Rating: 
Summary: GREAT READING
Review: SORRY, NEECE @ INCOM, THAT YOU FEEL THE WAY YOU DO. I FOUND MCDOWELL'S BOOK COMPELLING AND INTERESTING READING. THE BOOK WAS WELL WRITTEN AND HONEST. I HAVE TO AGREE WITH THE OTHER 8 OR 10 POSITIVE REVIEWS: THIS BOOK WILL MAKE A BELIEVER OUT OF MOST EVERYONE!
Rating: 
Summary: BOOK'S ARGUMENTS ARE ILLOGICAL
Review: Josh McDowell's "More Than A Carpenter" is out-dated, inaccurate, illogical, and irrational. His book was written more than 20 years ago and many of his sources were 60-100 years old even then! A great deal of excellent research has been done since then by such serious scholars as E.P Sanders, Robin Lane Fox, and Robert Funk. By quoting fellow believers Mr McDowell is merely, as they say, "Preaching to the choir." McDowell asks "Are The Biblical Records Reliable?" Most scholars believe the the Gospels were written 40-70 years after Jesus died. According to the Jesus Seminar they were pious fictions by unknown authors; the names were merely attributed to them at a later date. The Gospels were not eyewitness accounts but second hand, hearsay at best. The Gospel writers combed the Scriptures looking for messianci prophesies. They then created stories about Jesus which would fulfill, what they believed, were prophesies. In some cases they mis-translated or misinterpreted them. The answer to McDowell's question is that the Gospels are not reliable. The Jesus Seminar also concluded that Jesus did not actually say 82% of the words attributed to him.
Mr. McDowell also asks "Who Would Die For A Lie?" The answer is millions of people throughout history have died for all sorts of spurious reasons. Heaven's Gate is a recent example. Just because someone is willing to die for a certain belief does not make it true or factual. Furthermore archaeology has not proved the Bible, especially not the New Testament.
The question is asked "Did You Hear What Happened To Saul?" Saul or Paul had a "vision" or hallucination which may have been an epileptic fit. It is important to note that Paul never even knew Jesus. He freely admits his knowledge of Jesus cam only from his vision. Furthermore the disciples who had personally known and followed Jesus fiercely rejected Paul, criticized him for preaching falsely, and thought he was out of his mi!nd. Paul's experience and conversion are therefore no proof for the author's arguments. Paul's statements are unreliable and of no use. With regard to the trials of Jesus, no disciples were present so how could they know what was said. Furthermore there were no witnesses to the Resurrection. The accounts of finding the empty tomb were both varied and contradictory. And why did a number of his own disciples not recognize Jesus afterward and fail to believe he had come back from the dead.? Again, someone having a vision is no proof.
Many scholars believed Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah. Later followers wanted to believe Jesus had been the Messiah rather than admit his mission had failed. The later Church creatively changed or misinterpreted the messages of Jesus. In a number of statements Jesus said his teachings were not meant for the Gentiles, but only for the Jews. Jesus was neither Lord, liar, nor lunatic.
In summary Josh McDowell's arguments are weak, out-dated, insupported, unproven, and illogical. The search for the historical Jesus is a fascinating one but "More Than A Carpenter" is not worth reading. The same mistakes were made in the author's more in-depth "Evidence That Demands An Answer."
Rating:
Summary: More Than Just a Book!
Review: This was one of the first books I ever read concerning the historical nature of just "Who" the "Carpenter" was, and is. The author raises excellent questions about the factual nature of Jesus of Nazereth, and answers them! Hard to put down, compelling, and straight to the point. Those wishing to hold on to their own beliefs will do best NOT to read this book! Excellent apologetics! A must for all who seek the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
Rating:
Summary: Best book to get Non-Christians thinking about Jesus
Review: The author takes a logical approach to the question of who Jesus was - and wasn't. He uses a low-key scientific approach for the Christian sceptic. I buy these by the six-pack and give them out to friends and relatives who show an interest in salvation through Christ, and let them come to their own conclusion. It is a very easy read and even if the reader dosn't come to Christ after this, the seed will be planted which may bear fruit later on. YIC
Rating:
Summary: Life-Changing!
