I was not yet familiar with the Pseudo-Tertullian reference. After some digging, I think I found it here. I don’t think I’m seeing a direct reference to the text of the Gospel of Judas, but a reference to those who belonged to this Judas-community (perhaps the author is informed by the “Gospel of Judas”?). Let me know if there is another reference out there that is more specific.

Michael, I agree. If you go on these shows (especially Colbert), you have to be prepared with a good sense of humor and the willingness to get into a silly verbal combat just for the fun of it. I should note that Ehrman did do better on The Daily Show than on Colbert.

Check out a question I posted on this on my blog earlier today – we were on the same wavelength.
forbiddengospels.blogspot.com

It is really Pseudo-Tertullian who suggests Judas was a hero. Irenaeus reads ambigiously I think. He says that Judas was the only one who knew anything and his betrayal threw the cosmos into chaos.

Regarding your statement:

“Would Dr. DeConick suggest that scholars working on the Gospel of Judas are too quick to accept Irenaeus’ understanding of its message (if not his judgment of it as heresy) and let it influence their translation? Or perhaps I’m reading too much into things.”

I don’t think you are reading into things. I suspect that this may be what happened.