Jesus Book Reports

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

This book forces the reader to deal with the person of Jesus. One cannot walk away from this book claiming indifference to Him. Too many people aimles run straight to Hell, avoiding the gracious offer of grace, by simply not thinking about it. Jesus came to earth claiming to be God. He and His apostles claimed that he died in order to take God’s wrath stored up for us all. He claimed that if anybody would give up all hope except hope in His death for salvation from our sins, they would be saved and if He was rejected, they would be left to face God’s justice in an eternity in Hell. You have to embrace Him and His claims or reject them. Indifference and moral living does not count for anything. For a Christian read this book. It may be possible that you have been worshipping an idol, ignorant of who Jesus really is, or perhaps your faith will be strengthened. If you’re not a Christian, read this book to understand what you are rejecting, then I pray that you would turn to Him for salvation.  –