Judas: Images of the Lost Disciple

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Exploration of Judas . . .
Review: The Lenten Season provokes reflections upon betrayal, and on the disciple, Judas Iscariot. One of the finest books written by a contemporary theologian is Judas: Images of the Lost Disciple. It is the definitive book for anyone who wants to delve into the rich persona of this archetypal traitor. Written by Kim Paffenroth, this book is a comprehensive portrayal of the canonical Judas, and a splendid examination of the legendary aspects of his history. Paffenroth's fine exegesis on Judas is superior to any of the other commentators I have read. Few theologians delve so carefully into the worrisome aspects of projections, onto Judas -as betrayer-and by Judas-as the one who casts his projection onto Christ. Paffenroth describes the psychic escalation of the dark side of the psyche with singular clarity when he compares Judas with Shakespeare's Othello.

Published in 2001 by WJK Press, this book has not received the attention it merits. Rather than obsess on betrayal as the defining characteristic of Judas' personality, Paffenroth explores the multi-dimensional aspects of both canonical story and legend. By considering Judas as an "obscure object of curiosity, an arch-sinner and object of horror, as villain and object of hatred and derision, and as tragic hero and object of admiration and sympathy," the author finds a means whereby he may present Judas as "the penitent: object of hope and emulation." This is no small task and the exegetical excellence of this book makes it a must read for every pastor during this Lenten Season.

[Rev.] Sandra M. Rushing

Rating:
Summary: An engaging and revealing portrait
Review: This book gives fascinating insights into the stories that have arisen around Judas, the man who handed over his friend, teacher, and Lord to an unjust and humiliating death. The subject calls for a book that will evoke the rich significance of this act and will be generous in its appreciation for the motivations behind it. This is the account Paffenroth has written. He delights in the diversity of interpretations because only an abundance of responses could bring home the reality of Judas.

This is a book about ourselves more than Judas. He is the "cipher" (p. 15) we have used through the ages to tell our stories about good and evil, friendship and betrayal, our highest hopes and our deepest fears. Each chapter begins with careful literary and historical analysis of early reactions to Judas. I found these interesting in themselves. They come to life through examples taken from film and literature. For example, Paffenroth illustrates the significance of Judas's absence in St. Paul's letters by giving a review of the film "Jesus of Montreal," which omits any reference to Judas or a betrayal. Each chapter has its own unexpected gems: in chapter 2, a discussion of Judas in charms and curses; in chapter 3, the use of Judas to promote anti-semitism, in its more insidious as well as more overt forms; in chapter 4, the bizarre legends, based on the story of Oedipus, that embellish many of the medieval saints' lives; and, in chapter 5, the weird legends of Judas's punishments.

These are only a few of the many entertaining and instructive discussions in this book. It is brilliant, funny, scholarly, and poignant. Give yourself a treat and follow Judas through the imaginations of everyone from the gnostics, through Dante and Shakespeare, to Dostoyevsky and Martin Scorsese.