Posted by
Big Mo on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 7:54:52 PM
I’ve decided not to review Philip Yancey’s
The Jesus I Never Knew at this time because my notes aren’t fresh enough and I think I need to read it again. So in the meantime, here’s something perfect for this time of year:
Title: The Third Day: The Reality of the Resurrection Author: Hank Hanegraaff
Publisher: W Publishing Group
Date: 2003
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
What this book is / is not The Third Day is a solid overview of the evidence surrounding the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is not an exhaustive study, but is designed more to give believers a guide when discussing the resurrection with skeptics. The book is derived from, or inspired from, Hanegraaff’s earlier
Resurrection, which is a detailed examination of the after-life (also recommended).
Main thesisThe author first explores what many skeptics say about the resurrection, including atheists, “Jesus Seminar” liberal scholars and Muslims. He then sets out to destroy their arguments.
Hanegraaff often employs easy-to-remember acronyms in his books as tools for the reader to use for quick recall. In The Third Day, he uses “FEAT”:
F stands for “fatal torment” where Hanegraaff demonstrates that there was absolutely no way Jesus could have survived crucifixion.
E stands for the “empty tomb” and that there was no body, and no way possible His body could have been stolen.
A stands for “appearances” that Jesus made to more than 500 people before ascending to heaven—people that, when Acts was written, could easily have been called as witnesses to confirm—or even contradict—Christ’s resurrection.
T stands for “transformation” of people’s lives. There were thousands upon thousands of conversions to Christ, especially among Jews who were utterly steeped in their tradition and culture and would not change for a mere rumor or a lie. And there was the transformation of the remaining 11 apostles from craven cowards to bold proselytizers for Jesus.
Jaw-DroppersNone to one familiar with the information.
Does the author succeed?Yes, but just as long as the reader remembers that this is a good overview and not an in-depth study.
Criticism No real criticisms.
The Third Day serves as an excellent, handy primer for this generation.
Main takeaway lessonsTruly the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead was the greatest “FEAT” in all human history. And “FEAT” is a handy way to remember the finer points when discussing this with skeptics.
Do I recommend this book?Yes. (For more in-depth study I recommend Lee Strobel's
The Case for Christ and Josh McDowell's brand-new
Evidence for Christianity.)