Summary:
Albert H. Ross (who wrote under the pseudonym "Frank
Morison") was a prolific writer during the late 1800's and staunchly skeptical of the Biblical claim that Christ rose from the dead. So he set out to disprove, in his mind, this irrational claim. Using the synoptic gospels, Ross retraced the events leading up to Christ’s death, burial, and supposed resurrection, trying to determine if the accounts are a faithful retelling of
actual historical occurrences, or if they were fabricated some time after.
Ross' discoveries shook not only his world, but that of thousands who read the result of his journey: a powerful book entitled Who Moved the Stone?.
Pro’s:
Clearly and concisely written, this short but compelling book is definitely worth reading! I enjoyed walking with the author through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as he analyzed and verified the specifics of the resurrection account in a logical but comprehensive manner. I also really appreciated how, despite
writing from a skeptical perspective, Ross is very respectful of the
Scriptures. He nicely balances proving the Scriptures and reverencing them as
the Word of God.
Con's:
Throughout the book, the author seems to give preferential treatment to the Gospel of Mark, occasionally even above the other accounts. In chapter 13, while examining the details of the morning of Christ’s resurrection, he strains at the phrase “they saw a young man… clothed in a long white garment,” found in Mark 16:5. Ross goes on to make the case that, contrary to the statements of the other gospels, the individual who met the women at the empty tomb was not an angel but a man. This conclusion was the only one I strongly disagreed with overall.
Con's:
Throughout the book, the author seems to give preferential treatment to the Gospel of Mark, occasionally even above the other accounts. In chapter 13, while examining the details of the morning of Christ’s resurrection, he strains at the phrase “they saw a young man… clothed in a long white garment,” found in Mark 16:5. Ross goes on to make the case that, contrary to the statements of the other gospels, the individual who met the women at the empty tomb was not an angel but a man. This conclusion was the only one I strongly disagreed with overall.
My rating for this book:
4 1/2 out of 5 stars (I liked this book and would recommend it to older audiences for theological reasons)
Thanks for writing about this! I'm always looking for new good books to read so I'll have to check this one out. :)
ReplyDeleteNo problem! It is a good one to have on your shelf.
DeleteIt sounds like the kind of book with a conclusion I would disagree with as well.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. But aside from those last three chapters, the book was very insightful.
DeleteSounds like a good book! I'm interested in books that prove aspects of the Bible - I feel like I hardly know anything when it comes to proving it to others! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteNo problem! Of course we know that ultimately the Holy Spirit is the only one who can convince people to become saved. But knowing how to apologetically defend the faith can be useful, and for that purpose I feel this book is a great resource.
DeleteSounds like "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel (although I have never read it myself). Interesting!
ReplyDeletehttps://tizziestidbits.wordpress.com
Yes, I believe they are similar books.
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