Apart from the Bible, this is surely now the definitive book
on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Subtitled, "The Mystery
of Jerusalem's Empty Tomb," in over 200 carefully argued, yet very
readable pages, combined with copious notes, illustrations and photographs,
Peter Walker answers the three most important questions concerning the resurrection
of Jesus Christ, "How?" "Why?" and "Where?"
On my shelves I have six other classic books on the resurrection1
as well as four slim but very well used booklets dealing with the evidence designed
for sceptics.2
Each in its own way has proved very useful in twenty years evangelistic and
pastoral ministry. So why do I need another? Because Peter Walker's book distils
the best of them all.
The book is divided into three parts. The first deals
with the biblical record and historical events surrounding the Last Supper,
Trial, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. He shows how the alternative theories
do not stand up to critical examination. The second section examines the historical
evidence for the two possible sites of the Crucifixion and Tomb of Joseph of
Arimathea, in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and at the Garden Tomb.
Peter Walker was asked initially to write a book just
about the Garden Tomb which he apparently declined in favour of this broader
work. In the second section, he is scrupulously fair to both the historical
weight of evidence in favour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as well as
sensitive to the significance of the Garden Tomb especially for evangelicals.
He concludes as every good academic - with a degree of agnosticism - leaving
it to the reader to weigh up the evidence.
The third section deals with the significance of the resurrection
for sceptics and believers today. One is left in no doubt that whilst it is
tantalising to speculate about the exact geographical locations the message
of the angels needs to be heard by us all, "He is not here, for he is
risen."
Frank Morison's "Who moved the Stone?"
has been a classic for over 50 years. Originally intended to be a refutation
of the resurrection, Morison was 'converted' by the evidence. Josh McDowell's
"The Resurrection Factor," based on his earlier "Evidence
that Demands a Verdict" has been an equally popular apologetic tool
for the last twenty years. Peter Walker's powerful new book stands in this tradition
and will, I am confident, help convince sceptics and equip Christians to explain
their faith in the historical events surrounding the Easter story. I concur
with the sentiment expressed by Canon Michael Green who wrote,
"I don't think there is any other book like this
around. One that tells and evaluates the story, offers a scholarly examination
of the site, and elucidates the significance of the greatest event in all history,
the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth in the weekend that changed
the world. This is a book to buy, to lend and to treasure."
All I would add by way of advice is that you make sure
you remember who has borrowed it!
1 Henry Latham, The Risen Master (Cambridge, Deighton Bell, 1901); Frank Morison, Who Moved the Stone? (London, Faber & Faber, 1930); George Eldon Ladd, I Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus (London, Hodder & Stoughton, 1975); Josh McDowell, The Resurrection Factor (San Bernardino, California, Here's Life, 1981); John Wenham, Easter Enigma (Exeter, Paternoster Press, 1984); Bill White, A Special Place (Stanborough Press, 1989)
2 Norman Anderson, The Evidence for the Resurrection (London, IVP, 1950); Val Grieve, Verdict on the Empty Tomb (London, CPAS, 1970); Josh McDowell, The Case for the Empty Tomb (Birmingham, Agape, 1998); The Garden Tomb (Jerusalem, Garden Tomb Association, n.d.)