Recent study of the Gospels has produced some surprising challenges to the historicity of the stories surrounding Jesus' birth and resurrection. There is skepticism about the star of Bethlehem, the magi, and the census, skepticism about the angels at the tomb and the manner and time of Jesus' appearances. What then about the more fundamental issues that touch on Christian faith? Was Jesus conceived without a human father? Did he rise bodily from the dead? In this book a noted Catholic scholar surveys the biblical evidence pertinent to those two questions and evaluates it clearly and honestly - and briefly enough to meet the needs of the interested reader. His forthright use of biblical criticism may offend some; the carefulness of his conclusions may offend others; but the book offers real help to those who prefer objective discussion to predetermined answers. +
