Robert M. Bowman Jr.
Endorsements
“Robert Bowman has done a wonderful service for anyone interested in the foundations of traditional Christianity and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With fairness, and yet historical rigor, he examines the central events that lie at the heart of both Christianity and Mormonism. Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions is a must-read for scholars and lay people who are open to considering the historical credibility of the respective religions. Even if you disagree with Bowman’s conclusions, you will gain a much deeper understanding of the evidence in favor of (and against) the foundational events for traditional Christianity and Mormonism.”
Sean McDowell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Apologetics, Talbot School of Theology
Author, The Fate of the Apostles
Co-editor, Sharing the Good News with Mormons
“Seldom are readers treated to such a scholarly evaluation of a prominent religious movement as Robert Bowman has undertaken in this volume. Time and again the necessary care is taken to document the myriad details, along with the corresponding, painstaking analysis and interpretation. The notes and sources by themselves are truly worth the price of the volume. Highly recommended.”
Gary R. Habermas, Ph.D.
Distinguished Research Professor & Chair, Philosophy Department, Liberty University
Author of numerous books including The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ and The Risen Jesus and Future Hope
“In Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions, Robert Bowman beautifully compares the foundational claims of Mormonism and those of Christianity. Comparative explorations help to illuminate the distinctions between strong and weak evidence in ways otherwise not seen. Remarkably, he shows that the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is both very good and overwhelmingly more credible than that of the visions of Joseph Smith. Mormons examining the quality of evidence might justifiably reject the visions of Smith and yet form a positive judgment about the resurrection of Jesus. They needn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.”
Corey Miller, Ph.D.
President, Ratio Christi: Campus Apologetics Alliance
Co-author, Leaving Mormonism: Why Four Scholars Changed Their Minds
“Mormon leaders know full well that if Joseph Smith’s account of his First Vision and of his encounter with the angel Moroni can be discredited, Mormonism itself would be discredited. Robert Bowman invites readers to experience the environment in which Joseph Smith lived, and in doing so, offers compelling evidence as to why both of these events must be seriously questioned—and ultimately rejected.”
Bill McKeever
Founder, Mormonism Research Ministry
Co-author, Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints
“The apostle Paul claimed the risen Jesus had appeared to him. So did Joseph Smith. Is one justified in believing the former while doubting the latter? No one on Earth is more qualified to answer this question than Robert Bowman, a very careful scholar who is an expert on both the historical Jesus and Mormonism. You will not find Mormon-bashing in this volume. Instead, readers will encounter carefully and clearly articulated arguments based on a robust knowledge of the primary sources of early Christianity and Mormonism. If you are a Mormon or are considering joining the LDS Church, or if you have any other interest in Mormonism, I commend this book to you above all others.”
Michael Licona, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Theology, Houston Baptist University
Author, The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach
“Robert Bowman invites us to the court of reason. Those on trial are Jesus, Joseph, the apostle Paul, and all who became part of the ‘Restoration of the Gospel.’ Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions is a compelling case, and no doubt Mormons and Evangelicals will want to dialogue about it. The research is thorough and thought-provoking. No matter your view, you will follow intently as Dr. Bowman examines the witnesses to see if any were frauds. From the evidence, you can draw your verdict.”
Donna Morley, Ph.D.
Co-founder, Faith and Reason Forum
Adjunct Professor, The Master’s University
Author, What Do I Say to Mormon Friends and Missionaries? and Evidence of the Bible and Book of Mormon Compared (forthcoming)
“In an age when many former Mormons are turning to atheism, Robert Bowman does an excellent job of explaining why Mormons should believe in Jesus’ resurrection and not in Joseph’s visions. This book will help Mormons understand why they should not throw out Jesus with Joseph.”
Keith Walker
President, Evidence Ministries
Reviews
Johnson, Eric. MRM.org.
“Those Latter-day Saints who are determined to keep their faith in the religion of Mormonism…quick, put this book down immediately and flee the Devil.”
Phillips, Rob. “New Book Casts Doubts on Alleged Visions of Mormonism’s Founder, Joseph Smith.” The Pathway, Sept. 17, 2020.
“Every person who is interested in Mormonism needs to read this fabulous book…. Bowman reminds me of a lawyer who lays out his case to the jury in a systematic fashion, crossing his t’s and dotting his i’s each time, making it very difficult for the defendant to counter the evidence.”
Waltz, David. “A Tale of Two Tomes.” Articuli Fidei (blog), Oct. 21, 2020. LDS apologist misreads the book but concludes, “despite its weaknesses, I still think the book is worth reading.”