In Defense of Judas
The crucial scapegoat
We’re almost to Easter. I’ve been too busy to properly recognize the season this year, but it’s in my thoughts. My beliefs on Christianity and spirituality in general have also been evolving, so I don’t feel as compelled to “follow the rules” as I used to.
Something that hasn’t changed, however, are my feelings about Judas.
Yes, that Judas.
The one who stole money from the disciples’ stash that was supposed to feed the poor.
The one who betrayed Jesus.
The one who died by suicide.
Judas Iscariot is probably one of the most reviled characters in Christian history and he doesn’t deserve it.
In case you weren’t aware, Judas is best known for being the disciple who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders of the time for thirty pieces of silver. When soldiers arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest him, Judas kissed him, effectively pointing him out as the one they wanted. Jesus was consequently arrested, tried, and crucified and Judas is blamed for his betrayal to this day.
Judas wasn’t known for being a great guy before the betrayal. Yes, he followed Jesus as a disciple, but he reportedly stole money from the disciples’ treasury that was supposed to go to the poor. That story is…
