Heaven, So Near – So Far: The Story of Judas Iscariot

We used this book for our book club. It is short, so easy to keep everyone engaged. But boy, does it make you think. Everyone in the club really liked it. Tons of discussion about our own prejudice and assumptions.

This book is a fascinating read. The concepts of salvation are so clearly explained. Very highly recommend!!

Periodic self examination is good for the soul. This book reminds to be cautious in that we don't take God for granted.

Love the way it was told and insight into JudasShort, informative, concise

Great read!

This book was well done and to the point. The first person voice of Judas was very strong and believable. I really felt Colin Smith throughout the story, showed the reasons why Judas did what he did, and the reasoning and writing style was compelling. The one little fly in the ointment for me was the "cautionary tale" aspect as the end-warning the young people who are turning from the church, to turn back...lest you end up like Judas. I think this was unnecessary to a story like this, a story that speaks for itself. Nice work!

This book has an unpleasant topic but it is one that needs to be examined. Judas was very closely associated with Jesus, but ultimately failed to be faithful.I participate in jail ministry and this is one of the books I have given to prisoners. Comments I have received indicate that it has caused them to consider whether their faith is genuine.This book is biblically accurate but simply written without a lot of Scriptural references. It is perfect for some of the guys who are not serious readers.

An amazing viewpoint through the eyes of Judas & conviction about how each of us have a little Judas within us. I bought the audio as well as the book, and my 15 year old and 11 year old listened along with me. Both of my kids admit to seeing Judas within them just as I had. This short read will expose selfish dark desires and how each of us plays a part in betraying our King. A much needed book in a self absorbed world.

I really enjoyed this book!

I felt this book was written without enough reference to how Jesus Himself might regard Judas's act of betrayal. After all, without this there might be no redemption, although perhaps that could have come by some other means. Again, there's no way we could know that one way or the other. How can we really say that there was no chance of forgiveness? Judas may have made some kind of act of sorrow and repentance as he was dying. I don't feel comfortable with any condemnation of anyone, for we cannot see fully into other people's minds or intentions, nor can we ever know the breadth of God's mercy for anyone who, even at the last moment, truly repents. The only positive I can draw from the book is that we are all capable of betrayal and we are all capable of repentance, rather than giving up on ourselves or others.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book

Makes you really think about your life as a Christian. How have we failed Jesus? Are we still failing him? More importantly, are we failing ourselves? When do we ever learn? Certainly a book which makes you think.