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Alive: A Cold-Case Approach To The Resurrection
"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Cor. 15:17).
The resurrection. As far as doctrines go, it's a game changer. Many accept the resurrection without giving it much thought. But isn't something so important worthy of our wrestling with it? What if we approached the issue of the resurrection in an unbiased manner and assessed it as a cold case detective would evaluate a crime scene? Author J. Warner Wallace is a cold-case detective. He also used to be an atheist. Follow along in this brief presentation of his approach in applying his detective's expertise to the accounts of the resurrection. Wallace believes the case is nothing but compelling: Jesus is alive!
The resurrection. As far as doctrines go, it's a game changer. Many accept the resurrection without giving it much thought. But isn't something so important worthy of our wrestling with it? What if we approached the issue of the resurrection in an unbiased manner and assessed it as a cold case detective would evaluate a crime scene? Author J. Warner Wallace is a cold-case detective. He also used to be an atheist. Follow along in this brief presentation of his approach in applying his detective's expertise to the accounts of the resurrection. Wallace believes the case is nothing but compelling: Jesus is alive!
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
233 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
J. Warner Wallace
34 books689 followersJ. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker and best-selling author. He continues to consult on cold-case investigations while serving as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He is also an adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) and Southern Evangelical Seminary, and a faculty member at Summit Ministries. J. Warner became a Christ-follower at the age of thirty-five after investigating the claims of the New Testament gospels using his skill set as a detective. He eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Gateway Seminary.
J. Warner has appeared on television and radio, explaining the role that evidence plays in the Christian definition of “faith” and defending the historicity of Jesus, the reliability of the Bible and the truth of the Christian worldview. Jim also speaks at churches, retreats and camps as he seeks to help people become confident Christian case makers. J. Warner’s book, Cold-Case Christianity, provides readers with ten principles of cold case investigations and utilizes these principles to examine the reliability of the gospel eyewitness accounts. In God’s Crime Scene, he investigates eight pieces of evidence in the universe to make the case for God’s existence. In Forensic Faith, J. Warner makes the case for a more reasonable, evidential Christian faith.
J. Warner’s professional investigative work has received national recognition; his cases have been featured more than any other detective on NBC’s Dateline, and his work has also appeared on CourtTV and Fox News. He also appears on television as an investigative consultant (most recently on truTV) and had a role in God’s Not Dead 2, making the case for the historicity of Jesus. J. Warner was awarded the Police and Fire Medal of Valor “Sustained Superiority” Award for his continuing work on cold-case homicides, and the CopsWest Award after solving a 1979 murder. Relying on over two decades of investigative experience, J. Warner provides his readers and audiences with the tools they will need to investigate the claims of Christianity and make a convincing case for the truth of the Christian worldview.
J. Warner has appeared on television and radio, explaining the role that evidence plays in the Christian definition of “faith” and defending the historicity of Jesus, the reliability of the Bible and the truth of the Christian worldview. Jim also speaks at churches, retreats and camps as he seeks to help people become confident Christian case makers. J. Warner’s book, Cold-Case Christianity, provides readers with ten principles of cold case investigations and utilizes these principles to examine the reliability of the gospel eyewitness accounts. In God’s Crime Scene, he investigates eight pieces of evidence in the universe to make the case for God’s existence. In Forensic Faith, J. Warner makes the case for a more reasonable, evidential Christian faith.
J. Warner’s professional investigative work has received national recognition; his cases have been featured more than any other detective on NBC’s Dateline, and his work has also appeared on CourtTV and Fox News. He also appears on television as an investigative consultant (most recently on truTV) and had a role in God’s Not Dead 2, making the case for the historicity of Jesus. J. Warner was awarded the Police and Fire Medal of Valor “Sustained Superiority” Award for his continuing work on cold-case homicides, and the CopsWest Award after solving a 1979 murder. Relying on over two decades of investigative experience, J. Warner provides his readers and audiences with the tools they will need to investigate the claims of Christianity and make a convincing case for the truth of the Christian worldview.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 21, 2021
A Thought Provoking Look at the Proof for the Resurrection
With so much evidence for the resurrection it's sometimes difficult to explain the truth in bibilcal ways to an unbeliever or someone who isn't interested in hearing the truth. This book offers a different way of presenting the facts outside of the Bible in a logical way. We can look at facts from different angles and as long as we are honest with ourselves and are seeking the truth we will arrive at the same conclusion. This book offers another way of looking at and presenting the facts.
