Magnificent Obsession: Why Jesus Is Great

by David Robertson

David Robertson, author of The Dawkins Letters, was told by the leader of an atheist society: "Okay, I admit that you have destroyed my atheism, but what do you believe?" His answer was "I believe in and because of Jesus." This book shows us why Jesus is the reason to believe. In response to the shout of "God is not Great" by the late Christopher Hitchens, David shows us why Jesus is God and is Great.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Evangelism, Christian, Faith

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

David Robertson is the minister of St Peter's Free Church in Dundee, Scotland, and a director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity. He is the author of The Dawkins Letters, and has publicly debated Richard Dawkins and other prominent atheists throughout the UK and Europe. David is married to Annabel and has three children.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first came across David Robertson only a week or so ago, in a live stream from Australia where he was speaking at a Christian conference. I was impressed with his presentation and the his vibrantly Gospel message.
Magnificent Obsession is framed as a series of letters to a person looking for answers in the faith scene, and focuses on dealing with the false ideology offered by atheists. Christopher Hitchens is his particular bête noire in this book, and Robertson puts many of that intellectual's false claims about Christianity in their place.
I like Robertson's humility - he doesn't claim to be on the same intellectual level as someone like Hitchens (though he's plainly no slouch in the brains department) - and I like the way he keeps coming back to the basics: Jesus Christ is the focus of the book. Everything else takes second place.
An atheist may not agree with his beliefs, but that's not to say that people haven't found Christ through Robertson's work online as his other book, The Dawkins Letters shows.
Well worth reading, whether you're a Christian already, or someone seeking to find the truth.
My only quibble was with the production of the ebook format: disappointingly, it's probably the worst I've come across. Italicized words are joined to whatever plain print word comes next, and the numbers connecting to footnotes are almost always a space away from the word they relate to, and joined to whatever is the next word in the sentence. On top of this are several typos.

[Phil Cotnoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of letters dealing conversationally and accessibly with common atheist arguments and objections to the Christian faith. Robertson comes across as a friendly, humorous, intelligent, and well-read pastor. His tone was always personable (even though the letters were written to a fictional atheist) and this makes him more winsome for most people - since most people are not, in the end, convinced by pure logic and reason.

The book serves as a basic introduction to many subjects related to Christianity, always with the unbeliever in mind, and with a strong emphasis on Jesus as the center and fountainhead of all goodness and joy. To that end, it was an enjoyable and helpful read. It could definitely be given to someone who is open to Christian arguments.

[Tom Sussex · Rating 4 out of 5]

In response to the New Atheist argument that God really isn't all He's been cracked up to be, David Robertson wonderfully presents the person of Jesus Christ. Although I found the arguments in the first half of the book not strong enough to convince your average atheist, the author's responses to common objections in the second half are very helpful.

But then again, convincing atheists with reason was not the author's intention. Rather, he wanted "not provide you with a series of watertight arguments, but a series of arguments that point to a watertight person."

This is evident in a book bursting with the author's love for his saviour, and also bursting with enjoyable quotes from a wide range of media. This book is written in such a way that I would happily recommend it anyone; whether they be a follower of Jesus or not!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now let me at the truth that will refresh my broken mind..Mumford & Sons. The starting quote in this short read reasonates with all of us. However, like Pilate who asked Jesus (who is is the Truth the Way and the Life,) What is truth? My question for you is not what is the evidence of God but what happens when we fail to Glorify God? What happens in the church when the message becomes about self focus instead of cross focus? What happens when we exchange the truth for a lie. All these questions reflect our purpose in life, what we were created for..to Glorify God and make him known. Any other, is not the gospel. If you are a true seeker of truth, if truth matters, and I am not talking about your or my truth, because my truth will not last. I am talking about a truth that will matter for eternity. Just like 1 + 1 = 2. That will not change. Math is the glory of God. Because it will not change. Our truth will change from day to day, depending on what mood we are in. Or what crisis we are in. Does it matter? Only if it brings us to the source of truth. So why read if you have your mind made up about God and He is not for you...because this book was written for you.

All 10 chapters start with a quote; some from an Athiest or well known philospher and in response, you are privy to a letter to J that addresses the quote and questions that arise from the quote. Our author signs off with scripture and footnotes for you to look up the evidence for yourself. One of the most important issues in the debate in christianity is context. How many times christians or those that may read a few scriptures in a life time will throw a scripture without knowing the context. Or about history for that matter. We like to throw history in to show how terrible the church is, when the context is about greedy men (and women) using the church for power. As you read, you begin to realize several things. One being we need to know the history of the church. As a Christian for many years, I have recently on my own have begin to focus on the history of the church. This would be a good study for Christians and would do us all good to know our history. Church history is really a reflection on the history of man. Have we not learned anything from history. Let us get it right. We also need to know the word of God as a Christian. Reading many blogs, I see many times first hand how many will set up Jesus against the Bible. Jesus is the word. When that happens, they are not speaking of Jesus, but a Jesus that is in their own image.

I truly cannot recommend this book enough. If you are passionate about truth, you will be engaged. In reality to be seeker of truth is submitting to something greater than us; that then becomes our Magnificent Obession which is Jesus.

A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[L-T Hopper]

This is an excellent book explaining the message of Christianity. It is in the form of letters to an atheist. I don't usually like books that are in the form of letters but this one captured me. It means that it is very easy to read and addresses questions along the way. It is not a very long book but it covers a lot. Another feature I liked was that throughout the book he recommends books for further reading on the topics he is addressing. A good book to give to an atheist or sceptic who is willing to read something.

[David Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful Christian apologetic. Each Chapter is expressed as a letter to a unknown correspondence. You can read the book as if the unknown correspondent is you.

