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The Judas Gospel: A Novel
Judas, the disciple responsible for betraying Jesus, has a conversation with God and proposes to him that if God had used his powers to market Jesus that Judas would have, Jesus would have been more successful in saving the world, with more people following him. Judas has heard rumors that God is preparing another prophet and talks God into letting Judas return to earth to prove his point using this new prophet, a woman who possesses supernatural abilities and who is stalked by a serial killer through her horrifying dreams of his victims. Judas takes her pure ministry and turns it into a marketing circus, and he comes to realize that in mixing commerce with God, bigger isn’t better and that God is interested in reaching indivuals, not masses.
306 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2011
8 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Bill Myers
332 books394 followersBill Myers was born into a Christian home, and although as a child he became bored with Christianity, he decided at the University of Washington quote, to "make God my boss." Ironically, at the University his worst subject was writing. He claims to have prayed, and said that he would be able to do anything for God, except write. Even so, he has become a prominent Christian writer, and has a large amount of successful books and films to his credit.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 23, 2013
Artistic Merit
Plot: 5/5
Bill Myers knows how not only how to tell a story, but also to come up with one! This book made for quite riveting reading, especially the last half! Of course, to his fans, that should be no surprise...right?
Writing: 5/5
Equally amazing in this department. Easy to read, easy to follow, and it flows well...what's not to like?
Special Features: 4.5/5
At the back of the book is a discussion guide and an interview with Mr. Myers himself. Also, the book references classical artwork, and each painting mentioned has a URL in the footnotes to view it. Though I tried one of the Web addresses, and it worked, with the nature of the Internet, they could end up being defunct, even while the book is still around.
Moral Content
Positive Elements: 5/5
The whole book is a criticism of the commercialization of Christianity. Money-grubbing evangelists are vilified for being "charlatans" (Hebrews 13:5). Spiritual warfare is shown as being not only real, but a big deal (Ephesians 4:12). Christians are criticized for being more upset over usage of profanity than about starving, dying children.
Sex: 4/5
Homosexuality gets mentioned a few times. A sexual crime is also referenced.
Violence: 3.5/5
It is mentioned that a child was permanently injured as a result of abuse. Someone attempts suicide, but is later seen unhurt. A helicopter crashes into a building.
Language: 4/5
The d-word and "j-----s" are used once.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: 2/5
There's little within the book that isn't frightening or intense. The scenes with the demons are appropriately creepy; Rachel has scary visions/dreams about a horrible house fire; and, a terrorist attack that may be too reminiscent of 9/11 for some occurs. Some readers may not be able to take it.
Conclusion: Bill Myers is among one of my top authors; I like almost everything of his I have ever read. He and fellow personal favorite Ted Dekker aren't afraid to write hard-hitting, intense, edgy novels that illustrate spiritual principles. The Judas Gospel has to be one of the most riveting novels I've read in a while. That said, if Mr. Dekker's The Bride Collector or BoneMan's Daughters were too much for you to take, you should avoid this and stick to reading Karen Kingsbury. I myself like the edgy stuff; you may feel otherwise.
Score: 4.5/5
Plot: 5/5
Bill Myers knows how not only how to tell a story, but also to come up with one! This book made for quite riveting reading, especially the last half! Of course, to his fans, that should be no surprise...right?
Writing: 5/5
Equally amazing in this department. Easy to read, easy to follow, and it flows well...what's not to like?
Special Features: 4.5/5
At the back of the book is a discussion guide and an interview with Mr. Myers himself. Also, the book references classical artwork, and each painting mentioned has a URL in the footnotes to view it. Though I tried one of the Web addresses, and it worked, with the nature of the Internet, they could end up being defunct, even while the book is still around.
Moral Content
Positive Elements: 5/5
The whole book is a criticism of the commercialization of Christianity. Money-grubbing evangelists are vilified for being "charlatans" (Hebrews 13:5). Spiritual warfare is shown as being not only real, but a big deal (Ephesians 4:12). Christians are criticized for being more upset over usage of profanity than about starving, dying children.
Sex: 4/5
Homosexuality gets mentioned a few times. A sexual crime is also referenced.