With so much evidence for the resurrection it's sometimes difficult to explain the truth in bibilcal ways to an unbeliever or someone who isn't interested in hearing the truth. This book offers a different way of presenting the facts outside of the Bible in a logical way. We can look at facts from different angles and as long as we are honest with ourselves and are seeking the truth we will arrive at the same conclusion. This book offers another way of looking at and presenting the facts.
April 15, 2014
A short book that covers some of the evidences that point to the authenticity of Christ's Resurrection event. Good refresh for the Holy Week.
March 21, 2018
Great book
This is a straight forward book going through the evidence of the resurrection of Jesus. I would recommend this to skeptics or those who would like to present evidence of our faith in the resurrection.
This is a straight forward book going through the evidence of the resurrection of Jesus. I would recommend this to skeptics or those who would like to present evidence of our faith in the resurrection.
April 9, 2023
This is a 28-page book, which takes about 30 minutes to read, but it's informative! J. Warner Wallace goes over the possible explanations raised by skeptics and shows why they're not reasonable.
Ultimately, he asks you this question that he asked himself: "'Am I rejecting this because there isn't enough evidence, or am I rejecting this because I don't want there to be enough evidence?' Are you denying the resurrection on evidential grounds or simply because you are stubbornly biased against anything supernatural or pridefully unwilling to submit your authority? If you're fair with the answer, you'll take an important step on your journey from 'belief that' to 'belief in.'"
This is an important question we must all ask and answer. I hope you will read this book with an open mind and with an open heart.
If you want to move on from the resurrection case to the case about the New Testament Gospels, then pick up J. Warner Wallace's book 'Cold-Case Christianity', where he investigates the claims of the gospel accounts.
Ultimately, he asks you this question that he asked himself: "'Am I rejecting this because there isn't enough evidence, or am I rejecting this because I don't want there to be enough evidence?' Are you denying the resurrection on evidential grounds or simply because you are stubbornly biased against anything supernatural or pridefully unwilling to submit your authority? If you're fair with the answer, you'll take an important step on your journey from 'belief that' to 'belief in.'"
This is an important question we must all ask and answer. I hope you will read this book with an open mind and with an open heart.
If you want to move on from the resurrection case to the case about the New Testament Gospels, then pick up J. Warner Wallace's book 'Cold-Case Christianity', where he investigates the claims of the gospel accounts.
October 27, 2022
This book was concise which I appreciated. There were some solid logical points that were made for sure. I read it in one sitting one night so it was a very short but very informational.
Key takeaways for me:
The three key points for the resurrection:
1.) Jesus died and was buried
2.) The body was gone
3.) Transformation of the apostles after Jesus / they claimed to see Jesus
Using abductive reasoning, the Resurrection is the most logical choice. There are many flaws and inconsistencies with the other theories (such as the body being stolen or it all being conspiracy)
Do you not believe because there isn’t enough evidence or do you not believe because you don’t want there to be enough evidence??
“And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”
1 Corinthians 15:14 NLT
Key takeaways for me:
The three key points for the resurrection:
1.) Jesus died and was buried
2.) The body was gone
3.) Transformation of the apostles after Jesus / they claimed to see Jesus
Using abductive reasoning, the Resurrection is the most logical choice. There are many flaws and inconsistencies with the other theories (such as the body being stolen or it all being conspiracy)
Do you not believe because there isn’t enough evidence or do you not believe because you don’t want there to be enough evidence??
“And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”
1 Corinthians 15:14 NLT
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2022
A quick but thorough investigation!
Objective truth is that which corresponds to reality. In this succinct but thorough investigation into the likelihood of the resurrection of Jesus, J Warner Wallace shows us how the resurrection of Christ is the most reasonable conclusion. The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ reflects reality as described by almost 500 people millennia ago. Using skills and processes honed over years of being a homicide detective, Wallace approaches each primary objection with a critical eye and an honest, gracious voice. This very short booklet is absolutely worth your time, whether you’re looking for the truth or learning to defend it.
