Body of Proof by Jeremiah J Johnston Book Review

About the Book:

He is risen indeed! Here are the best reasons why it's true!

Culture is doing its best to convince the world there is nothing special about Jesus. And many Christians never get beyond a Sunday school understanding of their own faith. As a result, Christianity's most important historical fact--the resurrection--is often the most misunderstood, relegated to Easter and funeral services, creating a powerless Christianity.

In Body of Proof, acclaimed apologist and scholar Dr. Jeremiah Johnston sets out to show why Jesus' victory over death is central to a believer's faith. Straightforward, accessible, and practical, this book examines the latest archaeological and textual findings and presents seven tangible, fresh reasons to believe Jesus really rose from the dead--and why it matters today as the foundation of our hope in the face of suffering and grief. When you fully understand the implications of the resurrection, you will begin to understand the power of Christ in you. This changes everything. 

You can read an excerpt here.

My Review:

Belief in the resurrection of Jesus is vital for Christians. Paul wrote that if it did not happen, our faith is useless. (1 Cor. 15:17) How can we be certain the resurrection did, in fact, happen?

Johnston wants believers to be sure of their belief in the resurrection. He explores theories critical of it and then approaches reasons for belief in it. Most of his reasons require we believe in the historical accuracy and validity of the biblical accounts. While he does go into some textual evidence for the Bible representing true historical events, it might not be convincing to those outside the faith. He does admit there are differences in the gospel resurrection accounts, some of which are not so easily reconciled. (151)

The proof that may appeal to non-Christians is the influence Christianity has had on the world. The selfless humanitarian work done by Christians is evidence of the power of the resurrection in their lives. There is also the evidence of early Christians being willing to die for their belief in the resurrection. Johnston also argues that there is no reason for the disciples to fabricate the resurrection story.

This is a good book for Bible believing Christians but there is nothing new here to convince skeptics.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, Middlesex/Oxford, (www.christianthinkers.com) is a New Testament scholar and ministers internationally as president of Christian Thinkers Society. Jeremiah loves the local church, and also serves as pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church and dean of spiritual development at Prestonwood Christian Academy. Photo Credit: © Kari Marie Photography

Bethany House, 176 pages.

I was given the opportunity to review this book by the publisher. While I never received a copy of it from the publisher, I was able to access the title through my local library and complete the review. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)