More Than a Carpenter (Paperback)

by Josh McDowell (Author) "Thomas Aquinas writes: "There is within every soul a thirst for happiness and meaning..." (more)
Key Phrases: bibliographical test, New Testament, Jesus Christ, Son of God (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Since its release, More Than a Carpenter has been challenging readers to ask the question, "Who is Jesus?" Author and renowned speaker Josh McDowell acknowledges that while the topic of God is widely accepted, the name of Jesus often causes irritation. "Why don't the names of Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius offend people? The reason is that these others didn't claim to be God, but Jesus did." By addressing questions about scientific and historical evidence, the validity of the Bible, and proofs of the resurrection, McDowell helps the reader come to an informed and intelligent decision about whether Jesus was a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. This short, 128-page gem does not employ fancy theological words, forsaking the layman, but reads more like an intimate research document laying out the facts with veracious accuracy, from reliable sources ranging from secular scientists to conservative seminarians. A skeptic himself for many years, McDowell always believed that Christians were "out of their minds" but now insists that "never has an individual been called upon to commit intellectual suicide in trusting Christ as Savior and Lord." McDowell adeptly articulates fundamental answers to poignant questions that cause the skeptic to consider whether Jesus was a liar causing countless martyrs to die in his wake, a lunatic deserving death, or actually the Lord of the universe. --Jill Heatherly

Product Description
Josh McDowell's timeless examination of the true nature of Christ and his impact on our lives is one of the best-selling Christian books ever (more than eight million copies in print worldwide!). Written by a former skeptic of Christianity, it is a hard-hitting book for those who doubt Jesus' deity and his purpose.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Living Books (April 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842345523
• ISBN-13: 978-0842345521
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (173 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27,852 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A simple, easy to read case for the claims of Jesus Christ, October 13, 2000

By	Todd Hudnall (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are trying to find a simple, easy to read case for the claims of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Josh McDowell's "More Than A Carpenter" is what you've been looking for. It is not a powerful apologetic or a theological masterpiece but it is a great introduction into the study of who Jesus Christ really is. The foundation of the book is based on the three primary possibilities for who Christ is; Lord, liar or lunatic. This is backed up with a defense of the reliability of the Scriptures, an argument from changed lives over history and an argument for Christ's resurrection. I highly recommend the book to those wanting an introduction to who Jesus really is. The book will probably not convinced the hardened skeptic, but for many, it will be an opportunity for God to open their hearts and minds to the truth, that when received by faith, can transform their lives. If you are looking for apologetics, I recommend Ravi Zacharias, J.P Moreland or Norman Geisler. For a deeper examination of the claims of Christ from another skeptic turned Christian, you may want to check "The Case for Christ," by Lee Stroble.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece, August 17, 2001

By	AmazonBuyer (Lakewood, CA USA) - See all my reviews

I was raised a Roman Catholic as far back as I can remember. Tragedies in my life immeasurably challenged my belief in God. It was challenged to the point where I began to despise talk of religion, specifically the faith I was raised with -- Christianity. I began to consistently ask myself, "Is God real??" My "blind belief" wavered to the point where I found myself with a strong tendency to challenge religious believers, almost to the point of unconsciously trying to convince them out of their faith whenever I can. I became a man of logic and reasoning, and simply could not entertain "blind belief" in any way.

Then I read this book. It was logical and compelling, and I found myself with no sound way to refute what Josh McDowell was saying. I could criticize his thoroughness, but diving into excruciating detail onto the sciences he employed would've been criticized as redundant. It did not have the "hype" and "hoopla" of "Praise the Lord!" mentality. It was just plain scientific reasoning, logic, and common sense.

I saw the criticisms other people had of this book, and I find it hard to understand how they could castigate this book as they did. I was very steadfast in my resentment towards Christianity, but I was influenced otherwise -- I just had to be because the logic that the author used, for me, made sense. For example, I lost a great deal of faith in Christianity when I learned how the Bible was written many years after Jesus' death, and that it was largely a result of "word of mouth". But the author points out that if the miracles of Jesus were farce, how can it withstand its persistence through all those years? If any of us decided to make some sensational claim like being able to fly without wings, and if we were to start disseminating such information, how long do you think that will last? Will it last decades so as to eventually land on a book of "facts"? The point here is that the human way of doing things has a way of weeding out untruths and inaccuracies of "news", and that the words and deeds of Jesus would not have lasted as long as it did if there were no corroborations so strong as to withstand such forces; this is true for anything, religious incidents or otherwise. For me, this was a reasonable and persuasive argument that Jesus did do what he did, or it would have been shot down way sooner, much less making it into a book.

I only have 1000 words for this review, so let me end it by saying this. I now am totally convinced that God and Jesus are REAL. It is hard to accept that at this day and age, and I've been through that phase of constant skepticism.

My biggest arsenal against Christianity was my own intellect. But this book used the very foundation I had for disbelieving to show me otherwise. How can I not respect that?

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read this book!, November 16, 1999

By	Kacey Nolle (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Than a Carpenter (Personal Evangelism 6-Pack) (Paperback)

If you are a Chrisitan and need to defend your faith, read it. If you aren't a Christian and doubt Christianity, read it. If you really don't think Jesus is the Son of God, then I challenge you to argue against this book. You can't ignore what's presented here -- either believe it or logically refute it.