Who Moved the Stone?

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Summary: buy it to give away
Review: A critical exposition of the gospel accounts of Christ's trial, death and resurrection, this text considers whether there is a plausible alternative to the resurrection story - was the trial fair, did the disciples take the body, did Jesus' followers look for him in the wrong tomb? Morrison presents his findings clearly, challenging his readers to look into the gospels for themselves to consider the resurrection and what it means for us if Jesus really did rise from the dead.

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Summary: Inspiring study of a discontinuity in human history
Review: Almost 2000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth was executed by Roman and Jewish authorities in the most humiliating manner of the time. His followers, who thought he was the promised Messiah, fled to the countryside, disbanding in confusion and despair at the death of their teacher.

Yet within weeks, they began to publicly and confidently advance ideas and practices radically at odds with centuries of Jewish culture and teaching, establishing the foundations of the Christian church. In the years to follow, all were tormented and killed for advancing these beliefs.

What happened to trigger this change, to reconstitute and energize the ministry of Jesus, and subsequently change the world? People aren't willing to die for something if they know it to be a lie.

The cause is given in the Bible; the physical resurrection of Jesus and subsequent interaction with not only his followers but hundreds of other witnesses on many occassions after an agonizing death on the cross.

"Who Moved the Stone" analyzes the events of the week leading up to the execution of Jesus and the discovery of his resurrection. Four somewhat different views are provided by the four Gospels and Morison shows how each contributes a piece to the interlocking puzzle of events, enhancing the coherence and credibility of the resurrection precisely because of the way they fit together (and sometimes seem not to).

This is a stimulating, well-written book everyone should appreciate and read, since it illuminates the foundational event of modern civilization. The author offers interesting inferences regarding the arrest of and formulation of charges against Jesus based on Jewish law of the time, Biblical accounts, who was involved and how it relates to historical practices. One begins to appreciate subtleties of the situation.

The book ended without addressing all questions people might have, such as seeming variations between the gospels regarding who was in the open tomb and when. A timeline that clearly harmonized all accounts (who was where when X happened, etc.) would have helped. However, Wenham's book "Easter Enigma" does this completely. William Lane Craig also has some good, if somewhat academic, analysis such as "The Son Rises" (which to me reads as being somewhat more "brittle").

All in all, this book is an excellent and persuasive argument for the Resurrection of Jesus.

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Summary: Morison develops proofs for the Resurrection of Christ
Review: Although Frank Morison, an English journalist, had reverence for the person of Christ, he was skeptical of the historical authenticity of Christ's resurrection and set about to settle the matter. What followed amazed him as step by step he was drawn into the facts of the case. His explanation of the three-hour delay between the time Judas left the Supper and Christ's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane is detailed and credible. Likewise his explanation for the hurried up trial, why nine of the disciples were not at the crucifiction, why Peter and John were, why Mary and Martha were not. It is riveting reading to find out why the tactless and brutal Pilate did not believe Jesus was guilty and washed his hands of it. What was Caiphas so worried about that he hurried everything up to be sure that Jesus would be crucified by sunset the following day? What were the roles of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus in Jesus' last day. Morison covers the last seven days before the Crucifiction as well as the time immediately following. He asks the questions that the people living then would have asked and follows in their footsteps literally at times. Finding out who he thought moved the stone was the climax. A must read for any thoughtful person wishing to question further the Biblical accouint. Barbara Barfoot ([e-mail]) Riverside, CA

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Summary: An insightful journey through the events
Review: Frank Morison attempts to bring the reader back to first century Palistine to witness the events as they unfold.

With the logical eloquence one would expect from a British Q.C., Morison points out the aspects of an historical account seen in the gospels. This is a great read for those considering Christianity and the validity of the gospels.

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Summary: For Seekers & Skeptics
Review: I've read many books on the historical reliability (and unreliability) of the New Testament; I've seen many educated opinions varying in every way; I done studies many resurrections-centered topics; but I've never seen a book quite like this! Morrison takes nothing for granted. He trusts his instincts, and, though coming shy of any kind of Biblical-Christian opinion, he beautifully defends the resurrection in this short examination. As a doubter I find it difficult to swallow what many Christians take for granted in their own faith. This book is not like most. However, as a believer I was thrown by Morrison into the last week of Jesus' life (and the following weeks) as I never have by any lecture or writing. Morrison brings to light many historical details missed my so many people (including myself). He is easy to read and difficult to put down.

To the skeptics: I was once a skeptic. It was not a brief reading of one or two apologetic works that convinced me; instead, it was months and months of hard research, with this book as one of the many highlights. I encourage all to read this.

Morrison's book will forever remain one of my personal favorites.

Luke Gilkerson

Rating:
Summary: Interesting look at Jesus through the context of the gospels
Review: Ok I have to admit this book took some time to get into. And like other reviewers, I think the book could have been pared down as certain points were overworked. My first reaction was three stars, but in the end analysis, I stepped it up to four--mostly due to the last few chapters.

However, after I reflected on the book for a week, my overall impression has improved. Morrison uses contextual analysis to break down the "true" story of Jesus, his last week and beyond. Building upon the gospel story along with non-canon books, Morrison presents the case that Jesus must have risen from the dead--as unbelievable that is to non-Christian believers.

I bought this book last year and read it during lent this year--as appropriate a time as any--it will challenge those who read the Bible literally without room for debate, but proves to be a worthwhile read for those looking to enlarge their knowledge of Christ.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting look at Jesus through the context of the gospels
Review: Ok I have to admit this book took some time to get into. And like other reviewers, I think the book could have been pared down as certain points were overworked. My first reaction was three stars, but in the end analysis, I stepped it up to four--mostly due to the last few chapters.

However, after I reflected on the book for a week, my overall impression has improved. Morrison uses contextual analysis to break down the "true" story of Jesus, his last week and beyond. Building upon the gospel story along with non-canon books, Morrison presents the case that Jesus must have risen from the dead--as unbelievable that is to non-Christian believers.

I bought this book last year and read it during lent this year--as appropriate a time as any--it will challenge those who read the Bible literally without room for debate, but proves to be a worthwhile read for those looking to enlarge their knowledge of Christ.

Rating:
Summary: Broken Record...
Review: The author's points are valid. However, he takes 193 pages to say what could have been said in 40. The same points are covered over, over, and over again. This book was first published in 1930. I don't think it would make it to press today. Not that it's a bad or inaccurate book. It is just redundant to a fault.

Rating:
Summary: Broken Record...
Review: The author's points are valid. However, he takes 193 pages to say what could have been said in 40. The same points are covered over, over, and over again. This book was first published in 1930. I don't think it would make it to press today. Not that it's a bad or inaccurate book. It is just redundant to a fault.

Rating:
Summary: Book is misrepresented
Review: The book bills Morison as a skeptic, but in the intro, he explains that he isn't a true skeptic, he was only skeptical about Jesus's rise from the dead.
Furthermore, Morison's entire argument is based on the acceptance of the Bible as historical fact, word for word. If you do not also accept this as true, this book will not help you in any way. There are no references but Biblical ones.
His arguments are a little weak, in that he often, OFTEN, says things like "the way this passage reads, it doesn't sound like a made up story, it sounds like an historical account would read, so it must be true!" Which is a totally bogus argument. He often states his opinion as fact and draws "logical conclusions" that do not follow any defined rules of logic.
Despite all this, there were two or three very good points in this book that have certainly made me reconsider some of my opinions on specific items, so it has proved to be a little bit valuable to me, though you might not get anything out of it.