Violence: 3.5/5
It is mentioned that a child was permanently injured as a result of abuse. Someone attempts suicide, but is later seen unhurt. A helicopter crashes into a building.
Language: 4/5
The d-word and "j-----s" are used once.
Frightening/Intense Scenes: 2/5
There's little within the book that isn't frightening or intense. The scenes with the demons are appropriately creepy; Rachel has scary visions/dreams about a horrible house fire; and, a terrorist attack that may be too reminiscent of 9/11 for some occurs. Some readers may not be able to take it.
Conclusion: Bill Myers is among one of my top authors; I like almost everything of his I have ever read. He and fellow personal favorite Ted Dekker aren't afraid to write hard-hitting, intense, edgy novels that illustrate spiritual principles. The Judas Gospel has to be one of the most riveting novels I've read in a while. That said, if Mr. Dekker's The Bride Collector or BoneMan's Daughters were too much for you to take, you should avoid this and stick to reading Karen Kingsbury. I myself like the edgy stuff; you may feel otherwise.
Score: 4.5/5
May 18, 2011
When it comes to Christian Fiction, I think Bill Myers was one of the first authors in the genre that I truly ever read. His novel, ELI, is one of the most amazing Christian novels I've experienced to date, so I was thrilled when S&S Galley Grab had an upcoming Myers title in the April lineup.
As far as the plot goes, this one starts with Judas approaching God with a proposal. You see, Judas believes that if only God would invest in a little more modern marketing, He would be able to save the masses unlike ever before. God, willing to allow one of his children to learn from his own mistakes, lets Judas go back to earth to give his plan a shot.
Judas learns about Rachel, a young girl with an alleged gift of healing. A deeply troubled girl recovering from tragedies in her past, Rachel is plagued by nightmares in which she witnesses people being murdered. The problem is that the dreams seem to come true later, making her a suspect once she voices her warnings to the police department.
Judas sees the situation as an opportunity to market a new prophet, a healer being tormented by the masses. Not only does Rachel make the perfect story for the media, she is able to become an overnight sensation on a national religious station -- where she quickly draws in donations in exchange for healings.
While Judas is intent on convincing Rachel that she is doing God's will by reaching the masses, Rachel begins to have doubts. And, soon she has a troubling new dream, enacting another brutal murder -- this time, her own.
In the end, THE JUDAS GOSPEL proclaims that God's real intention is not so much in reaching the massives -- but in touching lives, right down to each and every individual heart.
Overall, I did very much enjoy this novel, although I still think ELI is Myers' best work to date.
As far as the plot goes, this one starts with Judas approaching God with a proposal. You see, Judas believes that if only God would invest in a little more modern marketing, He would be able to save the masses unlike ever before. God, willing to allow one of his children to learn from his own mistakes, lets Judas go back to earth to give his plan a shot.
Judas learns about Rachel, a young girl with an alleged gift of healing. A deeply troubled girl recovering from tragedies in her past, Rachel is plagued by nightmares in which she witnesses people being murdered. The problem is that the dreams seem to come true later, making her a suspect once she voices her warnings to the police department.
Judas sees the situation as an opportunity to market a new prophet, a healer being tormented by the masses. Not only does Rachel make the perfect story for the media, she is able to become an overnight sensation on a national religious station -- where she quickly draws in donations in exchange for healings.
While Judas is intent on convincing Rachel that she is doing God's will by reaching the masses, Rachel begins to have doubts. And, soon she has a troubling new dream, enacting another brutal murder -- this time, her own.
In the end, THE JUDAS GOSPEL proclaims that God's real intention is not so much in reaching the massives -- but in touching lives, right down to each and every individual heart.
Overall, I did very much enjoy this novel, although I still think ELI is Myers' best work to date.
June 7, 2020
Wouldn't read again
May 7, 2024
I’m not generally a big fan of Christian fiction but this was really good!
August 20, 2024
interesting not quite what I expected but good
June 30, 2011
The one bad guy we all know from the Bible is Judas Iscariot. He's the one that believed Jesus was headed for greatness by being here on Earth. In fact, if Jesus would have just let Judas handle things, He would have been the greatest person to rule the Earth and live instead of face crucifixion by the Romans.
