The Garden Tomb is the third in a trilogy of books, the prior volumes covering the events surrounding Gethsemene and Golgotha, and so named. I have not read the first two volumes, but if this third book is any indication of the quality and depth of the author's appreciation for the subject, then I suspect these are also very good productions.

I recently reviewed the first volume of another three-volume series titled The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ, also published by Deseret Book. In that review, I expressed great enthusiasm for the contributors' use of non-Mormon sources, relying less on Latter-day Saint writers and thus both opening the discussion to a wider readership, and bringing the benefits of non-Mormon biblical scholarship to an LDS audience. Skinner's book takes another approach: He takes us behind the scenes and brings the events to life, weaving together the words of prophets both ancient and modern, creating a uniquely LDS-themed understanding of this amazing story. This approach is also appreciated in that it offers faithful Latter-day Saints an opportunity to immerse themselves in the teachings of their Church.

But why the need for an LDS theme? Much of the story can be told with greater detail, and increased understanding, when one views the events through a Mormon lens. Several chapters, for example, are devoted to consideration of the Spirit world, based on the Bible, latter-day revelation, and the words of Mormon leaders. This added insight brings the events of the Bible story into clearer focus, and adds to the reader's appreciation for the great price paid by the Saviour for our redemption.

The current volume picks up the Passion story at the point where Jesus is taken from the cross and buried in the tomb. We are taken in some detail through the events that transpired, many beyond the view of human eyes, during the next three days. Finally, we walk with Jesus and the apostles during His 40 day sojourn before His ascension into the heavens. There is barely any mention of His visit to the Americas, as described in the Book of Mormon. This may have been considered beyond the scope of this present work.

One theme I saw running through the entire book can be summarized in a single word -- intimacy. Skinner writes, not as a detached scholar or an erudite professor, but rather as one immersed in his subject, captivated by the story, and anxious to share that intimate connection with Jesus Christ. His love for the Lord, for the story, and for the hope that awaits us, is deeply felt. And this can make all the difference in transforming cold words on a page into inspiring and uplifting thoughts.

There is much to the Passion story that even Mel Gibson could not tell. When one folds into the biblical narrative the insights of the Restoration, the reader comes away with a deeper sense of the path through mortality to the rewards of eternal life. There is no dreary sorrow here, only a great joy and a deep, profound gratitude.

This is a lovely book, and can be read with great benefit. I happily recommend it.

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Jeff Needle
March 22, 2005