I want to start by saying I am not a theologian. At best, I’m a former atheist who found himself in a half rate Bible college, and later got jaded by the culture of American Christianity. I still consider myself a follower of Jesus, but it probably doesn’t look like what you’d want it to.
You posed some meaningful questions here! I have had many of these same thoughts myself. I have a tender spot for outcasts because I know so many kids who are. I have a soft spot for depressed individuals and those who take their lives because I some who have done that also. I can relate to feeling like a failure and the weight that carries. I know this, if I meet Judas in Heaven and pretty sure we will, I hope to tell him that he is loved! I'm sure he already knows that though. Jesus made it clear at the cross for sinners like me and Judas. I love your heart Stan! Keep writing brother. Jesus loves you so much and so do my family and I.
Hey Beth! Thanks for the reply. Yea I know there’s no “theological” basis to prove any of that and there are probably more “proof” texts that say the contrary but you get it, the over all point was Jesus loves, despite ourselves. I plan to write more of my thoughts soon but not going to force a faith narrative just take it as it comes. lol, frogs one week, music, childhood, then maybe faith or some combination as I am moved to write in whichever area. I know you remember I used to write stuff like this way back when in the original newsletter and this felt good. So we shall see. Thanks for always being awesome .
I had never thought of Judas betrayal in that light (that it was necessary) but it make’s sense!
I also agree with your statement down below about the Bible being used to Lord or domineer people.
I try in my reading or devotions read it as an instruction book to me on how Jesus shows love & how I should follow his teachings & show love to others.
Thanks for sharing, Stan! I too am jaded by (mainly) western churchianity. I never truly understood the bible(mainly due to lack of reading it). But always looked at it from the lense of a modern Christian. But this year I started reading from the beginning but, with the intent of reading it from the understanding of an ancient Israelite(which is who it was written to) and it has opened up so much to me. Makes so many things make sense. I recommend looking into the works of Michael S Heiser(Unseen Realm, Supernatural, Angels, Demons, etc).
Also, I agree with you. Judas’s betrayal had to happen to fulfil the prophesies. Yours is definitely an interesting perspective!
Thanks for reading. I agree with you in most of the dogma and ills we feel towards the cultural church could be resolved by just reading the book with a bit of perspective. I think the fact that so many Christians use the Bible to domineer or lord over othered seems to tell me they’ve never got the message. Sometimes we focus on the words and not their intent.
i especially appreciate and resonate with your educational and ministerial experiences and the possible questions faced with every Sunday morning as someone now outside the “church” tradition.
And over the past few years find myself aligning with our mutual friend’s (John Bost) views on Judas which remind me
of much of western Christianity. Maybe Judas thought his “betrayal” might force Christ into making Israel great again…and to your point, boy did that go a different direction.
Thanks man! Lol MIGA. I did see a resemblance in Judas sentiment with the oil. “We could sell that and help the poor.” Felt very much like the trope when people try to emigrate to America from conflict zones and people, often non veterans, bemoan the drain on resources and use “homeless veterans” as their justification to neglect the needs of those who truly need our compassion.
You posed some meaningful questions here! I have had many of these same thoughts myself. I have a tender spot for outcasts because I know so many kids who are. I have a soft spot for depressed individuals and those who take their lives because I some who have done that also. I can relate to feeling like a failure and the weight that carries. I know this, if I meet Judas in Heaven and pretty sure we will, I hope to tell him that he is loved! I'm sure he already knows that though. Jesus made it clear at the cross for sinners like me and Judas. I love your heart Stan! Keep writing brother. Jesus loves you so much and so do my family and I.
Hey Beth! Thanks for the reply. Yea I know there’s no “theological” basis to prove any of that and there are probably more “proof” texts that say the contrary but you get it, the over all point was Jesus loves, despite ourselves. I plan to write more of my thoughts soon but not going to force a faith narrative just take it as it comes. lol, frogs one week, music, childhood, then maybe faith or some combination as I am moved to write in whichever area. I know you remember I used to write stuff like this way back when in the original newsletter and this felt good. So we shall see. Thanks for always being awesome .
Also to reiterate…this is a thought experiment, not a theological stance.
Very thought provoking.
I had never thought of Judas betrayal in that light (that it was necessary) but it make’s sense!
I also agree with your statement down below about the Bible being used to Lord or domineer people.
I try in my reading or devotions read it as an instruction book to me on how Jesus shows love & how I should follow his teachings & show love to others.
Thank you for sharing this.
Absolutely! Thanks for reading
Thanks for sharing, Stan! I too am jaded by (mainly) western churchianity. I never truly understood the bible(mainly due to lack of reading it). But always looked at it from the lense of a modern Christian. But this year I started reading from the beginning but, with the intent of reading it from the understanding of an ancient Israelite(which is who it was written to) and it has opened up so much to me. Makes so many things make sense. I recommend looking into the works of Michael S Heiser(Unseen Realm, Supernatural, Angels, Demons, etc).
Also, I agree with you. Judas’s betrayal had to happen to fulfil the prophesies. Yours is definitely an interesting perspective!
Thanks for reading. I agree with you in most of the dogma and ills we feel towards the cultural church could be resolved by just reading the book with a bit of perspective. I think the fact that so many Christians use the Bible to domineer or lord over othered seems to tell me they’ve never got the message. Sometimes we focus on the words and not their intent.
i especially appreciate and resonate with your educational and ministerial experiences and the possible questions faced with every Sunday morning as someone now outside the “church” tradition.
And over the past few years find myself aligning with our mutual friend’s (John Bost) views on Judas which remind me
of much of western Christianity. Maybe Judas thought his “betrayal” might force Christ into making Israel great again…and to your point, boy did that go a different direction.
much love to you!
Thanks man! Lol MIGA. I did see a resemblance in Judas sentiment with the oil. “We could sell that and help the poor.” Felt very much like the trope when people try to emigrate to America from conflict zones and people, often non veterans, bemoan the drain on resources and use “homeless veterans” as their justification to neglect the needs of those who truly need our compassion.