Review: This book will absolutely change your life, as Mr. McDowell describes in lamens terms the life and persecution, and resurrection of the King of Kings. This book is great for those who need a concise depiction of the life and purpose of Jesus Christ, set to words that when evaluated, can only result in the absolute truth: That Jesus Christ was born and died for our sins, so that we may have eternal life in heaven. Please encourage children and adults alike to read this book, believers and non-believers alike. It will change their lives.
Rating:
Summary: ..the truth is out there...
Review: This is another example of the truth being readily find-able for those who truely seek it. If you don't want to know the truth, DON'T READ IT.
Rating:
Summary: The second most important book I have ever read
Review: I read this book in 1984 as a non-Christian, an adamant non-believer. This book was the most signficant item in leading me to belief in Christ. Here is it 1997 and I am a Baptist preacher. If you don't believe the story about Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection, be careful about reading this book. It may change your life!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best "Think About It Books" I have ever read!
Review: A book that I have read twice and have recommended to others when feeling "What's it all about?" The book was originally started to disprove the legacy of Jesus and his statements about who he was! By the time the writer's research is complete, he himself thinks differently about what he is feeling and what his intent is with the book. He puts Jesus' case on trial. It is up to you to make the final decision. That is, if the evidence is supportive of or detrimental to the case of Jesus and his followers claims about him! A great "think about it" book
Rating:
Summary: A compelling view of the original "Trial of the Century"
Review: With Easter in view, a reader may want to revisit what "all the fuss is about." Josh McDowell, still an active Christian apologist, carefully pieces together the legal components of the trial, execution and resurrection (Easter) of Jesus Christ. Essentially, McDowell acts as the attorney for the defendant (Jesus Christ) and leaves the reader to serve as jury. He invokes the testimony of many witnesses, both supportive and hostile to his "client." In the end, McDowell has outperformed his opposition and confidently awaits the reader's return from the jury room.
The book opens with McDowell's basic trilemma: do you find Jesus' claim to be the Messiah to flow from the truth or a lie? He allows the reader one of three choices: Jesus is telling the truth and is therefore "Lord;" he is lying and therefore a "Liar;" or he is essentially mad and doesn't realize he is a "Lunatic." As he leads the reader through his evidence that Jesus is truly Lord, McDowell calls on written, oral and circumstantial evidence. With the recent scrutiny and consternation over the two trials of OJ Simpson, a reader will find many similar issues visited in More Than A Carpenter. Whether it's a fascination with legal argument, the pondering of the meaning of Easter or even sharp disagreement with basic Christian tenets, the reader will savor McDowell's concise (128 pages) rediscovery of the biggest trial ever
Rating: 
Summary: More than a Book
Review: More Than a Carpenter
Author: Josh McDowell
This book is mainly about the Christian faith. The author talks about his understanding of some scriptures and convinces the reader that Jesus really did exist without 'shoving religion down our throats.' While some authors just try to prove it to you, Josh shows you the facts and lets you decide if what you see if what you choose to believe. I think Josh wrote and excellent book.
Well I guess I should just start off by thanking good ole Josh for writing such an understandable book. The words he was written in the pages have heavy meanings and can sway your thoughts about Jesus. He is a very convincing writer and uses good word choice to make his points clear. He doesn't 'beat around the bush' and go off topic, he gets straight to the point, which is a nice change from the normal writing styles.
Now all though he was straight to the point, it eventually turned repetitive. I always look for the author's opinion when I am reading. It helps me understand the book's purpose. He lays out the facts but doesn't give his own thoughts. Facts are nice but the truth is, if I wanted any more facts...I would be reading the BIBLE. I want to end this with a good word so here it is, I enjoyed the book and hope you all read it, everyone can learn something from it.
|
