Hmmm. this is tough to answer. Traditionally, Judas is like the very embodiment of treason. In most places, its even illegal to name your dog 'Judas'. Then again, I did see the documentary "The Gospel of Judas" which painted the guy in a whole new light. Since I don't know the guy personally, I don't really think good or bad of him. But the whole stabbing Jesus in the back thing does tend to give a very negative impression of the guy, doesn't it?

I pity Judas. He did something that he regretted once he saw the magnitude of his decision. Haven't we all done that at some point? Sure, not on that scale, but... His selfishness caused the death of his friend. He was distraught that he killed himself. Wow. On the otherhand, according to Christianity Jesus had to die for their sins. I'm not thinking we should thank him, but..

I see him as the man who betrayed Jesus. Regardless of how he lived his life up to that point, when he made the choice to betray Jesus he ceased to be a disciple of Jesus. He chose to separate himself from God and that is sin. Then instead of immediately repenting and seeking forgiveness he killed himself. That is the ultimate lack of faith. It's like saying God is not big enough to handle this situation. I see him as faithless.

Poor poor sinner

Judas had the same problem as Peter. Both could not believe that if Jesus was the Messiah, that he would not use the power he had from God to overthrow the Romans. That is why Peter pulled a sword out on the Mount of Olives (ever wondered why he had a sword if they were only going to pray?) Then, when the going got tough, Peter denied even knowing Jesus. Judas thought the Messiah would be the White Knight. When he could see that Jesus was not going to do this, he betrayed him. Now look how they both reacted: both wept. Both realised they had done wrong BUT...Peter held on to hope. He did not give into the lying voice that told him he could never be forgiven, as Judas did. Peter realised he had been duped by Satan, as did Judas, but Peter was prepared to wait to see if, maybe, that third day Jesus spoke of might really happen. Judas gave in to desparation and killed himself. Peter ended up being forgiven by Jesus. Who knows that Judas might not have been too, had he listened to Jesus and not to Satan. Was Judas a good person? No. He was a foolish person, who gave up instead of giving himself to Jesus. Was Judas a bad person? No worse than any of us, if we reject Jesus as he reveals himself and try to create a Jesus who suits us. No worse than any of us if we listen to satan and not to Jesus.

It's all man made b.s to me.