I read this book several years ago, and I have to say, I wouldn't read it again. I consider myself to have a strong faith in God, and this book seems to have been written with the sole purpose of shaking that faith to its' very foundations. If the bones of Christ were found, then the whole Resurrection story would have to have been a lie. I can't imagine any other reason for the author's writing this book than to make Christians doubt their own faith. Questioning one's faith, finding the answers you need, and moving on is one thing....but completely destroying one's faith is another.
I recommend this book as a good read, but with caution. If your faith is even slightly shaky, or if you have questions about your faith, get your answers from your religious leader or the Bible - don't get them from this book.
I recommend this book as a good read, but with caution. If your faith is even slightly shaky, or if you have questions about your faith, get your answers from your religious leader or the Bible - don't get them from this book.
Helpful Score: 3
With all due respect to those reviews that indicate this book sets out with the intent to test the faith of Christians, I have to dispel this issue. This author has several books and articles written from a Christian perspective such as "The Da Vinci Code: Fact or Fiction" as well as "Josephus: The Essential Works". The author's whole basis of writing is from a Christian aspect and it appears his own faith was being tested as he wrote this novel.
This story is creative and intriguing. What if someone claimed to find the bones of Christ? This would test any Christian's faith. As this book's underlying theme, your faith is not faith unless you are tested and persevere in spite of what it appears the world is saying.
If you're a Christian or not, I recommend reading this for the mystery behind what happens when a renowned archeologist discovers bones with telltale characteristics matching up with the Biblical description of Jesus' death on the cross. Are these really Jesus' bones? Is the Christian faith well-founded or not? Read the story and become enthralled with this mystery.
This story is creative and intriguing. What if someone claimed to find the bones of Christ? This would test any Christian's faith. As this book's underlying theme, your faith is not faith unless you are tested and persevere in spite of what it appears the world is saying.
If you're a Christian or not, I recommend reading this for the mystery behind what happens when a renowned archeologist discovers bones with telltale characteristics matching up with the Biblical description of Jesus' death on the cross. Are these really Jesus' bones? Is the Christian faith well-founded or not? Read the story and become enthralled with this mystery.
Helpful Score: 2
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:14 "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." What would you think if it was announced that the body of Christ had been found, and identified with absolute certainty? This book and the scenario that ensues demonstrates the 1 Corinthians scripture brilliantly. Paul Maier weaves an intricate plot involving mystery, archaeology, scientific studies, and biblical apologetics into a interesting page-turner. One of my all-time favorite books!
Helpful Score: 1
Ok. I thought this book was well written. An easy read. But , as a Christian woman, this book brought on the worst despair I have ever had in my life. Although the book is fictional, my husband asked me to quit reading it , because it made me so depressed. It is about finding the bones of Jesus Christ. Which , meant that there was no resurrection. Keep in mind the book is fictional. A terrible, despairing read for Christians. I do not recommend it at all to a Christian.
