Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Evidence That Demands a Verdict summary
Brief summary
Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell is a comprehensive defense of the Christian faith. It presents historical and archaeological evidence, as well as logical arguments, to support the truth of the Bible and the divinity of Jesus.
Topics
Table of Contents
Evidence That Demands a Verdict
Summary of key ideas
Foundation of Faith
In Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell, the author begins by outlining the foundational elements of the Christian faith. He asserts that for faith to be meaningful, it must be rooted in evidence. McDowell presents the idea that Christianity is not a blind belief system but one that is supported by historical, archaeological, and scientific evidence.
He delves into the reliability of the Bible, discussing its historical accuracy, textual consistency, and archaeological support. McDowell argues that the Bible is not just a religious text but a historically reliable document that can be trusted. He also addresses the common criticism that the Bible has been altered or corrupted over time, providing evidence to the contrary.
Historical Evidence for Jesus
In the next section of Evidence That Demands a Verdict, McDowell presents historical evidence for the existence of Jesus Christ. He examines various non-Christian sources, such as Jewish and Roman historians, who mention Jesus and the early Christian movement. McDowell argues that these accounts, though not necessarily affirming Jesus' divinity, provide compelling evidence for his historical existence.
McDowell then turns to the New Testament Gospels, discussing their authorship, dating, and reliability. He addresses the alleged contradictions and discrepancies in the Gospels, presenting harmonizations and alternative explanations. He also highlights the early dating of the Gospel manuscripts, arguing that they were written within the lifetimes of the eyewitnesses, making them credible historical documents.
Resurrection and Divinity of Jesus
The third part of Evidence That Demands a Verdict centers on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. McDowell argues that the resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and presents evidence to support its historicity. He discusses the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and the transformed lives of the disciples, contending that these provide compelling evidence for the reality of Jesus' resurrection.
McDowell then explores the claims of Jesus regarding his divinity. He examines the various titles and statements attributed to Jesus in the Gospels, such as 'Son of God' and 'I am', and presents arguments for their authenticity. He also discusses the historical reliability of Jesus' miracles and argues that they provide evidence for his divine nature.
Responses to Skepticism
In the final part of the book, McDowell addresses common objections and criticisms of the Christian faith. He discusses issues such as the problem of evil, the existence of other religious claims, and the apparent contradictions within Christianity. McDowell provides reasoned responses to these challenges, seeking to demonstrate that Christianity is a rational and defensible belief system.
In conclusion, Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell presents a comprehensive defense of the Christian faith. He contends that Christianity is not a blind leap of faith but a reasonable response to the evidence. McDowell encourages readers to engage with the evidence for Christianity and come to their own informed conclusions.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Evidence That Demands a Verdict about?
Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell is a comprehensive defense of the Christian faith. Drawing on historical evidence, archaeological findings, and philosophical arguments, McDowell addresses common questions and objections to Christianity. Whether you are a skeptic seeking answers or a believer looking to strengthen your faith, this book provides compelling evidence and thought-provoking insights.
Evidence That Demands a Verdict Review
Evidence That Demands a Verdict (1972) is a comprehensive defense of the Christian faith by Josh McDowell. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Featuring detailed research and compelling arguments, it provides a solid foundation for understanding and defending Christianity.
- With its logical reasoning and thorough examination of historical evidence, the book equips readers to engage in meaningful discussions about faith.
- The book's accessible explanations and clear presentation make complex theological concepts engaging and surprisingly gripping.
Who should read Evidence That Demands a Verdict?
Individuals seeking to strengthen their faith and defend it intellectually
People who have questions or doubts about Christianity and want evidence-based answers
Christians looking to engage in thoughtful discussions with skeptics and non-believers
Categories with Evidence That Demands a Verdict
Book summaries like Evidence That Demands a Verdict
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Evidence That Demands a Verdict FAQs
What is the main message of Evidence That Demands a Verdict?
The main message of Evidence That Demands a Verdict is to provide evidence supporting the Christian faith.
How long does it take to read Evidence That Demands a Verdict?
The estimated reading time for Evidence That Demands a Verdict is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Evidence That Demands a Verdict a good book? Is it worth reading?
The book is worth reading for its comprehensive approach to defending the Christian faith.
Who is the author of Evidence That Demands a Verdict?
Josh McDowell is the author of Evidence That Demands a Verdict.
What to read after Evidence That Demands a Verdict?
If you're wondering what to read next after Evidence That Demands a Verdict, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan