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What if Jesus Christ's bones were found?
By GAIL HOLLENBECK INVERNESS -- Does Wil's Bones make teenagers think, as promoted by the publisher? Four local Christians say the book did make them think, but their opinions about it differ. One youth leader had serious concerns about the message of the book. Another saw value in it but expressed a need for caution in handing it to the youth in his charge. Two teens liked the book, though one said she could not recommend it. Wil's Bones, a political thriller by Kevin Bowen, poses the question "How would the world change if someone discovered the bones of Jesus Christ?" Archaeologist Wil Wilson believes he has discovered the bones of Jesus. It's an exciting discovery for Wilson because of his desire to dismantle his hypocritical, abusive father's religion. Haunted by the physical and emotional abuse perpetrated on the family by his deceased father, a church deacon, Wilson sets out to prove Christianity false. Finding the bones of Christ would disprove the Resurrection, upon which he believes Christians base their faith. The fictional president of the United States is worried that the discovery will indeed destroy Christianity as the world knows it -- along with his re-election prospects. With the election nearing, the president masterminds an international coverup. As events unfold, the president becomes furious with Wilson's resistance. The spin doctors take over and congressional hearings get under way. It's up to Wilson, who must flee from the FBI, to keep his discovery, and himself, alive. Wil's Bones was read by Angie Terry, youth director at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Inverness; Theresa Roberts, 18, a senior at Citrus High School; David Smith, minister to children and youth at First United Methodist Church of Inverness; and Danielle Lozier, 15, a home school student in 10th grade. Here are their opinions: Angie Terry: I have to say I was disappointed in Wil's Bones. The book did keep my attention and kept me wanting to read more at first; however, it ultimately left me wanting and expecting a miracle from God, and the author gave none. No one in Mr. Bowen's book, not even a Christian, had a deep enough relationship with Jesus to say, "Hey, wait a minute. You have your facts messed up." Personally, I would not have reacted as any of his characters did. I have other evidence that tells me the Bible is true. John 14:11 says, "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves." I have seen many such miracles. I have personally prayed for people and seen them healed. My son broke his wrist. I heard it snap, saw it bruise and swell up. And yet God instantly healed him. I have witnessed a blind lady gain her sight. I have experienced personal healing in my heart after a divorce. The miracle of answered prayer is evidence. Miracles beyond human ability are evidence. I also had a hard time with his use of flirtation to draw attention and his references to alcohol. These were never commented on, whether good or bad, and that leaves a bad taste in my mouth in a book for the Christian market. I'm sorry if this comes across as "preachy" and critical. I only know I could not so easily throw my Jesus away. Theresa Roberts: I thought the book was pretty creative. I would recommend the book. It was just enjoyable to read and it was very biblical. It stuck to what the Scripture says about what happened during the crucifixion . . . It did make me think. Before I realized how it ended, the thought was, what if the Resurrection was false? Because that is what we base a lot of Christianity on. So it made me question that on a personal level. My conclusions were that my beliefs are based on faith, and the empty tomb just means that his bones aren't there. I think the book was a lot for entertainment, but I think he was trying to convey how important the message of the Resurrection is, and he was trying to get us to think. David Smith: The book aligned with Scripture as far as the Christian standpoint of salvation through the works of Christ alone, but as far as the Resurrection goes, which is what the book is about, not until the end. The empty tomb does not mean Jesus is alive. It just means he's not there. Because the bones weren't discovered, Christ can't be proven to be false. That is where the author was headed. That is the message I received. I wouldn't say that is the hope that Christianity proclaims by any means. I'm not against challenging the faith on any point. I'm all about science backing Christianity, and I don't mind challenging biblical stories because if they are what they say, then they will stand up to man's best scrutiny. However, I do think that if Christian leaders put this book into teenagers' hands, it needs to be on a monitored basis. I would have conversations with the teens as they read it about certain points the author raised. I don't want our teens to think, "Oh, just because the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive and Christianity is right." No, that's not the truth. Christianity's not right because there's some hole in the wall that's empty. That is a weak argument for the faith. If this book argues people into the faith or argues them out of the faith, it doesn't matter because anybody argued into the faith can be just as easily argued out of it. If their lives are totally transformed, there is no need of argument ... It is a good story. I hope this isn't perceived as a negative opinion of the book. Anyone who's willing to think about their faith can see the holes in this story. Just think for yourself. Danielle Lozier: I wouldn't recommend the book to somebody because there are some sexual scenes in it. If it didn't have all those scenes in it, I would recommend it. It had a lot of adventure in it, and it was very exciting and entertaining. It was very well written. It gave you the feeling of actually being there while all the adventures were happening, and I love books like that. It causes teens' minds to think deeper than they usually do, and that's a good thing. I think it could get you to study and look into things, because some people have been brought up in a Christian home and yet they're not sure if it's totally true. So they look into it, and I think that would be great. I think the author was trying to entertain and also get teens to think truly on what their religion is. I like the way it ended. I'd like to read a sequel. -- Wil's Bones, by Kevin Bowen, is published by Engage Publishing: EngagePublishing.com.
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