus gave HIS salvation (for 3 days, as prophecied) for the salvation of mankind.

He also endured every sin man has ever, is, and will commit. It was more than just the brutal physical pain he endured, it was mental too... Spiritually draining. He felt the wrath of God (the justice of God) for EVERY MAN: past, present, future.

And I say... Praise God for that!

:D

Christians cannot save the world, Christians are just part of the body of Christ that WAS saved by Christ, and accepted that.

Jesus kissed the guy that would betray him... That's love.

Answer 8

I don't know that he did sacrifice his salvation to be honest with you. Judas betrayed Christ, no doubt, but is his sin any different than mine is everyday. I don't think so.

Either that or Judas never was saved therefore never scarified anything.

This is one of those I'm going to have to research.

Answer 9

I couldn't. Back in the '80's I considered the possibility that I might be the Antichrist. No need to go into details there. Anyway, I finally decided that if that was what God wanted from me, He was just going to have to find another pigeon. That was a fair bit more than I was prepared to do, regardless of the perks it provided.

Answer 10

The first word you used is of utmost importance. IF. You are basing your entire question on something that almost every biblical scholar totally discounts.