Customer Reviews

Who Moved the Stone?

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Verily verily, the Christian Bible is very clear on the foundational importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Regardless of personal interpretation, Scriptures such as Romans 10:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:14 clearly state that for the believer, Jesus' resurrection from the dead must be regarded as a non-optional issue, and must be personally subscribed to doctrinally. Obviously, this can be an affront to the modern intellect and have the potential to collide with our reasoning faculties and idea of intelligence. In fact, that was exactly the case for English journalist Frank Morison when he began to write "Who Moved The Stone" over 70 years ago. As a skeptic, he set out to prove that the story of Christ's resurrection was only a fabricated myth... what he found, however, was a seamless validity in the biblical and extra-historical record.

I call this book a "study". By that I mean that it is not a light read, and one ought to follow up on all Biblical references and make notes as one goes along. I filled up half a notebook with detailed timelines, summaries, and diagrams, with the end result being that my initial understanding of the resurrection was further strengthened in a way that is impossible to exaggerate. For me, one of the greatest testimonies to the FACT of the resurrection has always been that the authorities at the time did not dispel the "myth" by simply displaying the crucified body. In the early stages of the apostles' preaching, when the church was gaining converts left and right... all the authorities would've had to do was PRODUCE the body of Jesus! Why didn't they do it? Read Morison's book with even a half-open mind and I believe that you will finish it in agreement with me... that they DID not, because they COULD not.

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

This interesting study that deserves to be read despite having been written over 70 years ago. Despite what a previous reviewer said, the book is not misrepresented nor is "Morison's entire argument is based on the acceptance of the Bible as historical fact, word for word". This assertion is flat out untrue. Consider Morrison's novel conclusion that the indiividual Mary Magadelene and Women met in the Tomb on Sunday morning was a ordinary man. Mark says a young man (Mk 16:5) but Matthew and John's gospels both say it was two angels. Luke clearly implies an Angel as well. Morrison argues in favor of a Young man not an Angel. He does not take the Bible word for word. Nor is it true that Morrison cites "no references but Biblical ones". It is worth noting Thomas Paine wrote his deist polemic "THE AGE OF REASON" a scathing criticism of the bible using ONLY the bible and nothing else. However, Morrison does cite extra-biblical books that are NOT in the Bible such as the Gospels of Peter, Hebrews, as well as the works of Josephus, the Jewish Historian and the few historical writings on the character of Pontius Pilate. The above mentioned Gospels of Peter and Hebrews are NOT in the Bible. One wonders if a previous reviewer was aware of this fact for Morrison gives a lengthly quote from it (gospel of Hebrews) on the last page of WHO MOVED THE STONE. One of the more telling arguments put forth by Morrison is that there is NO historical evidence that tomb was not indeed empty; There are only assertions by Jewish authorities that the disciples had stolen his body. The truth is Morrison was a skeptic in the tradition of 19th Century Biblical scholarship that is still with us today with such annual events as the Jesus Seminar and the Historical Jesus movement that discount the historical reliability of the New Testament accounts.

This book explores whether Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. The author indicates at the outset that he was not favourably disposed to believe that the resurrection was a real event of history. The author explores the events found in the four gospels concerning the last week of Jesus' life. The author argues that the negative claims or skeptical arguments to explain the resurrection away fail. The author cites what he believes is positive evidence and arguments to accept that Jesus did rise from the dead and that the Christian faith is something to be believed in.

One point needs to be noted. Many popular Christian authors have asserted that Frank Morison was a lawyer. This is incorrect. Frank Morison is a pseudonym for Albert Henry Ross (1881-1950). He was a prolific writer and worked in a London advertising agency. However he never studied the law. Readers interested in this biographical background can refer to another book available from Amazon - Ross Clifford, Leading Lawyers Case for the Resurrection (Edomonton: Canadian Institute for Law, Theology & Public Policy, 1996).

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.

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 (gbarfoot@pe.net) Riverside, CA

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.

I've never been much of a religious person,and have just in the last two years started "searching". The birth of my daughter really made me think about life and the world around me. After some discussions a co-worker asked me to read this book.

Though this is an interesting study, this is not a book for newcomers. Being one myself, this is not a book that I would have chosen to start with. It is very interesting, and has many things for a person to consider and look into. However, it is quite overwhelming and analytical for a beginnger.

There is really no introduction, other than the forward. Morison, just jumps right in with his analysis, with no thought of set up or background. Now, I'm not faulting him for this, because this may well have been his intention. However, it made this book very difficult to jump into. It is assumed that the reader is knowledgable of this time period. There is neither a glossary or appendix for reference. However, it may also be assumed that the Bible itself would be reference enough.

Morison's points are well thought out and he uses knowledge of Roman and Jewish society to lead to his conclusion. He connects what would seem unlike events to make a cohesive timeline of Christ's final days before crucifiction. So, even for a beginner he provides lots of information for study and reflection.

This book was written in the 1930's and you can tell, as the writting style is a bit dated. I'm sure that a more modern version of this would be easier to read (much like the Bible). The copy that was lent to me was from 2002, so I don't know if there have been any updates that may address some of these issues.

I will have to come back and reread this book once I've come futher on my journey. Now I have some things that I can study more in depth. But again, I would not recommend the book for anyone just begining to find their way.

This prominent English journalist set out to investigate and disprove once and for all the myth of Christianity, the resurrection.

In the process, he found faith in the life, death and resurrection for his own salvation.

Most of us have heard the historic story retold so many times we think there's no way it can continue to captivate us.

Morrison does this through his own testimony of being brought into faith, and the analysis he went through. Fascinating stuff. Great for teens and anyone searching.

Apologetics at its best!

This compelling little book will make you think about Christ's tomb and your faith. Morison started out trying to disprove the Easter story as a rational journalist and ended up doing a 180. He still relies on reason and balancing the written source material for his analysis of the aftermath of the crucifixion. He relies on the Gospel accounts enough that believers will likely be strengthened in their faith while those who are skeptical might remain skeptical. He also seems too ready to find the Gospel accounts non-reconcilable in certain details when they can be reconciled (such as whether the figure who confronted Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb was an angel or not, if there were more than one, etc.). Does a nice job of looking at these events from a variety of perspectives. Morison seems to have left no stone unturned in his examination of the resurrection in Who Moved the Stone.