Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Volume 1: Historical Evidences for the Christian Faith (Paperback)

by Josh McDowell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Among important books in the defense of Christianity, this one has few equals. Evidence That Demands a Verdict is an easy-to-read, front-line defense for Christians facing the tough questions of critics and skeptics. Using secular evidences and other historical sources, Josh McDowell's faith-building book is a "must read" for every Christian.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Revised edition (September 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0840743785
• ISBN-13: 978-0840743787
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #402,645 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All open minded agnostics should read this book, December 14, 1998

By A Customer

If you are a truth seeking agnostic or atheist who does not categorically deny the possiblity of the supernatural you should read this book. You should also read this book if you are a Christian who does not know why you believe what you believe. This is the most comprehensive defense of Christianity that I have found.The case it makes is so convincing I was at first "certain" the evidence had to be tainted somehow. But, by using the references given in the footnotes, both for and against the argument, I verified (as can anyone else) that the evidence is presented fairly. This book is very dense and it will take perseverance to follow the argument from beginning to end. However, it is very well divided into individual criticisms which do not depend on the answers given in other areas. I recommend this book highly to everyone who is willing to spend time and thought searching for the truth. A less comprehensive, and perhaps more readable, book covering much of the same material is The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.

43 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Volume II: better for referencing than reading, March 20, 1998

By	David Graham (Shell, Ecuador) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Evidence That Demands A Verdict Vol. 2 (Paperback)

This book (formerly called MORE EVIDENCE THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT) is heavier reading than MORE EVIDENCE, Vol. 1, and is more amenable to using as a resource, for selective perusal of topics, rather than reading it all the way through. (You can read it cover to cover, but it's not easy.) This second volume addresses things like archaeology, form criticism, literary criticism, and historical research into the claims of the Bible. Volume I deals more with the life of Christ and New Testament events.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Jury is still deliberating, August 31, 2005

By	Dan Bradshaw (Mesa, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1 (Paperback)

This is a good starting place for someone looking for religion or looking to increase their faith in Christianity. It is difficult reading, but the format would work well as a reference guide. I truly glory in the things in this book and I hope it can advance the Christian cause. I do consider myself a Christian believer, but putting myself on the outside looking in, I can see there is no slam dunk here. As one can readily see from previous reviews, the physical evidence can be explained away. There is some very compelling evidence in this book, but the vast majority of the evidence consists of reasoning (though I believe the reasoning for the most part to be sound) with the accounts written from within the Bible itself, or theologians commenting on it. The most credible accounts are from the Jewish historian, Josephus, though in recent decades even some of his accounts have come into question. There is reference to some lost Old Testament cities that have been recovered in recent decades.

I do not base my faith on whether or not there is physical evidence to support it, as it would truly be shaky ground to stand on, especially in this day. On the other hand, it was Austin Farrar that said, "Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish." This book is a wonderful example of just such "rational argument" that at times is very convincing.

There is no doubt that there is power in evidence to advance the nurturing of faith. But this should not overshadow the fact that there is an even greater power to be had beyond physical evidence or reasoning. The Savior Jesus Christ tells us himself of a much greater, even more powerful witness that man can have in Matthew 16, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." I don't think the need for faith will ever be completely diminished in this life.