The Weekend that Changed the World
Peter Walker
(London, Marshall Pickering, 1999)
ISBN 0 551 03135 2
£9.99

Apart from the Bible, this is surely now the definitive book on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Subtitled, "The Mystery of Jerusalem's Empty Tomb," in over 200 carefully argued, yet very readable pages, combined with copious notes, illustrations and photographs, Peter Walker answers the three most important questions concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ, "How?" "Why?" and "Where?"

On my shelves I have six other classic books on the resurrection1 as well as four slim but very well used booklets dealing with the evidence designed for sceptics.2 Each in its own way has proved very useful in twenty years evangelistic and pastoral ministry. So why do I need another? Because Peter Walker's book distils the best of them all.

The book is divided into three parts. The first deals with the biblical record and historical events surrounding the Last Supper, Trial, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. He shows how the alternative theories do not stand up to critical examination. The second section examines the historical evidence for the two possible sites of the Crucifixion and Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and at the Garden Tomb.

Peter Walker was asked initially to write a book just about the Garden Tomb which he apparently declined in favour of this broader work. In the second section, he is scrupulously fair to both the historical weight of evidence in favour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as well as sensitive to the significance of the Garden Tomb especially for evangelicals. He concludes as every good academic - with a degree of agnosticism - leaving it to the reader to weigh up the evidence.

The third section deals with the significance of the resurrection for sceptics and believers today. One is left in no doubt that whilst it is tantalising to speculate about the exact geographical locations the message of the angels needs to be heard by us all, "He is not here, for he is risen."

Frank Morison's "Who moved the Stone?" has been a classic for over 50 years. Originally intended to be a refutation of the resurrection, Morison was 'converted' by the evidence. Josh McDowell's "The Resurrection Factor," based on his earlier "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" has been an equally popular apologetic tool for the last twenty years. Peter Walker's powerful new book stands in this tradition and will, I am confident, help convince sceptics and equip Christians to explain their faith in the historical events surrounding the Easter story. I concur with the sentiment expressed by Canon Michael Green who wrote,

"I don't think there is any other book like this around. One that tells and evaluates the story, offers a scholarly examination of the site, and elucidates the significance of the greatest event in all history, the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth in the weekend that changed the world. This is a book to buy, to lend and to treasure."

All I would add by way of advice is that you make sure you remember who has borrowed it!


1 Henry Latham, The Risen Master (Cambridge, Deighton Bell, 1901); Frank Morison, Who Moved the Stone? (London, Faber & Faber, 1930); George Eldon Ladd, I Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus (London, Hodder & Stoughton, 1975); Josh McDowell, The Resurrection Factor (San Bernardino, California, Here's Life, 1981); John Wenham, Easter Enigma (Exeter, Paternoster Press, 1984); Bill White, A Special Place (Stanborough Press, 1989)

2 Norman Anderson, The Evidence for the Resurrection (London, IVP, 1950); Val Grieve, Verdict on the Empty Tomb (London, CPAS, 1970); Josh McDowell, The Case for the Empty Tomb (Birmingham, Agape, 1998); The Garden Tomb (Jerusalem, Garden Tomb Association, n.d.)