In “The Searchers: A Quest for Faith in the Valley of Doubt” professor and historian Joseph Loconte takes his readers back in time and joins the two travelers on their journey down the ancient road to Emmaus. Using the crucifixion of Christ as the backdrop of his story, Loconte chronicles for us, by expounding the passage of Luke 24, the search these two friends are now engaged in. A search for meaning. A search for purpose. A search for understanding after their lives were shattered seeing their Savior crucified just days earlier.

Loconte shows how the journey and search of these two friends parallels our own journey and search in life. What Loconte reveals to us in that the doubts and fears of these two friends are our doubts and fears. We will all have circumstances and events that shake our foundations and challenge our beliefs. In the same way Jesus guided these two men with the facts that He was Israel’s promised Messiah, the Father’s plan for redemption through Calvary’s cross, and that He would rise again, Loconte also serves as a guide. Using elements such as philosophy, science, history, poetry, pop culture, and religion, Loconte brilliantly weaves together their journey and ours. For example, in Chapter Four, entitled “End of Illusions”, in order to draw the parallel from ancient Jerusalem to today, Loconte included references to Sigmund Freud, Robert Browning, The Bourne Identity, Cold War Communism, The Ottoman Empire, Old Testament Prophecy, Johnny Cash, and Clement Attlee.

The Searchers is a thought-provoking work. It is packed full of facts and historical information. This book is 205 pages long and is not an easy read. Although the book wrapped around the twenty-three verses of Luke 24, the supporting information will take some time to digest. I recommend this book to all who may be struggling with doubt. There is great insight to be found here. A great tool for all believers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”