Rating: 
Summary: An overall good volume on the "best" of McDowell
Review: Josh McDowell has had a tremendous influence on my life. I remember reading the Evidences books back when they were first printed 20+ years ago. It was tough reading in the outline format, but I was able to accumulate many important facts that helped me in later apologetics ministry. The best of Josh is in this book, as it summarizes much of the Evidences books and puts it into a more readable fashion. This is a much better work than his "Answers to Skeptics" book, which I found to be a little too simplistic. Many of the same answers are listed here. My only criticism is that McDowell may try to bite too much off in one volume. While it serves as a good overall summary to everything from biblical textual criticism to the deity of Christ, he also tries to talk about the major religions. In this section I feel he falls short. For instance, in the section on Judaism, he limits the 3 branches to one paragraph each. Very little can be accomplished in such tight restrictions. However, overall, I would give this book an approving four stars and suggest it be kept on the average Christian's bookshelf, handy for reference on a variety of topics.
Rating: 
Summary: if only it were this easy.
Review: josh mcdowell is an evangelical apologist (defends orthodox Christianity) and a popular speaker on college campuses. this work is an agglomeration of selections from his 2 volume set EVIDENCE THAT DEMANS A VERDICT. in short, this book will answer a lot of simple questions about perceived errors or inconsistencies in the bible. his answers have helped thousands of Christians to strengthen their faiths. with respect to scholarly issues, these are "band-aid" answers however. EXAMPLE: Jesus was either LORD, liar, or lunatic (mcdowell). now this is valid given what Jesus said; however the real question in the eyes of skeptics is did he really ever say what the gospels record. if you have a question for sunday school or just occasional curiosity, this is great for evangelicals - but if you have any serious academic interest, this is probably not the route to go. i personally would suggest cornelius van til.
Rating: 
Summary: If you don't yet believe, you will after reading this.
Review: McDowell provides irrefutable evidence for the ressurection of Jesus Christ. If you read this book with a completely open mind, you will have difficulty not at least giving Christianity a chance.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book and a reply to unfairness mentioned
Review: mcdowells book speaks the truth - the bible is the truth. Mcdowell digs up dirt on other religions not to offend people but to let them know their religions are false. No one digs up dirt on the bible because no one can dis prove the truth! in response to the below review where the reader was offended then i say your heart is closed and i hope you open it becuase only jesus christ and the truth can save you. religions are not compatible and to want to live in harmony with each other creating our own peice on earth is exactley what satan wants and the bible predicted thousands of years ago. If your not with christ your against him, if your against him then your with satan and that means eternity in hell. Its a good thing you were offended by this book maybe you will follow the only truth
Rating:
Summary: a popular mine of scholarly information
Review: This book contains a lot of scholarly information presented in a popular way. Some atheists (Internet infidels) have written many lies about this book, as they do on many other topics. Their ignorance and lies are graciously refuted by J. P. Holding at:
http://www.bookshelf.jwmnet.com/arguments/toc_frame.html
Rating:
Summary: Good evidence but unfair at times
Review: This book had some very good aspects to it, but it also has some flaws, some of which I find disturbing. "A Ready Defense" does a good job of defending the gospels on issues like the historical existence of Jesus, the validity of the New Testament, and specific issues about the Gospels frequently raised by skeptics. McDowell points to historians of Jesus' day writing about him and the whole Jesus Movement. It tries to defend the reliability of the Bible. Finally, it answers questions such as "how could Jesus be raised on the 3rd day when he was in the tomb for 1 1/2 days?"). McDowell's book does a fair job of being what it claims to be: "a ready defense" for Christians confronted with objections to their faith. McDowell is great at digging up dirt on other religions, especially Mormons and Jehovah's Witness'. He does a good job of showing reasoning flaws of these groups and several others. Unfortunately, though, McDowell concentrates so much on the negative sides of other religions that I feel he slanders them at times. This unfair portrayal of other religions is especially true in his analysis of Islam, Buddhism, and other Oriental religions. He tries to show that these religions are entirely incompatible with Christianity, a view that I think is nonsense. If someone were to use McDowell's view of other religions while trying to convert others, he or she would offend many people. Even though this book treats other religions unfairly, it is nevertheless a good resource tool for Christians. You just have to pick and choose which material you accept!
Rating:
Summary: Good evidence but unfair at times
Review: This book had some very good aspects to it, but it also has some flaws, some of which I find disturbing. "A Ready Defense" does a good job of defending the gospels on issues like the historical existence of Jesus, the validity of the New Testament, and specific issues about the Gospels frequently raised by skeptics. McDowell points to historians of Jesus' day writing about him and the whole Jesus Movement. It tries to defend the reliability of the Bible. Finally, it answers questions such as "how could Jesus be raised on the 3rd day when he was in the tomb for 1 1/2 days?"). McDowell's book does a fair job of being what it claims to be: "a ready defense" for Christians confronted with objections to their faith. McDowell is great at digging up dirt on other religions, especially Mormons and Jehovah's Witness'. He does a good job of showing reasoning flaws of these groups and several others. Unfortunately, though, McDowell concentrates so much on the negative sides of other religions that I feel he slanders them at times. This unfair portrayal of other religions is especially true in his analysis of Islam, Buddhism, and other Oriental religions. He tries to show that these religions are entirely incompatible with Christianity, a view that I think is nonsense. If someone were to use McDowell's view of other religions while trying to convert others, he or she would offend many people. Even though this book treats other religions unfairly, it is nevertheless a good resource tool for Christians. You just have to pick and choose which material you accept!
Rating:
Summary: Good, but not enough
Review: This book is a broad overview of topics discussed by the author in other writings. I found it interesting, informative, and thought-provoking. However, due to the nature of the collection there is not as much given to each topic as could be hoped. Not quite as in-depth as it should be, but a good starting point.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but not enough
Review: This book is a broad overview of topics discussed by the author in other writings. I found it interesting, informative, and thought-provoking. However, due to the nature of the collection there is not as much given to each topic as could be hoped. Not quite as in-depth as it should be, but a good starting point.
Rating:
Summary: Great christian spiritual firepower to defend your faith
Review: This book is a great resource to use to strengthen your faith.... Sceptics who dismiss this book are doing so by preconcieved bias;notions based on finite knowledge, which ,at best, makes their skepticism, silly, weak(no sited sources) opinions. After reading this book, if sceptics were objective,they would at least conclude from the impressive evidence, that the bible is a masterpiece;one of the wonders/mysteries of the world! Evidence includes: 1) Archeology- Atheist ,in the past, who have said the people and places in the bible are fairy tales, have egg in their faces. Archeologists over the past 100 years have found that those people and places, in the bible, do exist..Check it out in the library , partner.2) Legal expert Simon Greenleaf- Former atheist, who tried to discredit the resurrection story. He used only the valid testimonies from witnesses. Greenleaf came to the conclusion that Jesus's resurrection is the the best supported factual event in all of history.3)All prophecies that are fulfilled in bible- this proves the bible was not written by Men;God also chose which books to go into the bible by influencing men- to keep it HIS word. The council ,led by GOD, weeded out books which are deceptive counterfits.4) Much more evidences- Regardless of the fact sceptics remain unconvinced, I applaud this book as a success. After reading it christians, no sceptic will be able to shake your faith in CHRIST JESUS. My advice to the skeptics- is to do your own research on all topics.Visit the library partner-- Christians, this work is a winner worth 5+ stars. Order it today!! ~Rob
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