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Judas: Hero Misunderstood

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Judas Iscariot, the man we love to hate. But who would Jesus have been without him? In this unique short story we journey with the man who Jesus chose to be one of the original twelve disciples. Going beyond his worth, which always seems to start at thirty pieces of silver and suicide, dare to step outside the boundaries of one-dimensional thinking and tradition and ask yourself: “In the grand scheme of things, did Judas have a purpose?”

60 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2014

93 people are currently reading
300 people want to read

About the author

Jason E. Royle

7 books34 followers
Writing, for Jason, is a way to express the ongoing story of theology. With every book or article, he hopes readers get a sense of the complexity of God and the necessity of faith. Captivated by the spiritual component of life, Jason loves to read everything from the Greek classics to the Sunday comics.

Unafraid to tackle topics many people don't want to talk about, Jason has a concise, lighthearted style of writing about difficult subjects. From the serious to the humorous, Royle weaves stories that make you grin, ponder, and perhaps plunge anew into your own leaps of faith.

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5 stars
61 (39%)
4 stars
39 (25%)
3 stars
36 (23%)
2 stars
12 (7%)
1 star
7 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Valentina.
146 reviews54 followers
April 4, 2018
I'm always open-minded when it's up to see things from another point of view, and this is what Judas: Hero Misunderstood gives us.
I really enjoyed the reading (even though Judas knowing Starway to Heaven was a little too much for me) and the idea would be good even for a longer novel.
Profile Image for Teresa Ellis.
40 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2024
Interesting but

I expected a little fiction on Judas' life to give a different perspective. And to an extent that was there. But it went off the rails as far as I'm concerned with the anteroom, judgement room scenes. Very bizarre.bThank you for making me think of Judas as a person but I couldn't really recommend, sorry
Profile Image for Pamela .
876 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2022
Told from Judas' perspective. As one of the most reviled people in history, was he a traitor or doing what was ordained in order for Christ to fulfill his destiny.
Profile Image for Michael Heidle.
373 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2022
More than a thoughtful pondering!!

I admit that I was hooked on this short read from the author's introductory BLURB about every discussion of Judas' worth beginning with 30 pieces of silver and suicide; and then asking the stark question as to whether Judas' life served a purpose (in Jesus' life/mission! From that point I couldn't put the book (kindle) down until I finished! That was two weeks ago; but I haven't finished pondering this insightful book ... Not o my for what is says about Judas, but also for what it says about me!
Some (admittedly) may not be able to vet past a couple poi at to even read the book much less ponder it honestly; but it is my prayer the you might find truly helpful insight and inspiration and self assessment in these pages as I have!!
I consider this a keeper to stay on my kindle to read again! ...and again, and again ...
87 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2023
Misunderstood or Misinterpreted

I was fascinated by the author's thoughts on Judas, who also, out of thousands of men who could have been chosen, was personally hand picked by the Master Himself to follow, learn, join the other diciples, and ultimately become infamous. I've had many of the same thoughts myself, though I don't necessarily believe in "predestination" as such. And the question(s) will only be answered when it really doesn't matter anymore. God always knows what He's doing, and all I can say, with compassion and pity and with recognition of my own shortcomings: I thank God He is who He is, and His will be done.
429 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2022
This book poses the question that I have thought about for a long time: Is Judas Iscariot misunderstood by scholars? Apparently, one of the twelve disciples HAD to betray Jesus. The Bible says that Satan wanted Peter, but Jesus prayed for him. Without Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus, we would not have the crucifixion or resurrection, so what he did HAD to be done. God allowed it. If you look further in the Bible, you see that there are still 12 lamps, gems, etc. and not 11. I believe that Judas may have been forgiven by God, but man has not as yet.
Profile Image for Rick  Farlee.
1,210 reviews9 followers
December 29, 2021
HERO?

This is an intriguing storyline which points to Judas as a (misunderstood) hero, but I'm just not buying it... The author makes some interesting theories about Judas and his relationship with Christ, but just as many points can be made for the traditional understanding of this disciple. (Mark 14:21 says of the one who betrayed Jesus; it would have been good if he had never been born.)
Profile Image for Laura.
165 reviews15 followers
April 19, 2022
Very interesting and provocative retelling of the historical events occurring during and following the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples, including a speculative history of the growth and development of Judas Iscariot and his role in the events surrounding Good Friday, as told to the reader from the point of view of Judas. We also see Judas in the afterlife in this short story. To say more than that would be to reveal too much about the plot of the story.
Profile Image for Colin Parfitt.
Author 0 books5 followers
May 5, 2022
I was quite prepared to step 'outside the boundaries of one-dimensional thinking and tradition'.

What I wasn't prepared for was Judas comparing himself to (amongst others) Lex Luthor, making lists on post-it notes and knowing "Stairway to Heaven".

