Yangyi Liu_A1

docx

School

University of California, San Diego *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

Subject

English

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by DoctorNarwhalMaster757

Yangyi Liu Lauren Wood MMW 12, C20 Assignment 1: Rhetorical Analysis 1/23/2024 The Gnostic Gospels present the depth and diversity of Christianity suppressed by Church orthodoxy after been “hidden in jars in a cave” for centuries (Frankfurter 111-112). Comprising dialogues between Jesus and the Apostles, particularly Judas, The Gospel of Judas challenges the theocratic institutionalization of Christianity, a process symbolized by Constan- tine's indoctrination, leading to the suppression of Gnostic teachings that did not align with the established imperial and religious agenda (Chang "Imperial Appropriation of Christianity"). The supposed author, Judas, depicts himself as the sole disciple who comprehended Jesus's teachings, and willingly undertakes the task of betraying his master to fulfill Christ’s purpose (Judas 109). Through rhetoric that appeals to ethos, pathos and logos, the Gospel of Judas undermines the apostolic foundation of Christian hegemony through questioning of the disciples’ doctrine, glori- fication and martyrization of Judas, and offers an alternative cosmology that contradict those in synoptic gospels. The Gospel of Judas raises concerns about the apostolic interpretation of orthodoxy and suggests the superficiality of the other disciples to appeal to audience’s empathy. The Gospel commences with Jesus’s criticism against the disciples' superfluous thanksgiving prayer, assert- ing that nobody "among [the disciples] will know [him]" (Judas 103). This appeals the ethos of the audience, by using the reverend and authoritative figure of Christ to address the author’s con- cern over the reality of Christian doctrine. This prompts a longstanding debate over orthodoxy

and orthopraxy, highlighting the conflict between practicing right thinking or right doing. The text denounces the disciples' orthopraxy and their obsession with "[doing] what is right" (Judas 103), drawing attention to a deviation from the teachings of Jesus. Further, the Apostle’s vision reminiscent of Roman practices, as they “make use of [Christ’s] name in a shameful manner” (Judas 105) that is overtly pious but hold little sincerity. Jesus’s frustration creates empathy among audience with Judas who feel the same way towards his fellow disciples. The Gospel of Judas unveils a lesser-known dimension of Judas, portraying the often- condemned figure in a manner that exalts his character. Judas, his vision affirmed by Jesus of be- ing persecuted, stoned, and “cursed by the other generations" until the final days of judgment (Judas 106), becomes a figure of profound pathos, invoking sympathy from the audience. De- spite the prophecy, Judas deliberately chooses to fulfill Jesus's words by "sacrificing the man that clothes [Christ]" and enabling his entry into the "eternal realm" that complete his teaching (Judas 109). The vivid and somewhat grotesque imagery of Jesus' soul escaping the confines of flesh evokes a sympathetic response towards the typically less empathetic Judas. Engaging in what ap- pears to be a vulgar transaction with Roman officials, Judas demonstrates a nuanced understand- ing of Christian doctrine, contrasting sharply with the seemingly divine preaching of other disci- ples who sacrifice to "everything that is evil" (Judas 109). This portrayal resonates with the audi- ence's pathos, aligning with the concept of martyrdom, thereby expanding the audience’s associ- ation to not only Jesus but also Judas as a martyr (Chang "Imperial Appropriation of Christian- ity").

The Gospel of Judas utilizes cosmology with precision in the enumeration of specific numbers to offer an alternative creation story that can be deduced with reasoning. From the ethe- real "luminous cloud" to the "generation of Seth," and the meticulous count of "seventy-two lu- minaries," each encompassing "five firmaments, for a total of three hundred sixty firmaments" (Judas 107), the text strategically appeals to the audience's sense of logos. These exact numerical details enhance the logical appeal, suggesting a carefully orchestrated creation by the "Lord of the universe, who commands" (Judas 105). This logical appeal challenges the reader's under- standing, positing that humanity has been venerating the wrong deity, Saklas, instead of the ulti- mate god, since the creation of Adam and Eve after Saklas’ “likeness and after the image.” While this claim is implicit and not explicitly stated in the Gospel, the audience, through their reason- ing, arrives at the conclusion that challenges established beliefs. The intricate logic embedded in the text lends credibility to this alternative perspective, compelling the audience to reconsider their preconceptions. In conclusion, the Gospel of Judas through various means of rhetoric offers an distinct characterization of the apostles, alternative interpretation of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, as well as a different cosmology that contradict many of the institutional effort of the Church to create a nar- rative that serves its hegemonic interest.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Works Cited Chang, Edmond, compiler. MMW 12: Transforming Traditions. Course Reader. University of California San Diego, MMW 12, Winter 2024. Frankfurter, David. “An Historian’s View of the ‘Gospel of Judas.’” Near Eastern Archaeology, Vol. 70, No. 3 (Sept. 2007): 174-177. Reprinted in Chang, MMW 12: Transforming Traditions. Course Reader, pp. 111-114. Judas. Excerpts from “The Gospel of Judas.” Kasser, Rodolphe, et al. Translators. National Geographic Society, 2006. Reprinted in Chang, MMW 12: Transforming Traditions. Course Reader, pp. 103-109. Chang, Edmond, “Imperial Appropriation of Christianity” Lecture Notes, Week 2, Lecture 1. 2024 Winter Quarter. University of California San Diego, MMW 12, Track C, Canvas site. Chang, Edmond, “Orthodoxy vs. Heterodoxy: The Suppression of the Gnostic Tradition” Lecture Notes, Week 2, Lecture 2. 2024 Winter Quarter. University of California San Diego, MMW 12, Track C, Canvas site.

Dear Reader, First of all, I apologize if my essay deviates from the even remote resemblance of a rhetorical analysis, because I had never written such style of work before. It was an interesting experience putting the things I learned for the past two weeks into this comprehensive piece, and I learned even more through going back reviewing and reciting of the evidence. Through reading of the Gospel of Judas, I gained a better understanding of the complexity of the Christian religion and leads to further reflection on famous quote “history is only what has been written.” If the well- known story of Christ bears so much mystery, how can we trust any other historical source where it had been less contested? Through critical reasoning one can indeed reconstruct much of history according to their reasoning, yet how much of the reconstruction can lead to the truth? I had never read bible before and reading it for the first time in MMW was surprising, and I gained a better understanding of the world that I was largely ignorant of before. I appreciate your time reading my essay and I wish you a nice day! Best, Yangyi Liu

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Yangyi Liu_A1

Related Documents