Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates The Claims Of The Gospels (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19 NIV)Wallace does a brilliant job of tackling the idea of whether or not Christians are "of all people most to be pitied" in this book that cuts to the heart of Christianity. If you believe-- truly believe-- that Jesus rose from the dead, then you have no choice but to hear out his teachings, including his assertion that he is the Son of God and acted upon the will of God. While I would love to see refutations against popular arguments for atheism, I think Wallace does amazing things for apologetics from an oft-neglected angle. I would most like to commend him on his recognition of naturalism as a bias that presupposes the nonexistence of supernatural events. One of the most frustrating things for me reading atheist arguments is that while their logic is sound given the nonexistence of God, His existence could also reasonably explain their premises. By building his case from the evidence, rather than seeking to prove a particular conclusion, Wallace avoids such problems. A very commendable task, and I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Christian readings or apologetics-- believers and skeptics alike. Even if it doesn't convince you of the Gospels' reliability, I hope it challenges you to think critically about the arguments you are using. Having come to believe Jesus is who he said He is by reading Case for Christ fifteen years ago, I believe Cold Case is now the generational standard for popular evidentialism. The book is strong on what constitutes testimony, the nature of abductive reasoning, unintentional support from gospel coincidences and extra biblical support both Christian and non Christian. It's a perfect antidote to Bart Ehrman and the generally discredited but still breathing Jesus Seminar.
What do You think about Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates The Claims Of The Gospels (2013)?
Very good read for anyone like myself that wants just a little more logic to a truly logical God.
—sgt_rajat
Very helpful to someone who wants to explore the evidence in support of Christianity
—Goodvvibes
Enjoyed this and learned so much. I highly recommend this book.
—holls
