Approaching Holy Week

Every year, I spend time on Good Friday on radio focusing on that weekend. Regardless of whether one is a believer or not, most academic and secular historians list the death of Jesus of Nazareth as one of the top five most important events in human history. Quite frequently, it is number one on those lists.

Again, regardless of the theology, when we are dealing with a day considered the most important event in human history by people who do not even believe in Christ’s resurrection, we should probably pause and not just explore it, but explore the world around us as it exists right now in relation to that event.

I always sort of free-form it and have never had anyone on radio that day to talk with me. This year is going to be different. Rev. Tim Keller will join me to talk about his new book, Hope in Times of Fear: The Resurrection and the Meaning of Easter.

Tim Keller is one of the most prominent theologians on the planet. I have had to read his books in seminary. He is battling pancreatic cancer right now and his belief in the actual, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ gives him a lot of comfort — a comfort he relates in this book.

As we approach Holy Week, if you want to invest in a tremendous read that covers both the physical evidence of the resurrection and its importance in our daily lives, I highly recommend this book. One of the things Keller notes that sets Christianity apart from every religion is that it is not really a religion, i.e. a belief in a divinity who gives you the rules for living righteously. Instead, Christianity begins with the necessary belief in a documented, supernatural event — the actual and physical resurrection of a dead man — and, by accepting that event, we begin fully to be transformed. The Word made flesh through the spirit begins to dwell within us and He changes us. It sets the Christian faith apart from all others.

Tim Keller joins me next week on my show to talk about his book and I really do encourage you to order it if you want a tremendous read on the resurrection.