Peter Elwood

A Medical Scientist Examines the Life of Jesus Peter Elwood

During more than fifty years in medical research, Elwood honed his skills in evaluating evidence-evidence of benefit from drugs, from clinical procedures, and above all, from lifestyle. The overall aim throughout was not just an increase in survival but also the enriching of the health and the well-being of patients. In this book, Elwood examines the person and the life of Jesus and its relevance to our daily lives and to our relationships. Starting with the virgin birth, he examines the evidence in the story by Mary that her conception and pregnancy were unique and are consistent with the person of Jesus having a human and a divine origin. He then examines the life and teaching of Jesus and shows how this can enrich and give purpose to the lives of those who follow Jesus. Finally, Elwood reconstructs the details of the death and the resurrection of Jesus and attempts to explain some of the underlying purposes and meaning for us of these events. In neither his medical work nor in this book does Elwood ever claim proof, freely admitting there is always another possible explanation. Throughout the book, Elwood sees faith as one possible response to evidence, but he commends the seeking of further evidence as an indication of honest doubt on the part of the inquirer.