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The Crucifixion of Jesus: A Medical Doctor Examines the Death and Resurrection of Christ
This ground-breaking work offers a unique apologetic argument for the validity of the Gospel accounts of Jesus' death and resurrection. Dr. Bergeron's medical expertise allows him to examine the medical aspects of Jesus' death and as well as the "hallucination hypothesis" which attempts to discount Jesus' resurrection. This book explores the following ? Jesus' claim to be the son of God and the Messiah of Hebrew prophetic literature
? Evidence of the trustworthiness of the Gospel as reliable eyewitness testimony
? The social and political context leading up to Jesus' execution
? Roman crucifixion practices in public executions
? Physiological mechanisms that ultimately led to Jesus' death
? A medical analysis of hallucination hypotheses for the disciples' belief in Jesus' resurrection and the inability of hallucination to explain away the biblical accounts of Jesus' resurrection
? Evidence of the trustworthiness of the Gospel as reliable eyewitness testimony
? The social and political context leading up to Jesus' execution
? Roman crucifixion practices in public executions
? Physiological mechanisms that ultimately led to Jesus' death
? A medical analysis of hallucination hypotheses for the disciples' belief in Jesus' resurrection and the inability of hallucination to explain away the biblical accounts of Jesus' resurrection
276 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 28, 2022
This is the second or third work I have read on the medical aspects of the crucifixion, and by far the most modern. Bergeron writes like an M.D., in other words, precise, analytical, and medical. His approach is religious in the sense it is clear he is a believer in the deity, death, and resurrection of Christ, but secular in the sense that he is does not use Scripture as much as medicine in his examination.
He begins by discussing the extra-biblical historical evidence for the existence of Jesus, and the political and social dynamic in which the crucifixion took place. He discusses crucifixion as a Roman tool, dissecting it historically. Finally, he turns to Jesus' crucifixion, examining each aspect of the punishment in turn. Bear in mind, he is not emotional, not even logical so much as medical. It reads like a medical chart in places, though he balances that with explanations where necessary for the layman. His best chapter discusses the medical cause of death, bringing up various theories and arguing for his own view. Lastly, he deals with the historical evidence of the Resurrection.
Not a long book at 200 pages, but certainly a thoughtful one. Absolutely, a careful one. Though narrowly aimed at a certain group who want a deeper understanding of the physical side of the crucifixion, nevertheless, Bergeron hits his target.
Good book, mostly because it is a careful book.
He begins by discussing the extra-biblical historical evidence for the existence of Jesus, and the political and social dynamic in which the crucifixion took place. He discusses crucifixion as a Roman tool, dissecting it historically. Finally, he turns to Jesus' crucifixion, examining each aspect of the punishment in turn. Bear in mind, he is not emotional, not even logical so much as medical. It reads like a medical chart in places, though he balances that with explanations where necessary for the layman. His best chapter discusses the medical cause of death, bringing up various theories and arguing for his own view. Lastly, he deals with the historical evidence of the Resurrection.
Not a long book at 200 pages, but certainly a thoughtful one. Absolutely, a careful one. Though narrowly aimed at a certain group who want a deeper understanding of the physical side of the crucifixion, nevertheless, Bergeron hits his target.
Good book, mostly because it is a careful book.
February 19, 2021
This book is not for the faint of heart. Nor should it be. This is a comprehensive medical account for how Roman crucifixions were carried out. The Romans had the practice down to a science. Almost like an expertise in torture. (No really, they did.) The Doctor is a Christian himself. He takes you through a LOT of medical terms as explanations. I would have enjoyed it more- but I knew this was discussing how my Savior died for my sins.
He will mention pleural effusion which is something I personally experienced as a child- and I can attest to how excruciating THAT is. Much less everything else He had happen to him.
He also goes into the Resurrection Theories with some sound psychology and psychiatry examples involved. It is not a quick read. You may have to put it down if it becomes too much. I got through it in a few settings. The photos and evidence and medical drawings are so useful to this.
As a Christian, I think it should be read. He also uses The Bible as his points of reference. He compares Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John’s accounts of the Resurrection.
Solid 5 star read for me.
He will mention pleural effusion which is something I personally experienced as a child- and I can attest to how excruciating THAT is. Much less everything else He had happen to him.
He also goes into the Resurrection Theories with some sound psychology and psychiatry examples involved. It is not a quick read. You may have to put it down if it becomes too much. I got through it in a few settings. The photos and evidence and medical drawings are so useful to this.
As a Christian, I think it should be read. He also uses The Bible as his points of reference. He compares Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John’s accounts of the Resurrection.
Solid 5 star read for me.
