Easter from the Back Side: A Different Look at the Story of Christ's Resurrection

by J. Ellsworth Kalas

Easter from the Back SideJ. Ellsworth KalasUsing an approach similar to the one he took in Parables from the Back Side and other books in the popular Back Side series, author J. Ellsworth Kalas opens up new possibilities of insight into the biblical Easter story. The author looks beyond the traditional gospel scriptures to connect the story of Christ’s resurrection with other stories and scriptures throughout the Bible, including both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Kalas’s creative approach both clarifies basic teachings and introduces new possibilities of meaning, even for those who are most familiar with the Easter story. Enriched with contemporary illustrations and personal experiences, this volume will provide new perspectives on Easter.
Chapter titles and Scriptures “Why We Need Easter” (Genesis 3:1-7, 22-24); “Easter from an Ash Heap” (Job 19:13-27); “Easter for the Disillusioned” (Ecclesiastes 2:14-26); “Ezekiel Celebrates Easter” (Ezekiel 37:1-10); “Easter Is a Love Story” (John 20:1-18); “Late for Easter” (1 Corinthians 15:1-11); and “Forever Easter” (Revelation 21:1-4).


J. ELLSWORTH KALAS is president of Asbury Theological Seminary and has been part of the faculty there since 1993, after thirty-eight years as a United Methodist pastor and five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council. He has been a presenter on Disciple videos, is the author of the Christian Believer study, and has written more than thirty books, including the popular Back Side series; Longing to How the Psalms Teach Us to Talk with God; Strong Was Her Women of the New Testament; and What I Learned When I Was Ten.

Genres: Religion

91 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2008

About the author

J. Ellsworth Kalas has been part of the faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary since 1993, after thirty-eight years as a United Methodist pastor and five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council. He has been a presenter on DISCIPLE videos and is the author of more than thirty books, including the popular Back Side series as well as the Christian Believer study.

Reviews

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this study for Lenten study this year. I thought it was pretty good, especially for the price point. I liked that it used texts that aren’t actually part of the Easter story. Instead of doing another study on the crucifixion and resurrection with familiar texts, this study uses other texts and helps to point out how many of these texts point us forward towards Easter. Because biblical literacy is so low these days I’m glad when studies like this exist so people get exposed to more parts of the Bible than what they are used to. My parishioners seemed to appreciate it as well. I recommend this as a good and easy study to lead people through during lent or after Easter.

[Eileen Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took a different take on the Easter story. It really was a good book that makes you think. Especially about Mary Magdalene and her role, along with the others who first experienced Easter.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different approach to looking at Easter. I have always loved Dr. Kalas' books and his perspectives. A great study group book.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very different way to look at Easter - relating passages from various books of the bible - from Genesis to Revelation - to Easter. Things that you would never think go with Easter were related in an easy to read manner. We read this book as a Lenten bible study at my church and then got the privalage of getting to meet the author.

[Kerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a Bible study class, and the author takes several different perspectives from the Old and New Testaments to look at Easter. Some people really like this "from the backside" series, of which this is one. I thought it was good, but not great. I would recommend the book "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idelman, before I would this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short study on seeing Easter from Genesis to Revelation. Good illustrations on our need for a Redeemer.