National Geographic had a program on the partially translated Gnostic Christian Gospel of Judas. It presents a very different view of Judas and Jesus. On their site a book is available, along with other materials.

http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/lostgospel/

In The Secret Doctrine II, 389; there is a hint (note the italicized word) that Judas-the-monster was not a true reading of his character.

"...the true character of the treacherous apostle [Judas] having never been correctly presented before the tribunal of Humanity."

Nicholas,

These topics always make me wonder about the historical Jesus. References have been made in Theosophical literature about the historical Jesus not having existed, haven't they?

The Jesus as presented in the New Testament is a myth. But there was an historical Jesus or Joshua ben Pandira, an Adept who lived around 100 bce; about whom very little is known.

See this Blavatsky article, footnote 25 in particular:

http://www.blavatsky.net/blavatsky/arts/Es...fTheGospels.htm

Nicholas,

That is an interesting quote, especially the part about him being stoned and then crucified on a tree, on the eve of Passover.

Have you heard the story that the stories of the 12 Apostles were made up by 12 religious scribes in about the 3rd century AD, each scribe making up his part of the story? I heard that somewhere, but I have never been able to find anything on it.

No, I am not familiar with that.

A lot of gospels were discharged in the first centuries of christianity,the problem is if one believes that the Fathers of the Church were endorsed by the Holy Spirit to judge justly,or if one believes errors were made in the choosing of the gospels

I'm bringing this subject back up to inform any UK-based Theosophists, and any Theosophists that can pick up UK TV channels, that a documentary was televised last night on UK Channel 4 about the Gospel of Judas. Channel 4 are always in the habit of repeat-showing their documentaries, so it will be well worth anyone's time to give these another look when they turn up. The programme was very well informed, and contained much information about the Essenes and early Christian sects, before the founding of the Church of Rome and the adoption of the four Gospels of the New testament. Included in the documentary were some extracts from the gospel, and also some filmed footage depicting Jesus talking with Judas. Much of what was written completely throws the King James Bible into a new light, and is more akin to the Zohar, Secret Doctrine or Buddhist texts than anything conventionally accepted as Christianity.

Seeker,

Thanks for the info. Feel free to share any examples you have from the TV show.

Nick,
many apologies for such a late reply! I have been able to search that wonderful web resource Youtube, and found segments of this very programme for your delectation. It appears that the National Geographic documentary and the Channel4 documentary are one and the same; therefore, possibly available on DVD. For a chance to see some of the footage, click HERE.

The partthat stood out for me was when Jesus told Judas 'you will sacrifice the man that clothes me'. Pure Theosophy; it was evident that Jesus knew we are divine beings trapped in physical shells, rather than physical beings with divine leanings.

Seeker,

I hope this information gives helpful insight to the Christians of our community.