Hank Hanegraaff's new book, Resurrection: The Capstone in the Arch of Christianity, is a bit of a surprise. As the president of the Christian Research Institute (an apologetics ministry), and host of the popular radio program, "The Bible Answerman," one expects the book to be a defense of the doctrine of the resurrection. And it is. But, instead of limiting the book to ground that has already been covered by such authors as Norman Geisler with The Battle for the Resurrection, Hanegraaff spends a fair amount of time answering common questions and explaining what heaven will be like in a resurrected body.

   The book is divided into three parts. Part One is the section that you would expect from a Christian apologist. Beginning with a brief overview of the various heretical theories concerning Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, including the positions of Muslims and the Jehovah's Witnesses, Hanegraaff makes the point that either Christ's resurrection was the biggest hoax ever recorded, or the most amazing event in human history. Christ's amazing feat is turned into the acronym F.E.A.T., and is used in Part One to explain and defend the Christian doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The acronym stands for: Fatal Torment, Empty Tomb, Appearances of Christ, and Transformation. The key elements of what is the cardinal doctrine of Christianity.    

   Fatal Torment, reminds us that Christ was tortured and died upon the cross. The world has provided many alternative explanations for what happened on that Good Friday. If Christ were to survive the crucifixion, or someone took His place as Muslims believe, then the resurrection is a farce and the whole of Christianity collapses. But, Hanegraaff confronts the doubters and critics head on and provides solid evidence for the truth of the Gospels. Christ died upon the cross and was buried. There is no reason to doubt it.

   Empty Tomb, addresses many of the arguments that seek to refute the biblical account of the empty tomb. Hanegraaff addresses many of the arguments coming out of the Jesus Seminar. But, of particular interest is his concern with the growing popularity of The Gospel of Thomas. A pseudo gospel written several hundred years after the Apostles, it advocates a Gnostic theology.

   Appearances of Christ, refutes the arguments that the witnesses to the resurrection were, hypnotized, hallucinating, or, suffering from hyper suggestibility.

   Transformation, is the last letter of the acronym and serves to remind us that the evidence for the resurrection lies in the transforming power of a living Christ. The same Christ that transformed the apostles centuries ago, now transforms us.

   It is a hazardous endeavor to base almost a third of the book on a single acronym. The logical connection between the author's argument and the acronym can break down and loose its relevance. This is not true of Resurrection. Hanegraaff does a fine job of incorporating the acronymic elements into the body of the text. His arguments are well thought out and not constricted by the acronym's use.

   Part Two is a defense of the doctrine regarding the resurrection of creation. Hanegraaff is careful to explain that the body in which we now exist will be the same body that we shall inhabit in the resurrection, only transformed. Orthodox Christianity has always affirmed that Christ died, rose, and appeared to the disciples in the same identical body. Likewise, our present physical bodies shall be resurrected from the grave. Yet, orthodox Christianity does not require that each cell and every atom be restored; however, there is a continuity that takes place between our existing bodies and our resurrected bodies. Christ's resurrected body is immune to death, yet it is comprised of flesh and bone and bares the marks where the spear pierced His side and the nails fastened His body to the cross. Still, this same continuity that is found in Christ's resurrected body, and the bodies that we shall receive, will also extend to the cosmos. For the whole world shall likewise be restored.

   Part Three is arguably the most interesting for it contains answers to common questions regarding the resurrection. A few examples are: "Will God raise Pets and Platypuses from the Dead?"; "Is Cremation Commensurate with the Christian Concept of Resurrection?" ; "If Heaven Is Perfect, Won't It Be Perfectly Boring?" and "What about Rewards in the Resurrection?" Hanegraaff does more than just answer these questions, he corrects many misconceptions.

   If there are any faults to found with Resurrection, they are likely to be found in Chapter 17, titled "Will There Be Sex after the Resurrection?" Much of the discussion evolves from Peter Kreeft's observation that the word "sex," has taken on new meaning in recent years. Hanegraaff argues that there will be sexuality in heaven; however, there will not be the physical act of sex. A careful reading is need, otherwise one might believe that Hanegraaff is saying that we will have physical intercourse in heaven. I have heard at least one caller to "The Bible Answerman" radio broadcast asking Hanegraaff to clarify this point. Hanegraaff might have done better to use such words as "gender," and "physical intercourse," in those appropriate areas. Still, it is a chapter worth reading over again. One hears very little about this topic and Hanegraaff's conclusion is right on. Once you understand what he is saying.

   With only a few minor problems in Chapter 17, Resurrection is an easy read and flows in a logical and simple format. Hanegraaff has always worked hard at producing books that are well organized and Resurrection is perhaps the best yet. A well documented book, Resurrection brings together a wide variety of resources. Such names as Joni Eareckson Tada, J.P. Moreland, Norman Geisler, Gary Habermas, and Lee Strobel, are a few of the notables one encounters in Resurrection. Perhaps the best feature of the book is Hanegraaff's attempt to make it enjoyable and accessible to everyone. Something that he accomplishes very well.

   Published by Word Publishing, (ISBN 0849916437) it can be found for under $20 at most book stores, or, you can buy directly from Word Publishing for the very reasonable price of $13.59 (hardback or audio; as of October 18, 2000).

   Other books by Hank Hanegraaff include: Christianity in Crises, The Counterfeit Revival and The Face That Demonstrates the Farce of Evolution. All are available from Word Publishing.