Still dealing with those thoughts, Judas makes a case for himself to Jesus to explain how things could have been different if he had handled things. Yet, the past is past but Judas explains if he can show Jesus he was right, maybe things would change for him. So Jesus offers Judas a chance at redeeming himself.
Judas is allowed to return to Earth and work with Rachel Delacroix, a young woman that God has given a unique gift of healing to. Armed with all the marketing techniques of today's ministry, Mr. Jude Miller will show not only the entire world but even the heaven's that he truly does know that we all expect God's best in our lives.
Despite Rachel's gift of healing she also is having nightmares of horrific murders in which she is not only a witness but in some cases, she is also a participant. Unsure of what these dreams mean, she works with a therapist for the police department, Dr. Sharon Fields to determine what is going on in her mind and if possible, controlling those nightmares with a new medication.
In the newest novel by Bill Myers, The Judas Gospel, we get to see a different side of the ministry going on in the world that attempts to sell God for a profit. We eventually get to the true bottom line at the end, when we see the ultimate price, Jesus paid for any one of us. This book once more captivates the reader from the first page and will hold our interest spell bound until the last page is turned. Another superb book to add to your library and worthy of 5 out of 5 stars once again.
I received this book through my own purchase to review it, and highly recommend this as a must read for anyone who loves suspense, crime solving, with a supernatural twist!
Still dealing with those thoughts, Judas makes a case for himself to Jesus to explain how things could have been different if he had handled things. Yet, the past is past but Judas explains if he can show Jesus he was right, maybe things would change for him. So Jesus offers Judas a chance at redeeming himself.
Judas is allowed to return to Earth and work with Rachel Delacroix, a young woman that God has given a unique gift of healing to. Armed with all the marketing techniques of today's ministry, Mr. Jude Miller will show not only the entire world but even the heaven's that he truly does know that we all expect God's best in our lives.
Despite Rachel's gift of healing she also is having nightmares of horrific murders in which she is not only a witness but in some cases, she is also a participant. Unsure of what these dreams mean, she works with a therapist for the police department, Dr. Sharon Fields to determine what is going on in her mind and if possible, controlling those nightmares with a new medication.
In the newest novel by Bill Myers, The Judas Gospel, we get to see a different side of the ministry going on in the world that attempts to sell God for a profit. We eventually get to the true bottom line at the end, when we see the ultimate price, Jesus paid for any one of us. This book once more captivates the reader from the first page and will hold our interest spell bound until the last page is turned. Another superb book to add to your library and worthy of 5 out of 5 stars once again.
I received this book through my own purchase to review it, and highly recommend this as a must read for anyone who loves suspense, crime solving, with a supernatural twist!
June 7, 2011
Starting off with a truly unique idea The Judas Gospel by Bill Myers captured me from the first page. He presents a highly engaging and smoothly written novel, combining the Christian theme with a suspenseful thriller quite perfectly. Though this isn't just any old whodunnit, the main focus of the story is on the what-if of celestial proportions.
Judas believes that God could draw in even more flock with the right, well, business strategies. In the person of Rachel, who has visions and healing hands, he tries to prove his point by marketing this new prophet. Throw in the fact that Rachel witnesses several killings in her visions and soon becomes the main suspect in police investigations and you've got quite a page-turner in front of you.
At first I feared that both threads of the book might not come together as well as they did, but the author managed to make an incredible scenario as fictitiously believable as possible. The characters are well developed and feel real down to the minor cast. And the story will keep you on your toes from beginning to end. The message is clear too – it's not about crowds, but touching individuals.
While this is certainly a Christian book, I didn't perceive it at all as preachy. I think it shows really well what humankind's relationship to God is and isn't about without forcing religion on the reader.
In short: An unusual and suspenseful take on biblical principles!
Judas believes that God could draw in even more flock with the right, well, business strategies. In the person of Rachel, who has visions and healing hands, he tries to prove his point by marketing this new prophet. Throw in the fact that Rachel witnesses several killings in her visions and soon becomes the main suspect in police investigations and you've got quite a page-turner in front of you.
