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Dear Judas: A Christian Novel: A Tale of Spiritual Awakening

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From James Finke, author of the best-selling Christianity Uncomplicated series, comes his gripping debut novel, Dear Judas, where love and faith are tested in the unseen battles of spiritual warfare.

From the moment Tommy Finch's heart stopped beating, his life would never be the same. A successful medical device salesman thriving in a high-pressure corporate world, Tommy had no need for God—until a near-death experience shatters his disbelief and forces him to confront a new reality.

As he grapples with the complexities of life, love, and faith, he unwittingly becomes the target of dark forces determined to lead him to “their father’s house below.” But there’s one Tommy is married to Elizabeth, a devout Christian whose unwavering faith becomes a nightmare for the demons scheming to undermine him. Guided by her steadfast love and confronted by skepticism from those around him, Tommy embarks on a journey of discovery that reveals the unseen manipulations at play in his life.

"Dear Judas" reimagines the themes of C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters," exploring the tension between good and evil, along with thought-provoking apologetic elements, in a contemporary setting. With humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural, this gripping tale invites readers to reflect on the nature of faith, love, and the unseen struggles that shape our lives.

Don’t miss out on this captivating journey—grab your copy of Dear Judas today before the price changes!

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2025

448 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read

About the author

James Finke

9 books54 followers
James Finke brings over 17 years of experience managing 50-million-dollar insurance portfolios in Corporate America. He is an expert in assessing risk and hedging bets. Therefore, it sometimes catches people off-guard when they discover he has gone all-in and wagered everything that the Bible is true.

Christianity Uncomplicated began as a “quarantine project” for his church in 2020 and has since blossomed into a transformative global ministry. Published in multiple languages and distributed in 15 countries, James’s book series has touched thousands of lives, aiming to glorify God and spread the Gospel.

Residing in Connecticut with his wife and four children, James engages with readers on Instagram @authorjamesfinke.

Through his bestselling books and thriving social media presence, James continues to help seekers find clarity in a world filled with uncertainty.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Chad.
Author 35 books570 followers
February 10, 2025
Dear Judas, by James Finke, “reimagines the themes of C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters.” One of the delightful surprises of the book, however, is that this is much more than a “redo” or “modernization” of that classic work by Lewis. The correspondence between demonic tempters is there, to be sure, but it is set within a narrative framework that focuses on a husband (Tommy) and wife (Elizabeth). We get to know this couple. We are privy to their fears and squabbles, faith and unbelief, work politics and family dynamics. As their narrative progresses, the letters are inserted to give us readers a behind-the-scenes look at the plotting and maneuvering of dark forces. Knowing Tommy and Elizabeth helps to humanize and personalize the story. As Lewis does in his book, James helps us to think as the enemy thinks, to understand the perspective from “below,” and thus to be better prepared for our confrontations with temptation. A very helpful, well-written book!
Profile Image for Barry.
1,230 reviews58 followers
April 8, 2025
Fan-fiction for The Screwtape Letters

I feel like such a grump for giving this book 3 stars, but first of all, 3 is supposed to mean “this book is good,” and secondly, it’s obviously derivative of CS Lewis’s brilliant The Screwtape Letters yet it suffers in comparison. I totally support the intended messaging, but the depth of insight does not come close to that of the Lewis classic. Of course that’s an unfairly high bar I suppose.

One aspect where Finke improves upon the original is that he provides a storyline involving human characters interspersed with correspondence from the demons in the spiritual world, so the reader can see the real world effects of spiritual warfare. The setup here is that a man of atheistic leanings has a near-death experience which shakes his materialist worldview. His wife is a believer and a “praying wife” which makes the demons’ task of deception significantly more difficult.

Anyway, I love to support new Christian authors and I’m glad I purchased this book, but at times I was reminded of the charge that too much of Christian art, be it novels or film, isn’t really art at all, but rather sermons dressed up to look like art. But I see it has clearly blessed a lot of Christian readers out there, and that’s great.

