June 15, 2012
Sometimes, especially with controversial topics, the way something is conveyed can be as important as the content itself. In this book, the building blocks for an interesting and persuasive case against the Resurrection of Jesus are completely overshadowed by the author's certainty, arrogance, and presumptuousness. Rather than respectfully laying out the arguments and allowing the reader to decide the verdict, McCormick (philosophy, California State Univ., Sacramento) frequently overreaches and ends up blurring the distinctions between evidence and proof. This is most unfortunate because some of the evidence itself is quite convincing, especially the material about the double standards of believers and the insights from psychology and cognitive science. At the same time, other arguments here, such as the chapter about why God would not do miracles, are speculative to the point of absurdity and left this reader, whose graduate work in theology involved wide study of the subject, wishing for more humility from the author. VERDICT This book is suitable for already convinced atheists seeking new ammunition against Christianity, and Christians desiring to raise their blood pressure.--Brian T. Sullivan, Alfred Univ. Lib., Hornell, NY
Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.