November 30, 2018
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
Dr. Bergeron had done extensive research to examine the death and resurrection of Christ. While he comes at the event through the eyes of a traditional Orthodox Christian, he does not ignore the other works done since the first century in order to better understand this miracle. Historical contexts and writings are of importance, as is knowing Jewish traditions, particularly in Jesus’ day. Too, Dr. Bergeron brings in research and aspects of other Christian denominations as well as other religions, including Islam.
This is a comprehensive study that warrants credibility.
The Foreword by Dr. Habermas was...unnecessary. I felt that all the explanations were repeated in Dr. Bergeron’s Prologue. The breakdown of the book was reminiscent of a thesis, which was a little strange for me to see not only in a book, but from someone other than an author.
What I really like is that there are footnotes and not endnotes. It makes for a smoother read)
Things that I enjoyed:
~ Dr. Bergeron includes psychiatric illness, which is apparently not typically explored when discussing the Crucifixion.
~ I knew of the historical support of Jesus’ life, but having everything together was extremely helpful
~ There is some very interesting information on Luke’s writings.
~ Dr. Bergeron delves into the importance of politics and socioeconomic statuses (especially with regards to religious standings) in Jesus’ time.
~ The book brings to light the realities of crucifixion in general that even “The Passion of Christ” didn’t.
~ I like the physiological process of Jesus’ death and the plausible causes of it.
~ Having all the possible theories for the Resurrection (“Resurrection”?) were quite interesting when compared together. I especially enjoyed the seemingly irrelevant quote from Colson (regarding Watergate Scandal), proving human nature.
I did notice typos in the following areas (I know, typos happen; I also know second editions of books come out with edited text):
- “[...] clear consensus as TO who Isaiah was referring TO.” (just before footnote 128) [too many ‘to’s]
- “[...] pulling himself up in an effort to BREATH.” (just before footnote 233) [should be ‘breathe’]
- “[...] 30 DEGREE Fahrenheit” (just before note 270) [should be ‘degrees’]
- “[...] such HAS laboratory” (Summary of ch 7) [should be ‘as’]
What really made me drop the rating to 4 stars is the fact that Dr. Bergeron repeated information constantly. I can get over the fact that there will be repeated facts from one chapter to the next, especially because it’s not super essential to [re]read this in order, but some info was repeated ad nauseum. The same exact phrases were repeated in one paragraph and yet again two paragraphs later. I get it: it makes sense that the Gospels are different and crosses were T (tau)-shaped. I can recall information from one chapter to the next.
Dr. Bergeron had done extensive research to examine the death and resurrection of Christ. While he comes at the event through the eyes of a traditional Orthodox Christian, he does not ignore the other works done since the first century in order to better understand this miracle. Historical contexts and writings are of importance, as is knowing Jewish traditions, particularly in Jesus’ day. Too, Dr. Bergeron brings in research and aspects of other Christian denominations as well as other religions, including Islam.
This is a comprehensive study that warrants credibility.
The Foreword by Dr. Habermas was...unnecessary. I felt that all the explanations were repeated in Dr. Bergeron’s Prologue. The breakdown of the book was reminiscent of a thesis, which was a little strange for me to see not only in a book, but from someone other than an author.
What I really like is that there are footnotes and not endnotes. It makes for a smoother read)
Things that I enjoyed:
~ Dr. Bergeron includes psychiatric illness, which is apparently not typically explored when discussing the Crucifixion.
~ I knew of the historical support of Jesus’ life, but having everything together was extremely helpful
~ There is some very interesting information on Luke’s writings.
~ Dr. Bergeron delves into the importance of politics and socioeconomic statuses (especially with regards to religious standings) in Jesus’ time.
~ The book brings to light the realities of crucifixion in general that even “The Passion of Christ” didn’t.
~ I like the physiological process of Jesus’ death and the plausible causes of it.
~ Having all the possible theories for the Resurrection (“Resurrection”?) were quite interesting when compared together. I especially enjoyed the seemingly irrelevant quote from Colson (regarding Watergate Scandal), proving human nature.
I did notice typos in the following areas (I know, typos happen; I also know second editions of books come out with edited text):
- “[...] clear consensus as TO who Isaiah was referring TO.” (just before footnote 128) [too many ‘to’s]
- “[...] pulling himself up in an effort to BREATH.” (just before footnote 233) [should be ‘breathe’]
- “[...] 30 DEGREE Fahrenheit” (just before note 270) [should be ‘degrees’]
- “[...] such HAS laboratory” (Summary of ch 7) [should be ‘as’]
What really made me drop the rating to 4 stars is the fact that Dr. Bergeron repeated information constantly. I can get over the fact that there will be repeated facts from one chapter to the next, especially because it’s not super essential to [re]read this in order, but some info was repeated ad nauseum. The same exact phrases were repeated in one paragraph and yet again two paragraphs later. I get it: it makes sense that the Gospels are different and crosses were T (tau)-shaped. I can recall information from one chapter to the next.