It's a shame - a story of the betrayal from Judas's viewpoint would have been very interesting, but a time-travelling?, omniscient? modern-day? (it's not clear) Judas leaves me questioning the wrong things.
3 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2023
In support of Judas

I have for most of my adult life been a defender of Judas, believing that he did what must be done, that he played an important part in our salvation. I would recommend this book to anyone open minded enough to explore Judas the human being. I only give a 5 star rating to books that have a strong emotional effect on me or books that make me think or consider outside the box.
134 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2024
Religion

Religion is a hard subject to understand. I was brought up in a Christian family. I was always told suicide is a sin and will send you to hell. I was always told Judas betrayed Jesus. After reading this book I see Judas in a different light. I feel that the other desiples treated him different and did not accept him like the others. It is true a vesicles had to betray Jesus. I liked the book.
Profile Image for Margaret.
1,150 reviews
October 12, 2021
Interesting concept

Thought provoking, but poorly executed. Would Judas have said “ Jeez Louise “? Or talked about post-it notes? Honestly, I have thought about how Judas was chosen, and probably chosen to betray Jesus so that He could die for our sins, and he did seemingly show remorse, so why couldn’t he also be shown grace?
69 reviews
January 2, 2022
Very enlightening

I loved this book from start to finish it gave me another perspective to look at in regards to Judas' betrayal of Jesus and like books that do that for me in different situations. I recommend this short book to everyone who wants to look at Judas' betrayal in a different light.
Profile Image for Marsha Bonifant.
131 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2022
Judas, a hero or a sinner

Most of us have heard the story of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas and his subsequent death by hanging. This story gives a little insight as to what may have been going through Judas' mind. I have read stories of Judas and have been sort of middle road as to his guilt. I leave it to you to find your answer after reading this book.
438 reviews
August 29, 2022
This short story is rooms from Judas's perspective. It's very interesting. When to think about it we could not have had salvation without Judas. There is humor in the trial scene. After Judas tells his story the author goes into more detail of how or redemption occurred. It's very short and I highly recommend this book
1 review
September 10, 2023
Judas has always been thought of as the 🅱🅴🆃🆁🅰🆈🅴🆁, or 🆃🆁🅰🅸🆃🅾🆁 of Jesus. Judas revealed the identity Jesus that led to the events of 𝕳𝖔𝖑𝖞 𝖂𝖊𝖊𝖐. Pastor Royal offers a unique take on possible encounters with Jesus and his accusers and others after he departed his Earthly life. Very nice read. Could be expanded into a novel.
51 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2020
An interesting read.

A very interesting read. I enjoyed the Author 's information. Most came from the Scriptures. I did not agree with the Purgatory portion. That was fiction, but interesting. This is in my opinion a good read.
Profile Image for David Froemming.
5 reviews
March 4, 2021
Judas: hero or misunderstood

The book made me take a critical look at Judas' role in Christ's crucifixion. Was he really Satan's assistant or was he playing a critical role in God's plan for a fallen world?? Excellent read!!
139 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2021
Beautifully written

I want to share this with everyone I know! So illuminating about not only Judas part in Jesus being arrested and ultimately slaughtered but also with Mr Royles' research about suicide. I thank you for this timely book
4 reviews
August 3, 2023
a good read

This book gives you another view of the fate of Judas Iscariot. If you’ve ever wondered or questioned how can Judas be held accountable if all things needed to come to pass, this book will give you insight to another perspective.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,674 reviews
April 7, 2018
A quick thought provoking read
Profile Image for Shelby W.
523 reviews32 followers
April 14, 2018
Thought-provoking!

I have had the same ideas and thoughts on this subject matter. Refreshing to finally find it in written form.
487 reviews
April 14, 2018
As someone who didn't need convincing that Judas was not a monster, I wasn't too surprised by the book. It's a quick read. I won a Kindle edition from a Goodreads giveaway.
Profile Image for Nola.
225 reviews
May 4, 2018
Great reading

This was given to me by the author for review. I think it is quite interesting and really adds some insight to why Judas did what he did. It makes me want to learn more. The Bible is a good teacher with lots of parables. I would recommend this to all Christians.
112 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2020
Loved this very short book on Judas! A whole new take on him and also scriptures that back up the thoughts of the author!
Profile Image for Susan.
121 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2021
Definite food for thought in this book -- all about perceptions and interpretations -- enjoyed it!
21 reviews
April 2, 2022
Thought provoking

Without the act of Judas, would humankind have any hope today? Would God have chosen another to take his place?
7 reviews
Read
June 7, 2023
I enjoyed this short book about Judas. Highly recommend this short read for everyone!
270 reviews6 followers
August 1, 2023
Great Storyline

Judas did what he was required to do! It was always written in the Word of God! Please read this short journey of Judas as he explains Why?
Profile Image for T.
1,036 reviews8 followers
April 17, 2016
3.5 solid stars.

Despite some grammatical errors, anachronisms, and edging over to the fantastical (perhaps a nod to the Gnostic gospels of Nag Hammadi that are Judas-centric?), this is a thought provoking short story. Too often, the narrative of Judas is glossed over as a footnote in the Paschal tale. Judas is relegated to either a Disney-fied villain and supporting character at best, or catalyst at worst (free will vs predestination, anyone?). It was very refreshing to see a different viewpoint (albeit fictional) that seeks to restore the humanity of Judas and begin to address millennia worth of bad rap. After all, history (not to mention accepted Gospels) is at the mercy of the victors.

Many thanks to the author for making this title available for free for Kindle readers during Holy Week this year. I would never have stumbled upon it otherwise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews