New Gnostic gospel found - scholars believe it says Jesus instructed Judas to betray

You are correct. I have slipped into using "originals" because there is much evidence that the oldest known surviving texts are almost certainly lock-step copies of said originals. I realize that is not an absolute certainty, but I believe it is a high probability -- high enough that I would call it proof, but proof is a subjective thing. Each to his own. All I would challenge those who adhere to the "telephone game theory" is to do some research for themselves with an open mind and see what the evidence at hand says to them.

 

Keep in mind that to each person "proof" is much easier to accept when it fits into someone's preconceived notions. Your notions about the Gospels and the Bible prevent you from considering alternatives out of hand. Just as my disbelief makes me more susceptible to considering the validity and accuracy of those alternatives.

 

I tend not to believe that Judas was instructed by Jesus to turn him in. I'm sure Jesus knew Judas would do it, but like his crucifixion in general, it was something Jesus struggled with and accepted, but didn't want. That's an enduring theme in Catholicism in general, like when a new Pope is chosen, he's supposed to accept it, but they give him a room and some time to grieve over the responsibility that's been placed on him. Also, Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him 3 times before the cock crowed twice. Again, he accepted that, but didn't ask him to do it.

Not only is it consistent with religious themes for Jesus not to instruct Judas directly, but He says that the man that will turn him in will prefer death to how he will feel after doing so, which implies that he knows Judas is going to kill himself. I don't think Jesus would have set someone up to kill themselves, and if Judas was a true disciple acting on a request from Jesus, I don't think he would have accepted money for it. It just doesn't seem to add up.

 

But I didn't start my research with those notions. I started out as an agnostic. The beliefs I have now are the result of my research, not the other way around.

 

Not only that, but I have yet to see in the actual published text where it says Jesus instructed Judas to betray him. I wish I knew how the media is drawing that conclusion.

 

Really? What did you read that convinced you? My journey is exactly the opposite.

 

Convinced me of what, specifically?

 

This?

 

So, basically everything?

Let me organize my thoughts and get back to this.

 

Top 3 will work.