What Christ Suffered - 2nd Edition by Thomas W McGovern (Paperback)

About the Book

In this revised and expanded edition, Dr. Thomas W. McGovern provides the most accurate, up-to-date understanding of the sufferings of Jesus Christ, using ancient Greek and Latin literature about crucifixion, discoveries of ancient images, archaeology, medical reenactment studies, and medical case reports.

Book Synopsis

What Christ suffered during his Passion -- for you -- is a powerful source of reflection and meditation.

While we know Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem around AD 33, the details have been confused and obscured over the past two millennia. In this revised and expanded edition of What Christ Suffered, Dr. Thomas W. McGovern provides the most accurate, up-to-date understanding of the sufferings of Jesus Christ, using ancient Greek and Latin literature about crucifixion, discoveries of ancient images, archaeology, medical reenactment studies, and medical case reports. In addition, drawing on the teachings of Pope Saint John Paul II in Salvifici Doloris and the author's own experience with suffering, this book offers practical ways to respond to suffering, both our own and that of others.

This medical investigation of the Passion allows readers to enter more fully than ever into the reality of what Jesus suffered for our redemption. His Passion really comes alive and has the potential to heal us when we come to know him more deeply in our own sufferings. By his sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus has won salvation for the whole world, redeeming even our sufferings through his incredible act of love.

Review Quotes

"Dr. McGovern's What Christ Suffered is not only a serious look at the medical dimensions of Christ's suffering and death, it is rich in spiritual insights along the way. As you watch Jesus walk the way of the cross, you accompany him. You become aware of Jesus' physical burdens and medical complications but also learn how to, ideally, walk with him in suffering. While others have attempted to analyze the medical facts of Christ's suffering and death in the past, no one has scoured the literature and tested competing hypotheses with the consistency and determination of Dr. McGovern. It is a perfect blend of faith, science, apologetics, and spirituality." -- Al Kresta, CEO of Ave Maria Radio and host of Kresta in the Afternoon

"Dr. Thomas McGovern's remarkable new book, What Christ Suffered: A Doctor's Journey Through the Passion, marks a major contribution to the study of the Passion with arguably the most complete analysis and reflection on the suffering of Christ. There have been other scientific studies, such as A Doctor at Calvary by Pierre Barbet, MD, but McGovern's work is unique in the way that it combines both the most recent medical understanding of what the Redeemer suffered and a powerful and rich theological and spiritual reflection on its meaning. McGovern's book will be the standard text on the physical sufferings of Christ for many years to come." -- Dr. Matthew Bunson, author of The Encyclopedia of Catholic History

"Dr. Tom McGovern has done all Christians an excellent service by using his medical experience and knowledge to shed light on the harsh reality of Jesus' sufferings. Cutting through many established traditions and well-meant misunderstandings, he brings us face to face with the Holy Face and helps us glimpse in harrowing detail the physical torment and death of Jesus Christ. What Christ Suffered will remain on my shelves as a valuable resource for Good Friday meditation for years to come." -- Fr. Dwight Longenecker, author of The Mystery of the Magi, blogger, speaker, and parish priest

"I am very happy and proud to recommend for your reading What Christ Suffered: A Doctor's Journey Through the Passion by my friend from my university days, Dr. Thomas McGovern. It will inspire your faith and help you appreciate what we read in Isaiah: 'He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.'" -- Archbishop Alexander Sample, Archdiocese of Portland

"Sometimes even devout Christians can speak of the Lord's suffering and death in rather abstract terms. Dr. McGovern's meticulous and medically precise study of Jesus' crucifixion prevents this. But his purpose is not simply clinical exactitude; it is to immerse us in the dense reality of what Jesus endured to save us. As such, this text appeals to mind, heart, and soul." -- Bishop Robert Barron, Diocese of Winona-Rochester

"St. Augustine taught that faith seeks understanding, and in that spirit, McGovern offers a medical exposition of Jesus Christ's Passion. But he does more than that, inviting the reader on a journey that will move this knowledge from the head to the heart. A journey well worth taking!" -- Curtis Martin, founder of FOCUS

"The book helps us learn how to face our fears and suffer better with Jesus and uses his Agony in the Garden as a paradigm for how to do that practically. It integrates Salvifici Doloris and its lessons throughout the Passion." -- Edward Sri, theologian and author of No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk through Christ's Passion

"This book needs to be on your reading list! Dr. McGovern presents medical, biblical, and archeological evidence to take readers to pivotal moments of Jesus' suffering. His description of places and events awakens the senses to see, feel, and hear the salvific suffering endured for us. After reading this, you will understand the joy from suffering and love Jesus more." -- Dr. Michael Parker, President of the Catholic Medical Association

"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." -- Barbara Golder, MD, JD, Editor in Chief, The Linacre Quarterly

"When Dr. McGovern spoke to Benedictine College students about a doctor's view of the Passion of Christ, our students began asking (demanding) that the presentation be written in a book so others would be able to be inspired and moved like they were -- and now it is! Dr. McGovern looks at the Passion through a doctor's eyes but also with an understanding of the suffering that Jesus went through for us. He is able to address the difficult facts of the Passion with faith in the love and compassion of Jesus Christ, knowing that this had to happen for God's will to be done. This book should be required reading for all Christians during Lent." -- Stephen D. Minnis, President of Benedictine College

"When I was in my early twenties, I bought a used copy of Pierre Barbet's book A Doctor at Calvary. Writing shortly after World War II, Barbet strove to describe the physiological suffering of Jesus, using then-current terms of modern medicine. The book so moved me that I took its culminating chapter -- a narrative description of Jesus' tortures -- as my reading for Lenten Fridays every year. Now that book has been superseded. What Christ Suffered by Thomas W. McGovern, MD, re-examines the Passion in terms of more advanced medicine and more recent archaeological discoveries. As a surgeon, Dr. McGovern critically surveys earlier books on the subject, and he exhaustively reviews 3,000 years' worth of literature on the techniques of crucifixion and scourging. Along the way he takes fascinating detours into botany and other sciences. Grateful as I am to Dr. Barbet, his book has now been replaced on my shelf -- and his account has been enhanced to a degree almost unbearable. What Christ Suffered is a great work of scientific research -- and a profound work of devotion. This is a very important book, perfect for Lenten reading." -- Mike Aquilina, executive vice president and trustee of St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and award-winning author