Objective truth is that which corresponds to reality. In this succinct but thorough investigation into the likelihood of the resurrection of Jesus, J Warner Wallace shows us how the resurrection of Christ is the most reasonable conclusion. The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ reflects reality as described by almost 500 people millennia ago. Using skills and processes honed over years of being a homicide detective, Wallace approaches each primary objection with a critical eye and an honest, gracious voice. This very short booklet is absolutely worth your time, whether you’re looking for the truth or learning to defend it.
Read
April 30, 2025In "Alive", J. Warner Wallace succinctly but thoroughly describes the various objections and/or alternative scenarios concerning the reality of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He does so without being dismissive, taking the time to note the strengths and weaknesses of the various theories.
This is an objective investigation recorded by a very experienced homicide investigator which leaves the honest reader with the only plausible explanation of the recorded events. Jesus Christ died and rose from the
dead.- as he had explained to his disciples beforehand. There is no other explanation that adequately explains the facts.
This is an objective investigation recorded by a very experienced homicide investigator which leaves the honest reader with the only plausible explanation of the recorded events. Jesus Christ died and rose from the
dead.- as he had explained to his disciples beforehand. There is no other explanation that adequately explains the facts.
August 27, 2021
Beyond a reasonable doubt
Faith/belief is such an emotional topic. However, if you honestly want to decide whether what you believe is reasonable, you must set aside emotion. You cannot reason with emotion.
J. Warner Wallace examines the evidence for and against the various scenarios posited concerning the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transformation of the early believers coherently and rationally. I will leave you to read the book to consider the arguments and reach your own conclusions... beyond a reasonable doubt.
Faith/belief is such an emotional topic. However, if you honestly want to decide whether what you believe is reasonable, you must set aside emotion. You cannot reason with emotion.
J. Warner Wallace examines the evidence for and against the various scenarios posited concerning the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transformation of the early believers coherently and rationally. I will leave you to read the book to consider the arguments and reach your own conclusions... beyond a reasonable doubt.
February 15, 2022
J. Warner was not a Christian who chose to study the Gospels and write a defence of the faith. He was an atheist. He did not believe in this Christian stuff. So when he came to the evidence box that is the Gospels, this hard-nosed detective could have concluded that it was all, everything was, a big hoax. The surprise, which is not a surprise to Christians, is the evidence does demand a verdict, and there is a strong case for Christ.
Full 2,381 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
Full 2,381 word review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...
January 2, 2022
Just Look
I like the approach that Wallace took to looking at what's already there and coming to a personal conclusion about the Resurrection. He did not hype it, make is spooky or anything. He just took you through a process that will bring you to a decision. In the end, what do you believe? Act on the facts.
I like the approach that Wallace took to looking at what's already there and coming to a personal conclusion about the Resurrection. He did not hype it, make is spooky or anything. He just took you through a process that will bring you to a decision. In the end, what do you believe? Act on the facts.
March 6, 2021
A Cold Case Approach ACU to Resurrection Solid and Objective
This approach to analyzing the resurrection was intriguing and interesting. The logic was easy enough to follow, and proved to be convincing. This was a thought-provoking argument, well elucidated.
This approach to analyzing the resurrection was intriguing and interesting. The logic was easy enough to follow, and proved to be convincing. This was a thought-provoking argument, well elucidated.
April 2, 2021
A good summary of evidence for Christ's resurrection
Drawing on his experience as a crime scene investigator, Warner Wallace does a good job of leading the readers through his abductive reasoning in examining the evidence for Christ's resurrection. A good read!
Drawing on his experience as a crime scene investigator, Warner Wallace does a good job of leading the readers through his abductive reasoning in examining the evidence for Christ's resurrection. A good read!
September 27, 2021
Enjoyed
I chose this rating because I enjoyed the book. I'd heard nearly all of these points before, or considered them. Maybe, though, because people were echoing this book, or because he was echoing others? I'd recommend it as a quick, insightful read.
