The Resurrection of the Son of God, by N. T. Wright
May 2nd, 2009 by Mark Lefers
I’m finally done reading the Great Book. No, not the Bible. I’m talking about N. T. Wright’s book “The Resurrection of the Son of God”. Several people suggested that this was the book to read regarding the resurrection. So I ordered the book, and when the semi truck came to drop it off (joke about the size) I was taken aback with how big this book was. I knew that it was a big book, but until I lifted it, looked at the small print, saw all the footnotes and reference, I didn’t know what was in store. I quickly learned that I couldn’t read in my soft leather chair, because I would quickly fall asleep. I also needed bright lights and lots of caffeine (diet coke variety). But trudging through it, I began. And now after 4 long months I’m finally done (yes, I am a slow reader with not much time).
I have mixed feelings about the book. Some parts were very thick. Sometimes I didn’t know where he was going with the very large background that he was building for hundreds of pages. And sometimes I felt I was undergoing some sort of torture until I would just say, “Ok, ok, I believe, just let me stop reading!” I think a beginner like me can quickly drown with all the information presented. Then trying to look up the opposing view point made it almost an impossible task.
The other side of me was just amazed at all the research and reading N. T. Wright has done in presenting this information. Wright goes into much detail on each topic and fully develops the background of his arguments. He also addresses many of the current objections to the historicity of the resurrection. This book will definitely become for me a reference book regarding the resurrection.
In the end I would recommend the book. However, if I had to do it over again, I wouldn’t have read it page by page. I would have just read the nice conclusions at the end of most chapters and then dive more into chapters that I found more interesting. Over the next several weeks (or months) I’ll try to discuss some of the topics presented. I’ll also try to compile some of my notes here.
Did you find it encouraging?
I wouldn’t say it was encouraging. There were definitely times where I wanted to stop reading, because it wasn’t really helping with my doubt. It also felt at times to be a burden, that’s why I would encourage reading just the conclusions and maybe Part V in more detail. I feel more informed in reading it, and its always good to read the experts in the field. I also feel more humbled in seeing the wealth of information out there and realizing the short rants on the web don’t do the topic justice.
Yeah, there are deinitely quite a few books on both sides.
I was just looking this book up on Amazon since I’ve seen it recommended by others regarding the NT doubt issues I’ve been having. When I noticed it was 800 pages I was definitely discouraged. Although I’d be more than willing to read it (which is a testament to the degree of doubt I’m having), I question whether Christianity is even worth pursing if I have to read an 800 page text…surely, if God was real, He wouldn’t want me wasting my precious time with this and spend it with my children. It just seems so selfish to be so self-absorbed with so much suffering in the world. Are there any better resources for a skeptic – something more concise!
I also saw this book being recommended by many in my questions regarding the resurrection, and the 800 pages was also discouraging for me. If you do end up wanting to read it, I would recommend just reading the conclusions at the end of each chapter. You will get the main ideas, with a lot less details which are not necessary for you at this time. This book is more like a text book, where you might want every detail. I have also wondered a lot whether Christianity is worth pursing if I have to work so hard at it, but maybe it is about the process too?