

A redesign of a best-seller, author Josh McDowell explains why Jesus' claim of being God must be seriously considered, and why it ultimately can be believed. Review: Biblical truth in simple, understandable form - "More Than a Carpenter" has been around for a long time, but Josh McDowell's insights into who Jesus Christ is, what He has done, and why we need Him are as fresh as ever. For a new believer or an open-minded skeptic, this book communicates the Gospel of Christ in a very understandable way. Review: A masterpiece - 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?
| Best Sellers Rank | #13,025,685 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #83 in Christian Apologetics (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 605 Reviews |
R**Y
Biblical truth in simple, understandable form
"More Than a Carpenter" has been around for a long time, but Josh McDowell's insights into who Jesus Christ is, what He has done, and why we need Him are as fresh as ever. For a new believer or an open-minded skeptic, this book communicates the Gospel of Christ in a very understandable way.
A**R
A masterpiece
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?
C**E
Greatest apologetics book ever written!
This is one of the greatest books ever written in defense of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. It builds an amazing case for the accuracy and the trustworthiness of The Bible. Had I read this book before I got saved 17 years ago, it would have answered many of the questions and doubts that I was struggling with. At only 168 pages long it is a very quick read. Because it is a small paperback book, it is very unintimidating for those receiving it. It will massively strengthen the faith of everyone who reads it. This book is nothing short of amazing! I buy this in the 6 pack bundle. I have handed out dozens of them to people that I have witnessed to. I am so incredibly thankful to Josh McDowell for writing this book. It has added tremendously to the apologetics arsenal that I use when witnessing to people. It has also helped me to think more logically and to help with my reasoning skills with the Scriptures. I could not possibly recommend this book more highly! I would have given it 10 stars if I could have. Not only does Josh present an incredibly logical and powerful case for the defense of the Gospels and Jesus Christ, but his personal testimony at the end of the book for what Christ has done for him is amazing. Josh's personal testimony at the end solidifies just how amazing our God truly is. Read it, own the information in it, buy the 6 packs, go witness to people, share your personal testimony with them, edify the socks off of this book and then give them a copy of it. Those read it will be transformed. God bless you Josh McDowell!
L**Y
A Book for the Skeptic
MORE THAN A CARPENTER by Josh McDowell is an updated version about Jesus Christ and who He is. This book is excellent for someone who is a skeptic about Jesus being a human--just a man--just a carpenter--or someone more. Josh McDowell presents the question: "Was Jesus a liar? A lunatic? Or Lord?" The evidence is presented for the skeptic to make his/her own decision. Back in the mid-70s, I shared the first edition of this book with a friend who had no allegiance to Christ as his Lord. After reading the book, he said he could not dispute the evidence that demanded he arrive at a verdict. Today, years later, he's a changed man, who knows that Jesus is neither a liar nor a lunatic! I purchased several of the updated versions of this book to share because I wanted to give others the same opportunity to decide if Jesus really is "MORE than a Carpenter."
N**E
More Than A Carpenter book
Great condition and good price. Fast shipping! Very satisfied!
H**N
Fools can go to Hell if they Want to. Pray for their Children
I Pity the fool who can't find the real Jesus in reading this book. More than a Carpenter is not the Bible however, it is blblical. Jesus is the one who originally said "If you do not belive in me you will die in your sins." Folk want Jesus but they can't stand the Jesus of the Bible. THE REAL JESUS. They make up their own Jesus in their own image. That's nice. Now than can spend eternity in Hell with that Jesus. The real Jesus, the True Messiah, the real soul-brother, the man from Galilee, the Righteous Judge, is at the Right hand of God and He knows His own. People can find a myriad of reasons for not believeing in God or that Jesus was the One He sent to save us from ourselves. A person who wants to justify their own sin is a long way from coming to salvation. A book never saved anyone anyway. That's the Holy Spirit's job. This is a fine book and is written on an easy to understand level. The arguments are sound if not totally analytical. If people want to die in their sins, they are free to do so. Anyone who has read this book and still dies in their sins will simply get what is coming to them, beacuse they now have no excuse. The rekoning will come.
L**S
Great Introduction to christian apologetics
A brief, easy to read book with great information to help guide people like me in their faith. I grew up in the era of scientific materialism, which pushes god to the side. This book helped me wrap my mind around the events of the new testament, with data and logical arguments to support its truth. It has been a great stepping stone to further reading and further faith building. Wonderfully written. I would recommend it anyone may not be certain of their beliefs. It can help you build a solid foundation.
M**A
Well written excellent analysis
Great read
C**T
Classic book updated in a culturally relevant manner. Even ...
Classic book updated in a culturally relevant manner. Even if you believe in Jesus as Savior, & are convinced of His deity reading this book will serve you well, & you'll soon pass it on to someone else.
S**I
Great tool for evangelism!!!
This is great. I am using it along with the Japanese version for a small group of non-Believers. They love having the English version and the Japanese version really helps with stuff that is hard for me to translate. Good stuff!!
A**.
a must-have in your booksehlf
I really enjoyed this book and believe that everyone should read it, or something similar. It is a great first step into apologetics. We need to know what we believe what we believe and this book is a grand introduction to who Jesus is. Our faith is based on truth and facts, this book helps put it all in the words.
K**R
Great book, well worth a read
Most definitely opened my eyes, I could not put it down. I buy these for my friends now to help them understand Jesus. Once you have read this book, you will understand the bible far more.
D**E
Great study resource
Love the book,great for a small group study or for giving to friends
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