The Weekend That Changed the World: The Mystery of Jerusalem's Empty Tomb

I visited the Garden Tomb in December, 2008. The experience was spiritually inspiring and intellectually fascinating. The tomb itself has been in the keeping of a British Trust since its discovery in 1867. The tour guides (all UK volunteers) offer some compelling evidence that this could be Joseph of Arimathea's family tomb (immediately adjacent to Golgatha). But they also balance that evidence with other research that questions that possibility. What is not in question is the authenticity of the tomb in the context of its time. As such, it is fascinating to see because even if it is not the actual tomb of Jesus, it is very much like it. I bought this book at the Garden Tomb Bookshop and read it on the plane home. The book is divided into three parts. The first two parts explore the events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection, and the history of the Garden Tomb itself. The third section delves into the significance of these events and (for me) is a subject better left to one's own belief and perspective. I didn't finish the third section. But the first two sections are certainly worth reading. The photographs and diagrams give you a feel for the place that codifies what the guides shared. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, especially in the wake of visiting this wondrous place.

A very insightful look into the life and death of Jesus and the manyh questions sourounding the biblical tale, examining the evidence, the fact and new archeological discoveries. This book examines many facets of the last days of the life of Jesus, including especially quesitoning the location of 'Golgotha' and examining the claims pertaining tot he Garden tomb near Skull hill in Jerusalem. An interesting book the combines religion, theology, and archeology to examine the biblical tale. Seth J. Frantzman

Having visited the Holy Land in January of 2000 I was immediately drawn in by the cover of this book, with it's picture of the Garden Tomb (a possible alternative site of the tomb of Christ). Walker presents a nice chronology of the events of the weekend that changed the world (the weekend of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ), that is a mix of info from the Bible and informed speculation. I used this book for a Sunday School class during Lent and it was well received. The speculation can be presented as speculation and makes for the beginning of some interesting discussions. I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the crucifixion and resurrection placed in historical context, but especially believe it would be of interest to those who have visited Jerusalem and have seen both the church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Garden tomb.