Description
Just as the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity, the visions of Joseph Smith are the foundation of Mormonism. In Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions, Robert Bowman compares the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection with the evidence for Joseph’s visions, showing how the historical data confirm the truth of Jesus’ resurrection, and that the accounts of Joseph Smith’s visions are historically unreliable. For Mormons who have doubts about their religion, this study will help them find a more reliable basis for faith in Christ. For Christians, this study provides a fresh angle on the historical evidence for the truth of Christianity.
———–
Robert Bowman has done a wonderful service for anyone interested in the foundations of traditional Christianity and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With fairness, and yet historical rigor, he examines the central events that lie at the heart of both Christianity and Mormonism. Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions is a must-read for scholars and lay people who are open to considering the historical credibility of the respective religions. Even if you disagree with Bowman’s conclusions, you will gain a much deeper understanding of the evidence in favor of (and against) the foundational events for traditional Christianity and Mormonism.
Sean McDowell
Associate Professor of Apologetics, Talbot School of Theology
Author, The Fate of the Apostles;
Co-editor, Sharing the Good News with Mormons
———–
Over the years, Robert Bowman has proven to be a reliable source and guide when it comes to theological and historical research. This book once again reveals his seasoned skills as he explores in great detail and in parallel fashion both the founder of Mormonism and the experience of early Christianity’s leading voice, the apostle Paul. Bowman’s book is well written, ably documented, and fair-minded.
Paul Copan
Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Co-author of An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom (IVP Academic)
———–
Seldom are readers treated to such a scholarly evaluation of a prominent religious movement as Robert Bowman has undertaken in this volume. Time and again the necessary care is taken to document the myriad details, along with the corresponding, painstaking analysis and interpretation. The notes and sources by themselves are truly worth the price of the volume. Highly recommended.
Gary R. Habermas
Distinguished Research Professor & Chair,
Philosophy Department, Liberty University
Author of numerous books including The Historical Jesus: Ancient
Evidence for the Life of Christ and The Risen Jesus and Future Hope
———–
In Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions, Robert Bowman beautifully compares the foundational claims of Mormonism and those of Christianity. Comparative explorations help to illuminate the distinctions between strong and weak evidence in ways otherwise not seen. Remarkably, he shows that the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is both very good and overwhelmingly more credible than that of the visions of Joseph Smith. Mormons examining the quality of evidence might justifiably reject the visions of Smith and yet form a positive judgment about the resurrection of Jesus. They needn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Corey Miller
President, Ratio Christi: Campus Apologetics Alliance
Co-author, Leaving Mormonism: Why Four Scholars Changed Their Minds
———–
Robert Bowman invites us to the court of reason. Those on trial are Jesus, Joseph, the apostle Paul, and all who became part of the ‘Restoration of the Gospel.’ Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions is a compelling case, and no doubt Mormons and Evangelicals will want to dialogue about it. The research is thorough and thought-provoking. No matter your view, you will follow intently as Dr. Bowman examines the witnesses to see if any were frauds. From the evidence, you can draw your verdict.
Donna Morley
Co-founder, Faith and Reason Forum
Adjunct Professor, The Master’s University
Author, What Do I Say to Mormon Friends and Missionaries? and
Evidence of the Bible and Book of Mormon Compared (forthcoming)
