Rating: 
Summary: Perfect for New Believers
Review: I've checked every book I can get my hands on for a book that would answer the questions that almost every new Christian asks. None have the answers or even pose the questions that this book does. Most authors approach it from a theological perspective instead of looking at the evidence. He answers questions about where we get the Bible from, how can we know its accurate, what about apparent contradictions, what about the theory of evolution, all the answers that I had to come up with on my own, Josh presents in a succinct format. I'm getting 10 copies to give away to people that have decided to follow Jesus. The only criticism I have is for the last question which is out of place for this book.
Rating:
Summary: Right on the mark - A "must buy"!!
Review: Josh puts together the questions that are eating away in the hearts of sceptics and provides solid intelectual answers. This is a grear follow up book after those late night Q&A sessions with a friend. Or, better yet, read it and use it when sharing with others. Its also a good "foundational strenghthening" for "old" Christians!! Got to have it in the collection!
Rating: 
Summary: Good Introduction for a Christian Response to Hard Questions
Review: McDowell has written a good title for responding to questions skeptics may ask in the following areas:
The Bible, Jesus Christ, God, Miracles Then and Now, Bible Difficulties, World Religions, Christianity, Believing Faith, The Shroud of Turin, and Creation Accounts.
The author honestly and clearly addresses these questions as a conservative Christian. While people may not agree with McDowell's conclusions (as a conservative Christian myself, I think he gives excellent and thought-provoking answers), they will be challenged to think about what real truth is.
For the skeptic: keep an open mind (how ironic - liberals and skeptics often challenge conservative Christians to be open-minded!) and think hard about what you believe and honestly evaluate your beliefs in light of Scripture.
For the believer: use this title as an good introduction to how to address hard questions you may be asked by others.
All in all, an excellent introduction to Christian thought. If you are looking for something more advanced, I suggest When Critics Ask (Norm Geisler), Hard Sayings of the Bible (various authors), or The New Evidence Demands a Verdict (Josh McDowell).
Read and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: A Tough Book
Review: McDowell in this book provides some answers that are solid and answer common objections to Christianity today. Some say that the Biblical records are just fiction, or are just "hearsay upon hearsay" written many years after Jesus died, but if one rejects the Bible accounts like that, he or she is forced to reject just about every other historical document that we acknowledge without thinking as truthful and historical, such as Ceasar's history of the Gallic Wars. Basically, if we discount the New Testament documents, then we would have to throw out, say, a WWII vet's first hand testimony of a battle he was in. There are some solid reasons for believing that the accounts were not doctored, extrapolated, or exaggerated in any way.
Rating:
Summary: A Tough Book
Review: McDowell in this book provides some answers that are solid and answer common objections to Christianity today. Some say that the Biblical records are just fiction, or are just "hearsay upon hearsay" written many years after Jesus died, but if one rejects the Bible accounts like that, he or she is forced to reject just about every other historical document that we acknowledge without thinking as truthful and historical, such as Ceasar's history of the Gallic Wars. Basically, if we discount the New Testament documents, then we would have to throw out, say, a WWII vet's first hand testimony of a battle he was in. There are some solid reasons for believing that the accounts were not doctored, extrapolated, or exaggerated in any way.
Rating:
Summary: I am Reluctant to Join This Debate
Review: McDowell's book has become a sort of an excuse to further their own pre-existing ideas. For this reason, I am reluctant to enter my review of this book. However, I do think I can give those considering buying this book some information. For the record, I am a devout Christian. I enjoyed reading the book and found it interestig and insightful, but I don't think I was reading it for the same reasons as others. I did not read it in order to "arm" myself as I argue God's existance with unbelievers. I did not read it because the book is somewhat fluffy and I could easily argue that McDowell presents shoddy research. I read it simply because I am a Christian and I desired a little more insight into the faith to which I subscribe. Here are some of My Brief Answers to Frequently Asked Questions: Will this book sufficiently arm me as I do battle with Unbelievers?: Probably not Is this book intened to be the end-all, be-all, convincing me that God definately does exist?: Probably not. Is the research thorough and clearly preented: Not really. If I do not believe in God, will it cause me to question my non-belief a little bit?: Quite possibly. The reason (I believe) McDowell wrote this book is so that unbelievers would critically think about their faith or lack thereof. The breity and simplicity of the book make it very inviting. Putting myself in the unbeliever's shoes, if I decided it would benefit me to read an apologist's book, I think I'd rather spend very little time doing it then a great deal of time, making McDowell's book all the more inviting. Furthermore, to refute McDowell's arguments, I'd be forced to study history and the Bible more. Imagine that. So, McDowell's ulterior motive is to get unbelievers to feel a little uncomfortable and make an attempt to reaffirm their belief that there is no God (or at least no Christian God)through researching Biblical truths and the Bible. If we learn a little about McDowell, he was an athiest who was challenged to research Biblical truths in order to refute them and wound up convincing himself that the Bible is true and that God does indeed exist. Do you think he might be hoping the same thing will happen to other unbelievers who pick this book up? To sum everything up this book will be good for you if you read it for the "right" reasons. I enjoyed it and recommend it for a light read.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource to defend Jesus as LORD
