Few books pique a reader’s interest and challenge a priori beliefs like Tom Ewald’s Judas and the Criminal Mind. It’s a tour de force of anthropology, philosophy, psychology, theology, and criminology. Marshaling evidence from some of the greatest thinkers from antiquity to the present, Tom weaves together a clear and compelling case study of Judas, the Betrayer. In
Gene Harker MD, PhD, Award-winning Teacher, Author of Leadership Insightit’s pages, he asks was Judas delusional or antisocial; a villain or hero; predetermined or free; demonic or enlightened. Readers are afforded the opportunity to consider the evidence and decide for themselves. It’s amust read for anyone who wishes to learn more about the nuances of criminal behavior and the complexities of the human condition.
Tom Ewald’s in depth analysis of the criminal mind of Judas is a remarkable work. A subtitle could be “Everything you ever wanted to know about Judas but were afraid to ask.” Ewald’s years of experience as a clinical psychologist provided examples in the book of the “Judas’s in our midst”. Dr. Ewald rightly warns of the difficulty of getting into the brain of a dead man with psychological analysis. He then takes us on a fascinating journey connecting the dots of traitors in the Old Testament to Judas. He raises and answers key questions about Judas, such as “Why did Jesus choose Judas as one of the 12 if he knew he was a traitor?”and “What were Judas’ motives in betraying Christ?” This book is an extremely readable achievement providing insight into the criminal mind of Judas.
Dale G. Erickson, M.D., M.A. (Bioethics)
FACP (Fellow of American College of Physicians)
Nephrologist, Renal Medicine Associates
Albuquerque, NM
Member, former Chair of Presbyterian Hospital Ethics Committee, 2001-2017
Albuquerque, NM
Visiting Lecturer, Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe School of Medicine, Harare, Zimbabwe 1997-2000, 2015
In Judas and the Criminal Mind Thomas G. Ewald shines the twin spotlights of sound biblical theology and psychological analysis on the life of Judas Iscariot, the Apostle who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish and Roman authorities to be crucified. His examination of the Biblical texts and the criminal mind give plausible answers to questions that students of the Bible have asked for 2,000 years. The book is not superficial. You will come away with a deeper insight into who Judas really was and why he behaved as he did. I found it a fascinating read, and I think you will as well.
Dr. Wayne E. Shaw, Dean Emeritus
Lincoln Christian Seminary
Lincoln Christian University
Dr. Ewald has written a unique mystery book. Everybody knows the end of the Judas story, but the “how” and “why” are mysteries. Ewald draws from his own eclectic background as scholar-theologian-psychologist (and amateur criminologist) to conduct an investigation that considers every reasonable theory, and even a few preposterous theories. Exercising the patient persistence of an archaeologist to examine possibilities, and forensic exegesis rooted in his deep appreciation of the biblical text, Ewald evokes images of Indiana Jones and Columbo in his dogged pursuit of the truth.
Dr. Paul Boatman
In twenty first century Criminal courtrooms it is not an exaggeration to say that as many words are spoken about why the crime was committed as there are about how it happened. The search for an authentic picture of why the accused acted as he did often takes center stage in the trial. The accused’ mental state is the source of much investigation, analysis, debate and deliberation for lawyers and judges and the mental health professionals they employ to guide them through this often murky labyrinth.
It is because our system has developed such a therapeutic aspect that Tom Ewald’s fascinating book is relevant to those that work in the system, as well as the millions who don’t- but find themselves fascinated by it. Ewald gives us an exhaustive look at the mind and motivations of one of history’s arch criminals. In applying the protocol of modern psychiatric diagnostic technique to the Biblical record of the life of the turncoat apostle, Ewald not only argues persuasively for what may have motivated him, but also gives us insight into what drives much of the bad behavior that brings those into the criminal justice system today. Along the way he skillfully dispatches those that would make Judas a misunderstood hero and a true friend of the One he betrayed. Ewald’s writing is as passionate and pointed as is his speaking and teaching. His considerable skill as an exegete and his vast experience in addressing the needs of those under his tutelage as a Dean of Students are brought to bear on the subject, much to the reader’s benefit. This is a masterful, yet readable, work with much to recommend it. Anyone who works in the criminal justice system or who cares about why crime occurs would benefit from reading it.
Hon. Thomas W. Funk
Associate Circuit Judge
Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Illinois