The Crucifixion of Jesus: A Forensic Inquiry

by Frederick T. Zugibe

In a language that is both precise and easy to understand, Dr. Zugibe presents his discoveries culled from years of exhaustive research. Documented with 95 illustrations that explore the impact of crucifixion on the body, he demonstrates the realities behind the crucifixion on the body, providing a virtual autopsy on Christ from across the centuries.

Genres: Religion, Science, History, Nonfiction, Theology

396 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[P. Es · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bluntly, a tremendous aid to 'getting' much of The Passion that's generally left to art, film, etc.

[Stephen Heiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book goes above and beyond in providing some forensic medical perspective, based on the evidence of the Shroud, for the pains and torments that Jesus went through during His Passion and Death. It also compellingly makes cases for certain details regarding those hours that are not clarified in other sources. It's well worth a read just for that.

That said, Dr. Zugibe is so tied to scientifically proven evidence that one wonders if one of his children were to say, "I love you, dad," that he would ask for some scientifically verifiable proof of the matter.

Furthermore, despite all of this decades of research in his profession and into the Shroud, he asserts that Christ must have screamed out in pain numerous times during the Passion, despite the fact that this would go against all of the prophecies about the Christ and anything we have from the Gospels. It is not too much of a stretch that this man, above all others, was able to sacrifice His pain, and keep silent.

Finally, the book at times can be eye-wateringly-technical at times, even for someone who is interested in science, natural history, and medical facts. I respect that Dr. Zugibe is doing this so that his peers will be able to understand his perspective, but for mere laymen like myself, you may learn to skim in later parts of the book when he does this.

[Paul Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The strength of this book is the extremely thorough scientific treatment of the evidence provided by the Shroud and its implications. There is really no reason to read Barbet after Zugibe writes his book, and Zugibe provides solid evidence why.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely for the science geek. Goes into detail on a lot of things, like testing various theories on how to crucify someone without actually crucifying him or her. Contains new information on the Shroud of Turin which overturns the flawed Carbon-14 tests done back in the 80s. The techniques are non-destructive and place the shroud in the 30's AD (plus or minus 200 years).

In Short THE best book on the science behind the crucifixion!

[Debratha · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT!! WOW!!

[Dacy Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for the crucifixion autopsy part, 3 stars for the Shroud of Turin part. Almost unreadable towards the end, but the writer got back on track and really made this wrap up pretty well.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a great book. Really gave you a accurate description of the crucifixion which I really had no idea. Yes you know He suffered but this is graphic. How could any people be this cruel! Anyway it is also a bit textbook like but you can easily skip over this opinion and that thought. Also interesting was the take on the Shroud. Not a must read but if you have the time it is worthwhile.

[Erkki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing but chilling book.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil, as it were, in the details.

[Manuel Caceres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, great scientific/forensic analysis of Jesus Passion, and the Shroud of Turin.