I chose this rating because I enjoyed the book. I'd heard nearly all of these points before, or considered them. Maybe, though, because people were echoing this book, or because he was echoing others? I'd recommend it as a quick, insightful read.
February 2, 2022
Inspired By a Former Atheist
Inspiring proof that God is still using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. I highly recommend this 28-page book to those who question Christ's death and resurrection.
Inspiring proof that God is still using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. I highly recommend this 28-page book to those who question Christ's death and resurrection.
April 9, 2022
it’s a good book
You can find here some logical explanation of Jesus case and it’s good to know those things.
If I were the autor editor, I would have suggested to include more of His personal testomony.
You can find here some logical explanation of Jesus case and it’s good to know those things.
If I were the autor editor, I would have suggested to include more of His personal testomony.
April 11, 2022
The case of resurrection
A simple and quick read about the evidences of the resurrection. From the former atheist, here come apologetics about resurrection. Nothing's new here if you already reads a lot of apologetics books, but quite compact as a gift.
A simple and quick read about the evidences of the resurrection. From the former atheist, here come apologetics about resurrection. Nothing's new here if you already reads a lot of apologetics books, but quite compact as a gift.
April 26, 2022
I was looking for more
Having previously read Cold Case Christianity and Person of Interest, I was hoping for more than the repeated content I found. Good detective work and a good challenge to be more proactive in my faith
Having previously read Cold Case Christianity and Person of Interest, I was hoping for more than the repeated content I found. Good detective work and a good challenge to be more proactive in my faith
April 29, 2022
Not for me
Sounds more like Jesus on trial instead of proving His crucifixion and resurrection. Everyone in the face of the earth can have their own thoughts , beliefs, opinions, etc. I for one was disappointed and bit insulted. This book wasn't what I expected.
Sounds more like Jesus on trial instead of proving His crucifixion and resurrection. Everyone in the face of the earth can have their own thoughts , beliefs, opinions, etc. I for one was disappointed and bit insulted. This book wasn't what I expected.
May 12, 2022
Excellent, clear read on the truth of the Resurrection
This is a wonderfully written book giving very clear explanations concerning the objections to the reality of Christ's resurrection and the truth.
This is a wonderfully written book giving very clear explanations concerning the objections to the reality of Christ's resurrection and the truth.
November 2, 2022
I had the chance to meet the author and listened to him speak. He's amazing. I'm a huge true crime fan, work in Federal law enforcement and also a Christian. But approaching faith by treating it as an investigation is fascinating.
May 26, 2023
Very short and straight to the point, which is great! I use this book as an evangelism tool because Wallace made his case in less than 50 pages, highly recommended, but of course his full book Cold-Case Christianity is a more in depth look at his case
May 26, 2017
Good points
Good points but brief. I am going to read his longer works. I would recommend to someone who doesn't enjoy reading long books.
Good points but brief. I am going to read his longer works. I would recommend to someone who doesn't enjoy reading long books.
April 21, 2018
Worth the read
The Christian faith rests on whether or not Christ was resurrected or not. Take a critical look at the evidence and make up your own mind.
The Christian faith rests on whether or not Christ was resurrected or not. Take a critical look at the evidence and make up your own mind.
March 8, 2019
Short and to the point, but very good information.
October 1, 2019
Amazing work !
February 23, 2021
How would a detective approach a resurection case?
A quick read on surveying the evidence of resurection with some basic apologetic. 30 min read if you don't have much time
A quick read on surveying the evidence of resurection with some basic apologetic. 30 min read if you don't have much time
March 21, 2021
Wonderful account of the Resurrection
I've read multiple books by J Warner Wallace and he never disappoints. I've watched him on shows like Dateline and he knows his stuff!
I've read multiple books by J Warner Wallace and he never disappoints. I've watched him on shows like Dateline and he knows his stuff!
September 15, 2022
A concise, but direct little book outlining the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Highly recommended for those committed to defending the Christian faith.
March 11, 2023
Good Points
The author approaches the death and resurrection of Jesus from a detectives perspective. Good points were made and explained. It was a good quick read.
The author approaches the death and resurrection of Jesus from a detectives perspective. Good points were made and explained. It was a good quick read.
September 8, 2024
Must read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews