Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Book Review: Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell

When I became a Christian, one book that I heard referred to a lot, outside the Bible, was Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell. In the book, McDowell looks at the claims of Christianity and defends it. He also takes a look at the archeological evidence that supports the Christian faith in way that even the simplest skeptic can read and understand. I never had the chance to read the book during my early days as a Christian, so when the opportunity arose for me to finally read and also review the book, I took it.

This version of Evidence That Demands A Verdict has been revised for a new generation with some of the same of old questions as well as some new ones. As the culture changes, so does some of the doubts of the Christian faith while others questions remain intact. The version is also an expanded edition meaning there is more content than the previous editions. This version also has Josh's son, Sean, as co-author who happens to be a professor of Christian apologetics.

This book begins with evidence for the Bible which includes the reliability of the New Testament as well as how the Bible is unique among all other religious books. Then we see the evidence for Jesus and what the Bible truly says about Christ. Next we see the evidence of the Old Testament which is a big chuck of the book. Lets face it, the Old Testament seems to be under a lot of doubt of skeptics than the New Testament, which is based on my observation. The book closes with more general questions such as how to answer skeptics and postmodernists, and answering one of the oldest questions of all, can miracles really happen?

I was grateful to get this classic book that seems to be always on a Christians to read list because of the impact it has made on so many people, Christians and non-believers. However, as I continue to go through this book, I have noticed that for a book that defends the faith, it sure doesn't have many quotes from the Bible. McDowell wrote this in the preface of the book:

Our motivation in using this research is to glorify and magnify Jesus Christ. Evidence (the book) is not for proving the Word of God, but rather for providing a reasoned basis for faith.

First, every time we speak to someone about Christianity should always give honor to God especially in our words to unbelievers. Second, when McDowell said this book was not to prove the Bible, I scratched my head because how can we not defend the Bible. More importantly how can we not use the Bible. It is almost as if McDowell is saying the Bible is not enough. Finally, we want to present a reasoned basis for faith. Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of Christ." Yes, McDowell give compelling evidence for the Christian faith, however, we should not put the Bible aside when it comes to sharing our faith. Thankfully, he wrote this a few sentences down:

The presentation of evidence (apologetics) should never be used as a substitute for sharing the Word of God.

I felt a little better after seeing that sentence and McDowell is correct. We should let apologetics take the Bible's place in sharing the gospel message. While this book presents compelling proof of the claims of Christianity, one does not come to faith by hearing apologetics, although it could open a door, one comes to faith by hearing the gospel message.

Thanks Booklook Bloggers for letting me review this book.

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