Judas Off The Hook?

Just in time for Holy Week, the recently translated Gospel of Judas would seem to get Judas off the hook as far as betraying Jesus is concerned. This Gospel has been mentioned numerous times in ancient commentaries and it's discovery is a great addition to the history of Christianity.

Will it change the religion? Probably not. There are several other Gospels not included in the cannon such as the Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Peter, Gospel of Thomas, the Secret Gospel of James and many more. All are ancient books and have been studied by experts for years. None have been added to the New Testament, and probably won't be. Why? Because the books of the Bible were codified around 300AD to provide a cohesive guide to the story of Jesus and to consolidate power in the church at that time. Today, that power seems stronger than ever as more people seem to worship the actual text of the Bible than God or Jesus.

My feeling is that people who seek to follow Jesus will find this Gospel adds to their understanding of the early practices of the religion. It will not change their faith, nor generate the anger that seems to have erupted over this book. A true follower of Jesus is more concerned with doing the work Jesus set out for us, not dickering over the words written by scribes and priests in an attempt to explain the phenomenon of this new movement. I find the words of Mother Teresa most appropriate, "Too many words. Let them see what we do."

Have a sacred Holy Week and a joyous Easter.