Review: This book dares to give evidence/answers for skeptics regarding the Christian faith; as being the only true faith. I admitt that this book will only be a success in the hands of fundamental christians. It will give those who love the LORD logical /intellectual fire power when under attack by the world. Therefore, I commend Mcdowell's work as a sucess regardless of the fact skeptics remain unconvinced. - Really, skeptics need to actually DO the research THEMSELVES,rather than believe the spurious theories from their pseudo-intellectual professors of past or present. First, If I were you, I would be critical of the credibility and objectivity of (most) the sceptical reviewers; who feel they have to trash and mock Mcdowell and christians. It's one thing to reject this book as fallicious material; and give examples ,but insults??...I would disregard the reviewer as objective. Second, the claims the skeptics make , are weak opinions, to which most are (again) unsupported by any stated facts. Opinions that are presuppostions based on FINITE knowledge of the skeptic's reality...What hard evidence do skeptics have to disprove Jesus as GOD?....Unlike Josh, who tells of Simon Greenleaf (former atheist),the greatest mind/scholar who wrote a brilliant paper on valid evidence. Trying to disprove the Resurrection of Jesus,Greenleaf found that it is the BEST DOCUMENTED event in history; based only on VALID evidence.(Jesus is truly GOD!) Mcdowell also points to archeology. Places and people that sceptics have said are fairy tales of the BIBLE;Archeology is finding these people/places did exist!(Egg in one's face can make one mad) Also, Josh points out though logic and investigation, that we CAN rely on the bible as a source of truth ;in regards to what Jesus actually said and taught(Based on reliable witness[Greenleaf, add etc]). I recommend this book, but also Josh Mcdowell's book "A Ready Defense..The Best of Josh Mcdowell" ... The later book gives better evidence!- Of course, no amount of evidence will satisfy the skeptic ,who wants to live in rebellion against the one , true GOD ;of all that exist. ...If it's hooey, why insult? Instead cite some solid facts with sources. -Perhaps Josh Mcdowell's books are truly a thorn in the side of skeptics; the truth sometimes hurts one's psyche...even unconsciously! -Give this book a chance by doing your own research on it and it's sources. It will be found to deliver the truth regarding Christianity! ~ ROB L
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource to defend Jesus as LORD
Review: This book dares to give evidence/answers for skeptics regarding the Christian faith; as being the only true faith. I admitt that this book will only be a success in the hands of fundamental christians. It will give those who love the LORD logical /intellectual fire power when under attack by the world. Therefore, I commend Mcdowell's work as a sucess regardless of the fact skeptics remain unconvinced. - Really, skeptics need to actually DO the research THEMSELVES,rather than believe the spurious theories from their pseudo-intellectual professors of past or present. First, If I were you, I would be critical of the credibility and objectivity of (most) the sceptical reviewers; who feel they have to trash and mock Mcdowell and christians. It's one thing to reject this book as fallicious material; and give examples ,but insults??...I would disregard the reviewer as objective. Second, the claims the skeptics make , are weak opinions, to which most are (again) unsupported by any stated facts. Opinions that are presuppostions based on FINITE knowledge of the skeptic's reality...What hard evidence do skeptics have to disprove Jesus as GOD?....Unlike Josh, who tells of Simon Greenleaf (former atheist),the greatest mind/scholar who wrote a brilliant paper on valid evidence. Trying to disprove the Resurrection of Jesus,Greenleaf found that it is the BEST DOCUMENTED event in history; based only on VALID evidence.(Jesus is truly GOD!) Mcdowell also points to archeology. Places and people that sceptics have said are fairy tales of the BIBLE;Archeology is finding these people/places did exist!(Egg in one's face can make one mad) Also, Josh points out though logic and investigation, that we CAN rely on the bible as a source of truth ;in regards to what Jesus actually said and taught(Based on reliable witness[Greenleaf, add etc]). I recommend this book, but also Josh Mcdowell's book "A Ready Defense..The Best of Josh Mcdowell" ... The later book gives better evidence!- Of course, no amount of evidence will satisfy the skeptic ,who wants to live in rebellion against the one , true GOD ;of all that exist. ...If it's hooey, why insult? Instead cite some solid facts with sources. -Perhaps Josh Mcdowell's books are truly a thorn in the side of skeptics; the truth sometimes hurts one's psyche...even unconsciously! -Give this book a chance by doing your own research on it and it's sources. It will be found to deliver the truth regarding Christianity! ~ ROB L
Rating: 
Summary: Joke
Review: this book is a joke. The typical run-around answers Christians always seem to give when posed with a paradox in their faith
Rating:
Summary: Simplistic & Amateurish
Review: This book is a terrible defence of Christianity, and would only be swallowed by very uncritical readers or people who are new to apologetics. There are a few good insights here and there, but overall, anyone with even a rudimentary knowledge of skeptical arguments would be able to logically rip this book to shreds. If you're looking for a good apologetics book, don't look at this one. As a Christian, I'm embarrassed that this book claims to provide good answers to tough questions. You can do much better.
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