A Ready Defense The Best Of Josh Mcdowell

Before I begin my assessment, just let me quote a previous critic: "Being a student of religion, I can honestly say that I have never read a more sophomoric attempt at apologetics than McDowell's "A Ready Defense" and his "Evidence..." It is indisputable that the Mr. McDowell has targeted the ignorant and superstitious masses as his prime victims for an audience." I get the impression he/she? doesn't like it, so let me offer a different perspective. This critic reminds me of another unbeliever of whom I have recently read: Sigmund Freud. The attempt of some to categorize every explanation of faith as "delusion" or "ignorance" is an ad hominem sidestep to the real question: Does God exist? If so, what is God like? More particularly, is Christianity a religion revealed by God? This is the main issue that McDowell addresses. McDowell attempts to argue that the Old and New Testaments do have a foundation in divine inspiration. He himself admits that part of the conclusion of the matter must ultimately be one of faith. Furthermore, McDowell addresses some of the most pertinent questions as to the historical Jesus. He does a better job (in my estimation) than Crossan, Schweitzer, and Bultmann; he admits up front the bias of Christian apologist where the latter cannot straightforwardly admit a presupposition of skepticism (hence a "hermeneutic of suspicion"). And perhaps McDowell again shows us that humility is a necessary ingredient for this faith, Christianity. We do not elevate ourselves above the "ignorant masses" but sympathize with them in their pain and console them with what we believe to be truth. We confess our own ignorance and attempt to gain wisdom from the beginning point of humility. For we are all one in the common struggle of humanity, if nothing else. Another critic confesses being turned off, but is at least honest enough to admit that he skipped to random pages and did not read the work as a whole. Reading only parts of the book one critiques seems illogical. Logical thinking requires some sort of proposition that affirms or denies some truth and then proceeds to prove that course of thought. McDowell discusses in this order: Gospel authenticity, the historical Jesus, how Christianity is different from other religions in a comparative review, and questions about faith in general. This is how the argument progresses. Beginning with the authenticity of the Gospels is a shrewd move for McDowell because this is where many skeptics turned believers (CS Lewis, for example, and McDowell himself) became increasingly uncomfortable before their ultimate assent to faith. Additionally, in reiterating the classic Lunatic, Liar, or Lord argument, McDowell insists that if the Gospels do not intercede with historical fact in some way, then the Christian faith is meaningless. McDowell is willing to admit that he could be wrong; ironically his critics don't share the same proclivity. Candidly, I am a former religion student, like the first critic, and a graduate of a divinity school, and also a student of philosophy, and Josh engages me quite seriously not despite my learning, but rather because of it. Bacon once said (I'm paraphrasing) that belief was directly proportional to the amount of study one put forth (the very antithesis of the Freudian worldview). So are ignorance and belief necessarily connected at the hip? McDowell's thorough attempt to refute the popular forms of Bultmannian Christology would suggest that one does not have to divorce oneself from belief before he or she engages in academic study and serious thought. In short, McDowell disengages from the "hermeneutic of suspiction" so prevalent in religious scholarship today. For this reason alone, I applaud the very thorough and well documented effort that McDowell has put on the table.

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

This book I bought because I need to know what to believe in. And I knew that I believed in the bible I just need to know other beliefs and why other were the way they were. I can tell you this much there is a lot of truth in this book, if you are looking for answers and need to know them this book will help you on your way, the next best thing is your bible find a good study bible and read from it, also the interent is a vast thing ANY time I have a question I am reminded of my friends saying "just google it" well that is the truth but make sure it has back of to back its info up.

In A Ready Defense The Best Of Josh Mcdowell , Josh McDowell has compiled many answers with historical and spiritual backgrounds for those who have questions about the relevancy , accuracy and inspiration of the Bible. He covers so many subjects which makes it a great reference book, especially for college students. I have given this book to many students who ALL, without exception, have been fascinated with the contents. This book is a shortened version of " Evidence that demands a verdict" by the same author, but also has been updated with the latest discoveries in archeology. This book is amazing with all the details, dates and history related to many spiritual issues. I would highly recommend this edition to anyone who is searching to get answers to spiritual questions.

Overall, I like everything about this book. I'm so glad my friends loaned me their copy. I liked it enough to want to have my own.

A great tool and resource for believers!

I listened to many episodes and gained deep respect for this man's insight into the deceptions of religious groups, mainstream and not so mainstream.I like that he distills much of his learning into this book format. It's goo reference material and invaluable for anyone determined to uncover all the hidden agenda of religions.

This book has been around for a while but is still a very important part of your library. The information that it presents helped me to believe in God not just because that was the environment that I was brought up in but because there is extra-biblical reasons to believe. I don't believe the non-believer will find the "Smoking Gun" evidence here but I think a critical examination will reveal a "preponderance of the evidence" that would warrant further investigation.

So much packed in here and a bit more accessible than "Evidence that Demands a Verdict". Highly recommended.

If you want to know the answers to those curve ball questions that sometimes get thrown at you, then this is the book you need to study.

Want to give e ready defence of The Faith? This is a well written, well thought through book. I have a few of McDowell's writings and this was well worth purchasing. Got it at a good price too.

This is a great book for anyone who is looking to have solid answers!

Clear and relevant information. Easy to understand