Some scholars say the story must be true, because Christians would never have made up such a character as one of their own. Others believe Judas was a literary device invented by Gospel writers. He simply incarnates the anti-Judaism of earliest Christianity. The scholarly view of Jesus' death has, in some quarters, been slow to be embraced by those in the pews and is even thought by some to verge on heretical. Among those who prefer a traditional interpretation of the Bible are Evangelicals and some mainline groups who adhere to a more fundamental reading of the Scriptures.
Scholars disagree on how much of ancient history can be reconstructed.
Last year, the Anglican Institute in Colorado Springs, Colo., held a seminar to counter the emphasis on revisionist history. The emphasis should be on spirituality, says the Rev. Donald Armstrong, institute director. We stayed away from debating the political issues. Instead, we tried to promote the proclamation of Jesus so it will touch hearts. Then people can deal with the issues in a benevolent way.