WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT JUDAS: The Gospel of Betrayal

EXCERPT >> Read Chapter 1 from  Judas: The Gospel of Betrayal

Praise for Judas

“As with The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, Judas: The Gospel of Betrayal

captured this eader from the first page.”
-- Kathy Kelleher, Freelance Writer for The Catholic Spirit Newspaper, NJ

 “A refreshing take on a story we all thought we knew.”
-- John Maddox Roberts, Author of the SPQR Series

Ramsay’s account is engaging, believable, and entirely consistent with the record of Holy Scripture.
I found myself increasingly drawn into feelings of compassion
and affection for Judas as the novel developed this complex character."
-- The Rt. Rev. Robert Ihloff, Retired Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland 

Regarding Judas, it’s insightful and imaginative!
-- The Rev. Howard Wennes, Retired Bishop, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA 

In this book, Frederick Ramsay has put together a fascinating blend
of fiction and fact, backed with some solid research.
-- Julie Aynna Waskow, Ph.D.,
Chairperson Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Glendale Community College

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Fred Ramsay is the kind of character who looks at things from an angle that most people have never considered. Once, long ago, I compared him to Gary Larson, the artist behind the "Far Side" cartoons. I explained that when Larson had made a cartoon of a dog scratching, he drew it from the flea's perspective. (I believe the caption was, "The claw, the claw's back! Quick! Grab the kids!") As the rector of our little church, Fred's sermons were compelling not only because of his great knowledge of Scripture but also because this ability to look at things from this "Far Side" perspective.

What does all this have to do with a fictional look at the life of the most despised apostle? The "Far Side" look at Judas has to handle who Judas was, why the other apostles disliked him, how he actually came to betray Christ, and what became of him. The novel is also about how Fred Ramsay handles these differing views of Judas. He does all of this and makes it an interesting, no, compelling story.

First, the author knows what he's talking about in terms of the history and culture of the area. Second, the characters in his story are realistic and credible, both from a first century perspective and a twenty-first century point of view. Third, he tells the story in an interesting, intimate way - in the first person. And then, there's that unexpected ending.

Anyone with any interest in reading about the saints and sinners in the early Christian Church, anyone interested in feeling what life under Roman rule was really like, and anyone who wants an easy-to-read story about living in turbulent times will be interested in this book. - Charles M. Rollhauser 

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As with The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, the biblical fiction Judas: The Gospel of Betrayal captured this reader from the first page. Fredrick Ramsay’s latest book is the culmination of his years of travel and research on the enigmatic and misguided man named Judas. His interesting and highly plausible narrative offers insight into the culture and life of the first century Roman Empire as well as a fictional account of the life of Judas. Unlike the accounts in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, in which Judas is portrayed as a reviled traitor, this novel, like the newly discovered Gospel of Judas, portrays the apostle as acting at Jesus' request when he hands Jesus over to the authorities.

Ramsay, a retired Episcopal priest who has made his mark as a mystery writer, has turned his talent toward solving one of the most intriguing mysteries ever. Who was Judas and what was behind his actions leading up to the arrest of Jesus?

The 1st-person novel opens with the battle of Sapphoris. Led by his grandfather who shared his name, the events were ultimately disastrous. Thus begins the story of young Judas Iscariot (Judas the Red), his mother and sister. Through childhood and young manhood, Judas is forced into a life of unsavory characters and danger.  A near death incident leads the young man to John the Baptizer and ultimately to Jesus where he finds his life and beliefs changed. Feeling protective of his new friend called the Messiah, Judas follows his heart until the tragic end.

For this reader, one message presented itself as a personal awakening at the end of this easy-to-read yet highly thought-provoking book. In the last chapter Judas ponders: “He knew, and yet…he sent me on my way. At the meal in the upper room, a simple word from him and I would have stayed. Yet, he sent me out. He wanted to set in motion the events that led to the cross. He’d chosen me to be the instrument of his destruction.”

Highly recommended and perfect material for high school students and book groups, Judas: The Gospel of Betrayal brings new insight into the relationship of Jesus and Judas as well as a painful look into the details of the last hours in his life. It offers another possibility to and a surprise ending for a story most of us have always taken quite literally.  - Kathy Kelleher The Catholic Spirit, June 2007

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