At first I feared that both threads of the book might not come together as well as they did, but the author managed to make an incredible scenario as fictitiously believable as possible. The characters are well developed and feel real down to the minor cast. And the story will keep you on your toes from beginning to end. The message is clear too – it's not about crowds, but touching individuals.
While this is certainly a Christian book, I didn't perceive it at all as preachy. I think it shows really well what humankind's relationship to God is and isn't about without forcing religion on the reader.
In short: An unusual and suspenseful take on biblical principles!
July 8, 2011
The Judas Gospel, by Bill Myers, Howard Books, June 2011, 320 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-1439153543, $14.99
“You could have ruled the world,” Judas challenged, forced to his knees by God’s glory. “Let me return to earth…show You what You could have been…Hasn’t that always been your favorite method of teaching? Letting us have our way until we wind up proving…” You were right all along.
“When would you like to begin?”
“And that’s how it started—how He gave me (Judas) the opportunity to prove to Him, to you, and to all of creation, what could have been…”
Thus begins The Judas Gospel, a supernatural fantasy of second chances where “despite his betrayal of Jesus, Judas…” asks for a second chance and God’s permission to prove Him wrong. With a slogan of “expect God’s best,” a serial killer, his victims, a detective, a young prophetess and her father, the author delivers a suspenseful thriller while he explores “what happens when commerce mixes with the Gospel.”
The story begins with Rachael’s terrifying dreams of a serial predator who stalks her with horrific dreams of his victim’s slaughter. Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/3zkdc57
“You could have ruled the world,” Judas challenged, forced to his knees by God’s glory. “Let me return to earth…show You what You could have been…Hasn’t that always been your favorite method of teaching? Letting us have our way until we wind up proving…” You were right all along.
“When would you like to begin?”
“And that’s how it started—how He gave me (Judas) the opportunity to prove to Him, to you, and to all of creation, what could have been…”
Thus begins The Judas Gospel, a supernatural fantasy of second chances where “despite his betrayal of Jesus, Judas…” asks for a second chance and God’s permission to prove Him wrong. With a slogan of “expect God’s best,” a serial killer, his victims, a detective, a young prophetess and her father, the author delivers a suspenseful thriller while he explores “what happens when commerce mixes with the Gospel.”
The story begins with Rachael’s terrifying dreams of a serial predator who stalks her with horrific dreams of his victim’s slaughter. Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/3zkdc57
October 4, 2012
In the Bible we meet a person most of us have no sympathy or love for Judas. He is a money loving opportunist who sells the Savior of this world. In this book we see a slightly different side of him though a very likely side. Judas seems to have thought that Jesus was supposed to have been a supperstar to conquer the world with his fame. So Judas in the depths of hell places a wager that he could do things better, his way. He is sent back to our time where he meets a young girl named Rachel who has both a prophetic gift and the gift of healing. She is a girl who struggles with speach who was traumatized by loosing her mother and sister in a fire, she is left with her loving father, the Reverand. When miracles begin to take place 'Judas' Miller wastes no time in trying to bring the name of Rachel to fame. But this is not all, there is a string of murders that takes place, but each of the murders take place after Rachel has vivid dreams about the victims. This is a fast paced book that barely allows you to catch your breath all the way until the beautiful and mysterious ending.
April 21, 2014
This novel is not exactly as the back cover would have you believe. First maybe this Jude character is Judas returned to earth and maybe he isn't. The story is sadly ambiguous on that because this isn't Judas's story. The main characters are a rookie cop named Sean and a young girl named Rachel. Rachel is blessed or cursed with troubling dreams that accurately depict the scene of a recent murder. When Rachel finally finds the courage to tell the police what she knows that's when her life intersects with Sean and the story gets moving. By moving I mean the pace increases and the emotions heighten and it becomes an inconvenience to put this book down.
As a mystery I loved it. Action, suspense, great characters, and an ending that you just don't see coming, it's all here. It really didn't need the Judas hook other than to explain the title.
As a mystery I loved it. Action, suspense, great characters, and an ending that you just don't see coming, it's all here. It really didn't need the Judas hook other than to explain the title.
August 23, 2013
To me this book almost hinted at Peretti-ism. Between the prophetic dreams and the hints at spiritual warfare (demon chats, anyone?), I was reminded of Peretti's style more than once.
