Countless books have been written about the evidence for the resurrection. However, few skillfully and fairly defend both sides of the case as British barrister (attorney) Foster does in The Jesus Inquest: The Case for and against the Resurrection of the Christ.

A tutor at the University of Oxford, Charles Foster employs characters X and Y, who represent the author’s own internal debate. While X presents the non-Christian view, Y defends the Christian view. Leaving no source untouched, Foster not only combs through the Gospels and Acts, but also delves into Gnostic texts, ancient Roman and Jewish historical documents and even the Koran.

The Jesus Inquest carefully and critically studies the hotly disputed issues of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, the empty tomb, the appearances of the risen Jesus and other stories of “dying and rising gods.” Foster includes a select bibliography, which features the works of notable defenders of the resurrection as well as the writings of skeptical thinkers. Appendices cover the cause of Jesus’ death, the Shroud of Turin, The Jesus Family Tomb and the Gospel of Peter.

Previously published by Monarch Books, The Jesus Inquest features new cover art. It is written at a level that will reach scholars as well as people in the pews. Foster’s broad-minded treatment allows readers to make up their own minds about the origin and truth of Christianity.

—Brian Smith McCallum

The Jesus Inquest

Charles Foster

Thomas Nelson

softcover, 304 pages, $14.99

978-0-849-94811-4

January 2011

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