Judas: The Gospel of Betrayal: The Gospel of Betrayal (Jerusalem Mysteries

Jerusalem Mystery #1

by Frederick Ramsay

The child Judas, illegitimate offspring of a Jewish woman and a Roman soldier, struggles to understand his mother's god, a god who allows terrible things to happen to him and his family. Despairing, he becomes a survivor in the brutal streets of the first century Roman Empire. Later, as a young man determined to avenge the wrongs committed against his family, he joins the rebels led by Barabbas, only to be betrayed by them as well. Beaten and broken, he is brought to the community of Zealots at Qumran and eventually to the one forming around Rabbi Jesus. But his enthusiasm for revolution leads him to make a difficult and―for him and others―fateful choice.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Religion, Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published April 16, 2007

About the author

Dr. Frederick Ramsay was born in Baltimore, the son of a respected teacher researcher and scientist. He graduated from Washington and Lee University in Virginia and received his doctorate from the University of Illinois. After a stint in the Army, he joined the faculty of the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, where he taught Anatomy, Embryology and Histology; engaged in research and served as an Associate Dean. During this time he also pursued studies in theology and in 1971 was ordained an Episcopal priest.

Leaving academia, he tried his hand at a variety of vocations. At one time or another, he served as a Vice President for Public Affairs, worked as an insurance salesman, a tow man and line supervisor at Baltimore’s BWI airport, a community college instructor, and substitute. Finally, he accepted a full time position as a clergyman.

He is now retired from full-time ministry and writes fiction.

Dr. Ramsay is the author of several scientific and general articles, tracts, theses, and co-author of The Baltimore Declaration. He is an iconographer, an accomplished public speaker and once hosted a television spot, Prognosis, on the evening news for WMAR-TV, Baltimore. He currently lives in Surprise, Arizona with his wife and partner, Susan.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical fiction story was an interesting account of the life of Judas. It is often difficult to understand why he lived the life he did and the story gave some interesting and thoughtful answers.

[Bridg8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction book has a lot of 'thinkers' in it. The story is told from the perspective of Judas sharing the story of his life. Judas, knowing he will probably only be remembered for his betrayal of Jesus, offers the rest of the story of his life to show he is more than that. I would recommend it to mature readers, as Ramsey depicts life with all its gritty, messy parts - murder, Roman rule, Zealots, classism....

[Doris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This revisit of a story all readers of the Bible thought they knew gives us a plausible background to Judas Iscariot, the man known as the Betrayer. It was well written and the research is evident, but this takes us beyond the known history and gives us an interpretation that could be true. It at least makes us think, which is always a good thing!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Judas perspective on how he became the "betrayer" of Jesus.

[Christy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would like to give it 2 1/2 stars. It wasn't a book I couldn't put down; I pushed myself to finish it because I have stacks of other books waiting.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives me a new way to look at Judas. My bible study group read this. The discussion was fabulous!

[Sue Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different point of view of Judas from the Biblical story. In this version Judas does not commit suicide, but goes off and lives alone, having found peace with Jesus of the resurrection.