And his Instagram account is quite good: authorjamesfinke
1 review
February 19, 2025
Captivating cover to cover! I went into this book expecting to read it chapter by chapter but with its short chapter format and quick but ideal pacing I couldn’t put it down! James delivers a novel that not only shows us something about how the spiritual realm operates in and around us but also calls out and labels many of the problems that plague relationships and get in the way of connection with others and knowing God. The story is welcoming, the characters accessible, and the theme relatable. A must read!
Profile Image for Amanda (The Little Book Spot).
240 reviews78 followers
February 26, 2025
This book has been compared to The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, and I can see why. However, when I tried reading Screwtape a year or so ago, I struggled to get into it and never finished. So when the author reached out and described Dear Judas as a contemporary take on similar themes, I was intrigued—and I’m so glad I gave it a chance!

With short chapters, easy to understand writing, and a unique and convicting plot, Dear Judas offers a thought-provoking look at the unseen demonic realm and the spiritual battle for souls—one that many are unaware of.

✨ Parts I Enjoyed:

📌 The close-up look at Tommy and Elizabeth’s marriage—especially how Elizabeth’s intercession on behalf of her husband interfered with and thwarted demonic plans! 💥

📌 The book is full of Scripture and references, allowing you to look up Bible verses as you read.

📌 The powerful emphasis on a praying, godly wife.

📌 The overall theme of the power of prayer.

📌 The letters between chapters from the demons—while sinister, they serve as a wake-up call and give 1 Peter 5:8 new perspective: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

I highly recommended for all Christians and teens looking for a gripping and faith-strengthening read!

Content: no language/spice.

Thank you @authorjamesfinke for sending me an advance reader’s copy of your book! Check out his page for tons of apologetic/defending the faith videos and resources!
Profile Image for Braxten Mecham.
9 reviews100 followers
February 15, 2025
this is a great book. i finished this book so fast due to how captivating it was. i do not often read novels or any non-fiction; in fact, I have not touched non-fiction since Percy Jackson in 5th grade! i tend to stick to anything theology, philosophy or christian living but this is a beautiful book. there was so many plot twists to it that my guess on how it would end was certainly very different than expected. couldn’t recommend this book more!!! so well done James.
Profile Image for Margarita Rose.
1,184 reviews11 followers
February 15, 2025
A heart touching phenomenal read. This book shows you how to combat spiritual warfare. It has many facets and covers a little of everything as you walk the Christian path. Really liked the book.
Profile Image for Christian Shelves.
281 reviews40 followers
February 22, 2025
This book serves as an excellent wake-up call for Christians who may feel like life is familiar and routine. Not only does it demonstrate just how critical and urgent it is that there is a spiritual battle for souls, but Dear Judas also points out the tactics that the enemy may use in our lives to lull us into a false sense of security, keeping us stagnant and ineffective in our Christian walk. I thoroughly enjoyed the inner thoughts of Tommy Finch, Elizabeth Finch, and many of the other characters in this incredible story about a near death experience. The correspondence between Judas, a junior demon, and his superiors is modern and in keeping with today’s corporate culture, giving this book a glimpse of what The Screwtape Letters might have looked like in the 21st century.

