What Christ Suffered: A Doctor's Journey Through the Passion

In the 19th century, Stroud's treatise was the height of study of Jesus' Passion and Crucifixion. The 20th century brought Barbet's medical and surgical perspective with greater scientific support to guide others. In this, the 21st century, Dr. Tom McGovern has synthesized not only the medical analysis of this turning-point event in human history. He has also thoroughly studied the historical, cultural, and theological factors not only in the time of Christ's earthly life, but in the centuries preceding and following. Further, and with great insights, he enlightens the modern reader with his analysis of the relationship between Christ's suffering and our own trials and questions about personal suffering. This area of study now has a new standard, and it is a high standard indeed.Dr. McGovern's comprehensive research, travels, and inquiries have produced an extensively referenced and richly illustrated text, which allows the reader to identify and investigate his many resources. For those who seek a detailed discussion focused on the eighteen hour ordeal for Jesus, all eleven chapters provide the necessary information. Contributing factors to the ultimate death of Christ on the cross are considered, from blood loss to meteorologic information. Sound theories are supported and weak hypotheses are discounted with objective data and analysis by the author. Dr. McGovern's honesty about correcting some of his mistaken beliefs in the past about the Passion and Crucifixion is an indication of his focus on the truth of this episode in history. In this reviewer's opinion, a great benefit of this book is found in the final one-third of its pages. The nearly sixty pages of two appendices provide exquisite details about the literature, archaeology, and art related to the Crucifixion. A fifteen page bibliography is rich and serves as a thorough road map for further study. And, the twenty-one pages of notes to each chapter provides the support for the author's views and interpretations.Throughout this text, a warm introspection is mixed with the cold cruelty of the story. Dr. McGovern masterfully analyzes and interprets Christ's suffering with applications that are beneficial to us today. The learning obtained from this book successfully incorporates both the details of this "hinge of history" and our need to understand the reasons, needs, and blessings that accompany suffering. Bravo, Dr. McGovern! A new and high bar has been established!

In this book, Dr. Thomas McGovern examines the Passion of Jesus Christ as told in the Scriptures through the eyes of a medical doctor. We see what was actually happening to the body of Christ as he sweat blood in Gethsemane, was scourged at the hands of the Romans in Jerusalem, was forced to carry a heavy cross up Calvary, and was crucified. We see the moment that led to his death, as well as when as his legs were broken and he was pierced with a spear.This book is the fruit of decades of scholarly scouring through relevant historical texts, ancient literature, archaeology, ancient graffiti, epigraphy, and art. Few details are actually given in Scripture of what Christ experienced, but through these other sources, McGovern is able to present a treasure trove of relevant scholarship that informs how we can better understand the story of our salvation.The book includes medical illustrations and photos of artifacts that support McGovern's claims about what Jesus suffered. McGovern also leads the reader through the scholarly debates that rage regarding topics such as the asphyxiation theory, the cardiac rupture theory, and more. McGovern has taught a class on this topic through Catholic Distance University as well as presented his findings in talks and conferences around the world, including to other physicians. I was fortunate to be present when he spoke on the topic in Jerusalem. McGovern unpacked each horrific detail, overpowering the heart and revealing the extremity of Christ's sufferings. The presentation thoroughly convicted the souls of those present of the depth of what Christ experienced for each of us. This long-awaited book offers people everywhere the opportunity to enter into the sufferings of Christ and thus reflect on HIs wondrous love for us. Highly recommended - especially for Lent!

I received a complimentary copy for review.This is not just another medical analysis of the Crucifixion. It’s a meditation on suffering and love , seen through the eyes of a physician who follows Jesus, and it is well worth your time.Dr. Tom McGovern has written what will be—for a long time to come—the definitive work examining the pathology and physiology of the Crucifixion, but it would be a mistake to lump this in with so many other books that have concentrated on the horrors of the Passion without understanding the love that underscored it. Dr. McGovern understands that suffering is woven into the fabric of life, and into the essence of love in relationship, and his discussion of that theme throughout this book is what makes it so special. No matter your background or your interest, if you have ever mused about why we suffer and what it all means, there is something in this book for you.It is written from a Catholic perspective, but I believe other Christians--and those who are seeking-- will also find it informative, engaging, and will find something new and valuable in its pages.