July 21, 2020
A worthwhile read. This is a short book that concisely explains the death and resurrection of Jesus from a Roman Catholic perspective.
First, there’s a discussion of who the author believed Jesus claimed to be. However, I was very sceptical of his argument. There was also a discussion of the various sources for the life and ministry of Jesus - he cited secular sources, the Christian Greek Scriptures, as well as who he termed the “Apostolic Fathers” and the “Church Fathers”. There was a fascinating discussion of the politics of the time of Jesus which I found quite fascinating and will deepen my understanding of the political context when studying the gospels. Then, there’s a discussion of Jesus’ murder conspiracy, crucifixion, and cause of death. The discussion of his cause of death was fascinating since it is clear there was no way Jesus could have survived pre- or post-crucifixion (since some people question that Jesus died at all). Lastly, there’s a discussion of the account of Jesus’ resurrection and a very good (and successful) argument made that we are on firm ground affirming Jesus was resurrected.
In all, a good book!
First, there’s a discussion of who the author believed Jesus claimed to be. However, I was very sceptical of his argument. There was also a discussion of the various sources for the life and ministry of Jesus - he cited secular sources, the Christian Greek Scriptures, as well as who he termed the “Apostolic Fathers” and the “Church Fathers”. There was a fascinating discussion of the politics of the time of Jesus which I found quite fascinating and will deepen my understanding of the political context when studying the gospels. Then, there’s a discussion of Jesus’ murder conspiracy, crucifixion, and cause of death. The discussion of his cause of death was fascinating since it is clear there was no way Jesus could have survived pre- or post-crucifixion (since some people question that Jesus died at all). Lastly, there’s a discussion of the account of Jesus’ resurrection and a very good (and successful) argument made that we are on firm ground affirming Jesus was resurrected.
In all, a good book!
December 30, 2024
A solid analysis of the historicity of Jesus and a medical analysis of death by crucifixion. Dr. Bergeron goes through the four gospels, showing they are consistent with our medical understanding of death by trauma and blood loss and shock.
Interestingly, the four gospels accurately show correct medical symptoms, although only Luke had any medical knowledge.
I recommend this book for anyone examining the history of Christianity or crucifixion.
Interestingly, the four gospels accurately show correct medical symptoms, although only Luke had any medical knowledge.
I recommend this book for anyone examining the history of Christianity or crucifixion.
November 22, 2021
WELL REASONED ARGUMENTS
Bergeron does a great job of examining all the questions surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. Using medicine and reason to test the validity of all theories, he comes to convincing conclusions. I'd recommend this book to non-Christians and Christians alike.
Bergeron does a great job of examining all the questions surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. Using medicine and reason to test the validity of all theories, he comes to convincing conclusions. I'd recommend this book to non-Christians and Christians alike.
April 10, 2023
This book goes into depth on the crucifixion and how the Roman’s used the cross to inflict as much suffering as possible, along with dragging out the duration of suffering. This is also a good book to read on apologetics. It describes how the eyewitnesses prove that Jesus was God in human flesh and how there were non Christian’s who agreed with the events that took place during Christ’s life.
April 28, 2019
Outside of being reminded about the power of the Roman government and its fearsome hold it had on its people, and reading about the doctor's medical observations and diagnosis as he went through the crucifixion, most of the information was redundant for me.
August 25, 2021
So detailed and adds value to faith
The author has completely transformed so much of the bible for me in the way he presents his discussion on the facts surrounding Jesus. I have always been so grateful for Jesus and being saved but this book has added a greater value.
The author has completely transformed so much of the bible for me in the way he presents his discussion on the facts surrounding Jesus. I have always been so grateful for Jesus and being saved but this book has added a greater value.
March 22, 2026
Interesting but some is confusing
The points he brought up about Jesus's death on the cross is interesting. He explained the readings, how crucifixion was performed at that time. Some of it was a little more difficult to understand for the lay person
The points he brought up about Jesus's death on the cross is interesting. He explained the readings, how crucifixion was performed at that time. Some of it was a little more difficult to understand for the lay person
June 10, 2023
Joe did a great job describing a possible cause of death for Jesus. Most scholars believe it was due to asphyxiation. Joe has a different take that is well supported. You'll have to read the book to find out more.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews