The Constantine Codex (Skeleton Series) (edition 2011)

Pretty good. It does a good job of showing how the researchers work. It felt a little condescending for Jon to explain some things to Shannon she should know as well as he did, but I know it was to have a way to explain it to the reader.

In the debate the best defense of the Trinity he could come up with is he believes because it was unbelievable.

The missing chapters match the orthodox teachings. Even using the cross as a symbol long before it was in actual use.

The ending felt like it went too smoothing. Things worked out a little to well for me to find it believable. ( )

This story postulates the fictional discovery of a long-lost codex commissioned by Emperor Constantine (this commission is historically accurate). This New Testament codex is identical to the Bible in every way, with the exception that it contains additional verses to the gospel of Mark and also a second book of Acts. In the former, the verses bring about a completion to the abrupt and 'hanging' state of the gospel -- mentioning the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The latter, expounds on the life and fate of the apostle Paul after his arrest.

The point to note is that the 'discoveries' are in no way deemed to be apocryphal in that they do not contradict or challenge the Bible, as we know it. As a matter of fact, in the story, an ecumenical council (comprising Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestants) is convened to decide if the writings should be included into the Scriptural Canons.

A decent story, but lacking the Dan Brown zing!

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Maier's first novel, "A Skeleton in God's Closet" was excellent. But, this one was... SLOOOOOWWWW! I couldn't get into it. Not to mention the characters seemed shallow and the plot contrived. Cool cover though. ( )

In the third book of his Skeleton series, historian Paul L. Maier has written a taut, compelling thriller. A scrap of parchment leads archeologist Jonathon Weber and his wife Shannon on a wild chase after an ancient manuscript that could change the way the world views the Scriptures. Soon however, the precious pages are stolen and the hunt is on for the lost book of the Bible. Paul Erdman coined the phrase "theological thriller" for Prof. Maiers genre and it fits well. Carefully penned, carefully researched, the resulting story is indeed a classic thriller that takes on the well debated subject of the Ressurection. This fast-paced story is an exciting exploration of the origins of Christianity that could have been ripped from today's headlines. The Webers are well developed characters and a likable couple, the dialogue is crisp and the story never lags. From the halls of Harvard to Istanbul and Rome, The Constantine Codex keeps you on the edge of your seat. Has Jon Weber really found the missing Second Acts? Is St. Paul really buried in the crypt under the Basilica? Forgery or not, will the codex be forever lost? Pick up Paul L. Maier's newest thriller, The Constantine Codex to find out! ( )

While the main plot of the book is a thrilling search after an archeological find to uncover an ancient manuscript that could lead to another bible, and the forces who don't want this codex to be made public, I found the secondary plot more interesting, as it contained a debate between a Harvard professor and a expert theologian in Islam comparing Christianity with Islam. The content of the debate provides good arguments equally for each religion, while not shying away from pointing out inconsistencies in both.

Maier provides us with a look at biblical history while holding us enthralled by the twists in the complex thriller. ( )