THE PASSOVER PLOT

by Hugh J. Schonfield ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 10, 1966

The provocative title of this book reflects the controversial nature of its contents. Mr. Schonfield has taken the two central dogmas of traditional Christianity--the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ--and has reinterpreted the gospel narratives in such a way as to demonstrate that Christ was crucified as part of a plan on his part consciously to fulfill the ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah, and that when he died, accidentally as it were, from the spear thrust of the Roman soldier, his body was taken from Joseph of Arimathea's tomb and secretly buried by his disciples. It is unusual to find a scholar as accomplished as Mr. Schonfield writing for a popular audience on a subject so controversial in such an anti-traditional manner. At a time when the publicly proclaimed death of God has stirred the imagination and interest of the public, the author's contentions and his literary gifts, in addition to the publisher's projected advertising campaign, should make this work the center of a storm of controversy as heated as that which rages in England at the present time over the same work. Though the shock value of the work will assure the interest of the general reader, the scholar too will be drawn to it by Mr. Schonfield's sound use of his sources and by his careful distinctions between fact and conjecture. Although Passover Plot will undoubtedly be condemned by the dogmatists of every Christian church, it should reach a very large audience.

Pub Date: Aug. 10, 1966

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Geis

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1966

Categories: NONFICTION