In unveiling the philosophies of this world, I loved this take on apologetics from a narrative standpoint. Moving from atheism to pantheism to theism was a brilliant exploration, and I felt like both the journey and the research were accurately captured. If anything, I wanted to know more about the Finch family and to see what would happen next. I also appreciated the sober warnings about how the enemy can drive a wedge between spouses while pointing to the power of a Christian marriage where both spouses are fully surrendered to God. I was amazed at the number of biblical teachings packed into this book and would certainly read more should there be a follow-up to Dear Judas. Readers seeking a modern-day Screwtape—complete with a look at how Demon Resources can wreak havoc on believers and keep them from fulfilling the Great Commission—will find this cautionary tale an incisive look at dangerous ideologies and an inspiration in reaching out to others with the Gospel.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
1 review1 follower
February 25, 2025
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!! Truly a page turner. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened at each turning point. Not only was it a great storyline, it reminded me of the spiritual realm that we cannot see but is very real. This author presents a gripping story along with sound Christian Biblical doctrine. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Becky White.
Author 23 books1 follower
February 24, 2025
In this post-modern world, many of us, including many Christians, do not believe that there is a spiritual world distinct from the physical world or that humans are part of it. If we do believe that there is a spiritual world, we either discount its power, or believe that it is a fairy tale world full of goodness and light, or that it is solely the effect of human effort and influence. James Finke addresses the short comings of these beliefs in this engaging modern parable. He describes the interactions of human beings with spiritual beings thru his story about Tommy and Elizabeth as they come to terms with the realization that God is neither a myth nor a philosophical argument, that there is a spiritual world and that their souls are connected to it. The parable describes a spiritual world populated with many other beings who struggle with each other for dominance over the lives of human souls. The purpose of the parable is to open our eyes to the spiritual world and the signs of the struggle between God and Satan for control of our immortal souls. I highly recommend it for those who are searching to find their place in the spiritual world and with why faith in Jesus is so important.
1 review
February 21, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book by James Finke! I’ve read a couple of his other books, which were equally impactful. However, the specific style in which Dear Judas was written is absolutely phenomenal. I sincerely couldn’t put this book down and finished it within a couple of days!

This book is captivating and thrilling, providing an insightful view into the unseen, yet very real, spiritual realm. James masterfully ties in scripture as well as the message of the Gospel as the main character comes face to face with it himself. I’m always looking for more fiction novels with a Christian and Biblical basis, and I can assure you this one meets the criteria and exceeds it!
1 review
February 17, 2025
I have read - and thoroughly enjoyed - all works previously published by James Finke. So while I was fully expecting another great book, Dear Judas surpassed even the (very) high expectations I had. In fact, what started out as a plan to read a few chapters…turned into reading the entire book in one setting as I did not want to put it down! I cannot recommend Dear Judas enough as a read for yourself, as a gift to a friend, as a small group study…or all three! I promise you and all who read this book will be blessed.
1 review
Read
February 23, 2025
A good read! Reminds me of Srewtape Letters and Piercing the Darkness. Personifying demonic entities that relentlessly try to keep us distracted and defeated from knowing Gods true love for us. It’s a great book to curl up on the couch and read! 👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Charity.
609 reviews83 followers
February 25, 2025
WOW. What a POWERFUL book. If you want a Christian fiction book that shows a taste of the spiritual realm, this is what you want.

Actually, you know what? Even if you DON'T want that, I think this is an important book to read. Spiritual warfare is real. There are demons and angels fighting for our souls. How often do we remember that?

I really don't know what else to say. This book is powerful. It's a quick read, it's a deep read, it's a book that will bring you to your knees in both prayer and thanksgiving.

Oh, that I would raise my children to be strong, praying Christians. May *I* be a strong, praying Christian.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
98 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2025
This was a quick read/audio, but woah! It reminded me of This Present Darkness but it held its own. While it’s fiction it definitely gives you a very real insight to the spiritual warfare world. It convicted me on my own prayer life for my family. It was a reminder that the enemy not only knows the Word but knows how to try and use it against. Kicks you in the butt to remind you why being lukewarm kills. So much to unpack ! If you are wanting to learn about spiritual warfare, enjoy fiction, and a book you can get through quickly you must read this one! I pray it touches the spirit within! This books needs all the attraction it can get!
Profile Image for Krystle Wagner.
4 reviews
October 23, 2025
What an amazing and powerful storyline! I loved this modern take on CS Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. This book has something relatable for every believer and non-believer and presents a very good perspective on modern day struggles between Christian faith and worldly influences. I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking to understand how the devil and the unseen realm work to counteract and derail our faith, slowly and methodically, without us even realizing it.
Profile Image for Megan Cole.
98 reviews
September 10, 2025
The perspective of being a person in prayer, having a person that is always in prayer for you, is so important & this book makes you realize that! Also, being the light that Jesus has called us to be! Because we truly may be the only “Jesus” some people see.
I am in awe. My eyes, heart & ears were definitely opened in this book.

