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.
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: 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.
#1 national Bestseller in religious fiction....
A book that really is frightening. I like the review that says I read it twice and don't like it. For a novel this one makes you remember that it is. Ok its tough of Christians because of the "realism". But none the less its exciting reading. Although the ending was a bit weak. Ok the writer had to extricate himself from what he built up.
An ancient skeleton is discovered in Israel - will it shed new light on the life of Jesus or plunge the world into darkness and chaos?
Dr. Jonathan Weber, Harvard professor and biblical scholar, is looking forward to his sabbatical year on an archaeological dig in Israel. But a spectacular find that seems to be an archaeologist's dream-come-true becomes a nightmare that could be the death rattle of Christianity.
Carefully researched and compellingly written, A Skeleton in God's Closet explores the tension between doubt and faith, science and religion, and one man's determination to find the truth--no matter what the cost.
Dr. Jonathan Weber, Harvard professor and biblical scholar, is looking forward to his sabbatical year on an archaeological dig in Israel. But a spectacular find that seems to be an archaeologist's dream-come-true becomes a nightmare that could be the death rattle of Christianity.
Carefully researched and compellingly written, A Skeleton in God's Closet explores the tension between doubt and faith, science and religion, and one man's determination to find the truth--no matter what the cost.
Very interesting. I coudnt put it down
Very interesting book! Knowing that the publisher is also one of the largest publishers of Bibles in the world give something of an insight to the content. BUT - the story is extremely well written and a good suspense type novel. Not on the same level with The DaVinci code, but still a well written member of that genre.
Action-packed thriller: what happens if the remains of Jesus are found in the Holy Land? Well written, some romance, humor, very realistic dialogue. Must read!
This story will keep you awake at night. It is full of interesting archeological finds made to make you think. A page-turner.
The book was great. I found myself desperately wanting to finish it so I could see how it ended. What a wild plot! Worth reading in my opinion.
Still stands as my husband's favorite book. Great story! Paul Maier at his best.
This book is well written. It does drag a little in the middle, but the last 100 pages kept me going!
This book is a theological thriller. It is written much, MUCH better than The DaVinci Code. Several reviewers found it difficult to take. What they need to realize is it is a FICTITIOUS novel, and not stated as fact. The plot is exciting: Is Christianity a religious hoax? Very highly educated and dedicated scientists find something in an archeological dig that seems to say it is. They send the world reeling. I stayed up all night to finish it - just HAD to know how it turned out! Now for the sequel by the same author - immediately. I highly recommend this book!
