Christendom's Scapegoats

The blame for Jesus Christ's death rages on.Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, Pontius Pilate, The Roman Governor who presided over Jesus' chaotic trial, The Religious Authorities and the Jewish populace (majority of them) each bears part of the blame for Jesus' suffering and death.It is common knowledge that Christians tend to blame two characters for the suffering and death of Jesus-: Pontius Pilate, The Roman Governor at the time of Jesus' trial and Judas Iscariot, one of...
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The blame for Jesus Christ's death rages on.Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, Pontius Pilate, The Roman Governor who presided over Jesus' chaotic trial, The Religious Authorities and the Jewish populace (majority of them) each bears part of the blame for Jesus' suffering and death.It is common knowledge that Christians tend to blame two characters for the suffering and death of Jesus-: Pontius Pilate, The Roman Governor at the time of Jesus' trial and Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' own disciple; an original member of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus.A very thorough analysis of the synoptic gospels and John's gospel will however make the reader ponder over the circumstances surrounding the trial and most probably be hesitant in apportioning blame.When it comes to Judas Iscariot, very difficult questions have to be asked vis-à-vis the negative characterization heaped on him and to ask whether those accusations are fair.Then we have to ask why Judas Iscariot did what he did.A simple question will be; "why did Judas Iscariot betray his master to the Religious Leaders, his master's fiercest opponents; an abhorrent act which led to Jesus' painful death?But then we come across a caveat; Jesus' death had been prophesied, foretold.Therefore what Judas Iscariot did was in order, a fulfillment of an ancient prophecy!Wasn't it?If that is the case, and that was the case, why vilify him, to wit, Judas Iscariot?Do we condemn him or do we not condemn him?Why should we condemn him?Why shouldn't we condemn him?Those are the salient questions for us to grapple with.