But it was also such an interesting look at the mass-marketing of Jesus. I grew up seeing bouffant bleach-blondes and oily send-me-your-money-&-further-God's-work salesmen on TV and found Myers's take on the whole scene spot on.
My favorite part? The prologue -- a scene, post traitorism, between Judas and God. It made me stop and think. Why wouldn't the God of the universe love a traitor enough to still joke with him and enjoy his company? It sounds corny when I write it, but it made me pause. A good book will do that.
But it was also such an interesting look at the mass-marketing of Jesus. I grew up seeing bouffant bleach-blondes and oily send-me-your-money-&-further-God's-work salesmen on TV and found Myers's take on the whole scene spot on.
My favorite part? The prologue -- a scene, post traitorism, between Judas and God. It made me stop and think. Why wouldn't the God of the universe love a traitor enough to still joke with him and enjoy his company? It sounds corny when I write it, but it made me pause. A good book will do that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2011
I had a hard time putting this book down...it really wasn't what I expected. Rachel has been traumatized by the deaths of her Mother and younger Sister. She has visions, some quite violent and makes predictions. She is then given the gift of healing. Wherein enters Judas Martin, he has found a golden opportunity. The other main character is Sean who is raising his handicapped son alone after his wife has passed away. He is just beginning a new career as a policeman.
The book to me does have a surprise ending, and Rachel has to come to terms with what God wants her to do with her Gifts.
The book to me does have a surprise ending, and Rachel has to come to terms with what God wants her to do with her Gifts.
March 31, 2015
Ok until last 100 pages
I usually like Myers from the start, but this book was really hard for me to get into. I was thinking that he would do more with it but he did not. It was a little intense on some parts of the book, and I wanted it to have a happy end or at the very least an explanation as to why the ending was the way it was. I recommend the one about the atheist more than this one (the God Hater). But it was a decent read.
I usually like Myers from the start, but this book was really hard for me to get into. I was thinking that he would do more with it but he did not. It was a little intense on some parts of the book, and I wanted it to have a happy end or at the very least an explanation as to why the ending was the way it was. I recommend the one about the atheist more than this one (the God Hater). But it was a decent read.
November 4, 2012
I really enjoyed the characters and the direction the story took. It got a little confusing at the end but there was a nice twist or too so that was okay. Overall, it was entertaining and fast-paced enough to keep my attention and be enjoyable without being excellent, mostly because it wrapped up badly.
March 1, 2016
Not my favorite Bill Myers book. In the story, Judas has asked God to come back to earth to show Him how he would have runners things. God says ok. Judas (Jude) finds a young black prophetess to market. In the mean time, she has dreams to predicate murders.
Not a bad story, but not a favorite.
Not a bad story, but not a favorite.
May 17, 2013
This is our May 2013 book club book. As with most Bill Myers books, he takes a story out of the Bible and redefines it in the modern world. I enjoyed and am interested to know what the rest of our club thinks of it.
June 26, 2013
Overall this as a decent book. It didn't take but a few pages to get me hooked. However...I was a little disappointed with the ending. I was hoping for a little redemption with a certain character that never happened.
April 19, 2016
The story was not what I expected. It's premise is as old as the devil vs. God or good vs. evil. It all seems to come down to your own belief and who triumphed. It is worth reading and draw, your own conclusions.
August 8, 2011
Great book. Commercialized Jesus! He showed how deceptive Satan can be. Can you tell what's from God and what isn't? Or what is God's work and what isn't?
September 9, 2011
Interesting premise--what if Judas is given the chance to come back today to "help" a prophet? How is God mass marketed? Throw in a serial killer mystery, and it's a pretty decent read.
May 3, 2012
Another action filled book by Bill Myers.
July 12, 2012
Bill Myers does it again with an excellent story about TV evangelists. Extremely well written and narrated by the author. Definitely worth a listen.
August 3, 2013
Good book
January 11, 2014
Great story idea. Judas convinces God to come back to earth to market Jesus as he should have been.
May 22, 2015
Intriguing ideas and some interesting parts. Somehow the many elements confuse the focus and impact.
January 23, 2012
interesting concept about how we "market" Jesus and God's grace.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews