Judas has become more of an expression than a person. To call someone a “Judas” is to name them a betrayer. No one in the Gospels plays a more villainous role than Judas. But, is he beyond God’s grace? Anderson answers with a resounding, “No!”

The book begins with a dialogue between Jesus and Judas after the resurrection and Judas’ suicide. It ends with Judas’ own “gospel” where he recounts receiving posthumous grace. In between are a number of short chapters which consider the various psychological aspects of betrayal and shame.

There are some penetrating insights here. For example, betrayal is always a sin of love—it’s not betrayal to set up an enemy! Another poignant observation was the need each social group has for a Judas. So long as there’s a Judas in the group, you can project your own heart onto their actions.

Unfortunately, I found Anderson’s style of writing melodramatic and surprisingly repetitive for such a short book. Some of the chapters covered similar ground, and logic at times bowed down to rhetorical flourish.

For all its flaws, this book has forced me to reconsider Judas. I tend to gloss over his repentance and too-little-too-late restitution and focus on his suicide. While I don’t fully buy Anderson’s theory of Judas’ ultimate redemption, I’m now completely on the fence. I’ll leave that decision in the hands of the only One fit to judge.

Anderson, Ray. Jesus and Judas: Amazing Grace for the Wounded Soul. Cascade Books, 2005.