Surround yourself with Jesus people!
Profile Image for Caitlin Vailes.
78 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2025
Great and fast paced read! This book really reminds you just how real spiritual warfare is and how important it is for your soul when picking a partner. It made me reflect on my own journey and think about if I’m just “being a good person” or truly being a good christian.
Profile Image for Stephanie Mann.
150 reviews
August 12, 2025
oh wow oh wow!!!! I love/hate this book. love bc it was so good. hate bc it was so real on how demons attack, destroy, and fight for evil. it was interesting to hear the demon side of training their army. it was freaky scary but so real to know that the enemy knows the Bible and scripture and will use it to get into our heads and hearts. I came across this book as one I should read if I enjoyed Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. my all time favorite book. James Finke... well done and well written! Scary but good!
1 review
September 3, 2025
didn’t rise to potential

This has the potential to be a much better read than it was. The apologetics language coming from a couple of the characters was too technical. It didn’t sound like how people actually talk. Also, the health privacy law violation was beyond the pale. The main character should have come away with both the hospital and the company he worked for. There’s only so much disbelief one can suspend.
1 review
February 19, 2025
As a mom of young children, I rarely have moments to devote to sitting down and reading physical books, other than those needed to be read to them. However, I was pleased to know that Mr. Finke's book was available as an audio book, and that is how I was able to consume the content. Once I obtained access to the audio app, I pressed play and let it go. From beginning to end, Dear Judas was absolutely captivating. Finke's character development was so intriguing, and each moment I listened, I found myself really wanting to get to know each of their fascinating and unique personalities. In the novel, we are introduced to Tommy, the protagonist, and walk with him as he trudges through a strenuous, spiritually void, yet financially "rewarding" work life which has been thwarted by a serious medical accident. This accident sets him on a challenging, but amazing journey which becomes, for lack of a better term, soul saving. His wife Elizabeth is a spirit filled Christian and recognizes Tommy's struggles and does what every wonderful Christian wife would do for her spouse, intercede, and pray on his behalf and ask those around her to help him through not only his physical healing, but his spiritual journey.
Very uniquely intertwined with the narration of the characters was the "communication" sent through the dark spirit realm between Judas and Legion Grimshaw III. Listening to Grimshaw's directions to Judas (who is really working undercover to undermine any of Tommy's spiritual growth) helped reinforce my already solidified biblical knowledge that we are all really fighting a battle not "between flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities..." Ephesians 6:12. Tommy's wife, family and other special characters act as the Christian conduits to Tommy's eventual restoration and redemption in Christ. Not only is this a wonderful book, I believe it would make an excellent movie!!
1 review
February 22, 2025
A great book to curl up with for both pleasure reading and personal growth, combined with the ease of short chapters, you will find yourself picking up this book with every spare minute you have - at the Dr. office, waiting at the bus stop, on lunch break, traveling, and as quiet time preparing for bed. The story quickly engages the reader without being overly dramatic or suspenseful.
Make sure you have a pen nearby as you delve into a plethora of powerful Biblical quotes and religious arguments while also being given opportunities for deep introspection as you follow the life of the main character and the schemes of Judas. At first I found the letters to Judas a bit distracting, but then I found myself referring back to them as I went through my daily life. Great job James! This is being passed to my husband and then several friends. I may even leave one or two as surprises in mailboxes :)
4 reviews
January 2, 2026
Dear Judas is a compelling novel that delves into the reality of spiritual warfare and the subtle ways it plays out in everyday life. Through the lens of an unequally yoked marriage, the story explores the tension between the mind and the spiritual realm, and how deeply interconnected they truly are. Drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, the book pulls back the curtain on how the enemy uses temptation, manipulation, and quiet compromise to gain ground. The narrative is engaging and introspective, inviting readers to wrestle with these ideas alongside the main character, Tommy. This is a story that doesn’t just entertain, it challenges you to reflect and explore your own spiritual battles.

And reflect I did. It’s far too easy to forget that there is an enemy at play. In fact, he wants you to forget he’s there, so you turn inward and place all the blame on yourself. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy, offering counterfeits for every good thing God has created, and Dear Judas illustrates just how subtle and insidious that can be. Watching the spiritual warfare unfold in this story pushed me to ask harder, more honest questions: What lies am I believing? Where am I being subtly manipulated or distracted? What compromises have I justified without realizing the cost? It reminded me that it’s not my own strength, effort, or reflection that saves me, it’s Jesus, who came to bring life, restoration, and victory. The story quietly unsettles you, leaving you more aware, more discerning, and more responsible for guarding your own heart.
Profile Image for Carol Gordon.
14 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2025
Dear Judas is a reimagining of C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters with a modern take. Readers are invited into the modern day story of Tommy and Elizabeth and the spiritual realm that is at war among them. Tommy has had a near death experience that has shaken his atheistic beliefs. His wife, Elizabeth, is a believer and is battling in prayer on his behalf. In the spiritual realm, readers are privy to training letters from one demon to another as they fight for Tommy’s soul.

I really liked the short chapters and pacing in this book, and how we were able to be a part of Tommy and Elizabeth’s stories along with the letters. Finke wove Scripture in throughout the story, providing cited evidence for the spiritual warfare that is described. One or two of the actions of the spirits (both angelic and demonic) seemed out of place, but overall I felt that this imagining of spiritual warfare was based on truth. It’s a hard thing to write a book so similar to C. S. Lewis, and while I found Lewis’ insights into the forces of evil to be more detailed and profound, my main take away from Finke’s work is the power of prayer. It was encouraging to me and a great reminder to make prayer a priority!

Thank you so much @jamesfinkeauthor for this gifted copy of Dear Judas in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Christa Stockton .
18 reviews
June 6, 2025
It took me a bit to really get into this book. I didn't love how he broke up the story of Tommy with the cutouts to Judas. but, after several chapters, the flow of it didn't bother me as much. That being said, the subject matter and plot were great! I love a book that really makes you think deeply, and this did just that. Spiritual warfare is something we should all be thinking and praying about more deeply, but I realize I haven't. As I was reading Tommy's story, I related to so many things and often had to pause and reflect on how spiritual warfare has affected me as a wife, mom, etc. Moving forward, I feel like I'll more often ask myself, "Is this of God or Satan?"
1 review
February 17, 2025
I have read all of authors books, James Finke! Dear Judas is much different - very creative writing, so real and truthful. The characters come alive ! I literally could not put this book down.

A must for family members or friends that don’t have (or limited ) Christian faith and understand how Satan (Judas) plays an evil role in all our lives. Everyday.

James was truly blessed with great writing skills with deep understanding of Christianity. A must read ! Will purchase a few copies for others
2 reviews
February 19, 2025
Amazing book so far - love the writing style of this author and the compelling narratives. He does a great job of dissecting Christian topics in approachable ways that are enjoyable for people from all walks of life. I've enjoyed all of James Finke's other books that I have purchased as well, and this book is no different. If you're looking for your next good read, this is the one. The author is also a great guy with compassion for other human beings so that context helps bring life to the words he writes. I highly recommend this book Dear Judas.
67 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2025
Great Story

I have never read a Christian novel and I can say this was a story that had me wanting to read more just to see what was going to happen. Author James Finke has taken his easy to read style and teaching and has put it into story form. Great book, great author.

Thank you brother James for your commitment to the lord and for using your gift of teaching and writing to help educate Christians and those who may not believe but are seeking. May the lord continue to bless you and your family.

I look forward to your next book!
Profile Image for Shanna Pyzer.
8 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2025
Insightful & Challenging

Slightly reminiscent of This Present Darkness, Dear Judas gives us a sneak peak behind the curtain into the enemy’s camp; imagining what may be going on in the fight for darkness to prevail. It is an excellent reminder of the intentions and meticulous schemes of the enemy. It is a call to stand firm in the full armor of God everyday and to go out and make disciples, regardless of what people may think or say. I was cheering for Tommy and Elizabeth through the book, while being challenged to live more boldly myself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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