The standout point is the lack of utility of all New Atheist thinking. Indeed, the book includes a motif of those New Atheists - a motif that seems to neatly summarise all their futile effort. The motif is ironic yet the New Atheists would not recognise the humour.

The New Atheist motif: "There is no God, and I hate him".

Two wee comments:

i) early in the book there is a statement that Jesus was forsaken by friends and enemies alike. I do not think that correct of women who passionately went to Christ's tomb, nor of eleven Apostles that awaited through to Pentecost, nor of a Pharisee who offered his tomb.

ii) why is a book that is written by a Scot and published in England using American "z", as in "realized"?

[Ian Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent! Lots of information and challenges packed into a book that deals with many of the significant objections to the Christian faith, while also taking a tour of many of the beliefs that are ranged against it. Very readable.

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bon livre d’apologétique pour ceux qui ne sont pas croyants. L’auteur a une bonne capacité à interagir avec ceux qui ne pensent pas comme lui.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

When debating Atheists, new and old. many Christian apologists labor to demonstrate the good reasons for theism. There is a tendency to ground arguments philosophically (i.e., in metaphysics or epistemology). The result is often a demonstration of the reasonableness of believing in a god, but very little is articulated about the Christian God and what belief in Him actually looks like. Davide Robertson proposes a new ‘m.o.’ for apologetics–a ‘magnificent obsession’ with Jesus Christ.

When Robertson conceived of Magnificent Obsession, he intended it to be a response to Christopher Hitchens God is Not Great (15). He had already published a book in response to Richard Dawkins (called The Dawkins Letters) and observed that Hitchens has very little to say in his book about God (Hitchens focused his criticisms at religion in general rather than God). So he began writing this book examining Jesus, the God we Christians believe in, as a response to Hitchens; however it morphed into something more (14). In this book Robertson aims at describing the content of Christian belief for those who would leave atheism behind. Robertson returns to a the letter writing format (like the Dawkins Letters). The letters are addressed to “J,” a conflation of many of the people that Robertson has had coffee with, corresponded with or chatted about ‘these things’ (14). So the ten chapters are ten letters which examine aspects of Jesus: his life and mission.

Chapter one describes Jesus ‘the man’ and makes the case of the historic reality of Jesus. Chapter two and three describe the miracles and message of Jesus, respectively. These chapters explore the significance of Jesus’ life and ministry. Chapter four explores Jesus’ murder–the scandal of the cross and how it atones for our sins. Chapter five, simply titled “marvelous,” tells about the remarkable turn around at the heart of Christian belief–Christ’s resurrection. Chapter six explores the ‘meaning of Jesus’ and what Christians mean when they call Jesus God (or Son of God, or part of the Trinity). Chapter seven describes ‘Christ’s mission’–the establishment of the church. Chapter eight deals with modern objections to Jesus and Christian belief (especially ‘New Atheist’ objections). Chapter nine explores Christian hope and the second coming of Jesus. Finally in chapter ten Robertson shares his own journey with his magnificent Messiah and invites “J” (and by extension all of us) to commit our lives to him. Robertson’s conclusion is a ‘letter to the reader’ where he suggests further reading for those interested in exploring the themes of this book (and theology) more in depth.

There is something fundamentally right about this book. I loved the focus on Jesus as a framework for apologetics. Too many approaches to the apologetic task begin with ‘Science versus Creation’ or allow atheism to define the contours of the debate (i.e. what is reasonable for modern people to believe). By framing apologetics around the person of Jesus, Robertson gives proper weight to biblical revelation. Christians do not just believe in God. They believe in Jesus–our God with a human face. I appreciated this approach and find it instructive for how to engage unbelievers. Furthermore, although this is a short book, Robertson covers a lot of ground and does so engagingly and thoughtfully.

My one critique of this book is that I think Robertson tries to do too much with this book and it takes him off focus. I agree with him that Jesus is a sufficient and comprehensive answer for what ails humanitY, I share Robertson’s magnificent obsession; yet I found at times he drifted away from addressing unbelievers about Jesus and turned his sight to other Christians. Three times in this book he mentions Rob Bell, his liberalism and how unhelpful it is. He makes clear reading Love Wins is a waste of time. I only wish he kept focused on describing what he sees as Christian truth (rather than debating alternative visions) because I know unbelievers could care less about Christian theological debates (and are turned off by it).

Besides this, I think that this will be a helpful book for non-Christians and Christians alike. Magnificent Obsession is instructive for Christians because it demonstrates the Christological focus on sharing our faith. I also think this will be a helpful book to gift to a non-Christian friend who is a seeker. I don’t think Robertson’s book will answer every question and assuage your friend’s doubts (apologetic books never do); yet he frames the gospel and the issues well and a book like this can deepen conversation about the nature of Christian belief. I give this book four stars: ★★★★.

Thank you to Christian Focus Publications for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent to give an unbelieving friend who you are already having a dialogue with about Jesus along with equipping christians to be honest, knowledgeable, respectful, courageous and understanding in conversations with those who profess to be atheists or agnostics.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books dealing with Apologetics are seemingly in high demand these days. Chances are if you’ve been reading Christian books for any length of time you’ve read one if not more books on this subject. Even though there a lot of great books on Apologetics; most are highly technical rather than easy to read and with a conversational time. Thankfully a new book Magnificent Obsession: Why Jesus is Great by David Robertson has come out that combines theological depth with well-written prose that will help readers understand deep issues in any easy to understand style, so that they can implement the author’s approach to Apologetics into their ministries.

David Robertson’s first book on defending the faith was The Dawkins Letters, written in response to atheist Richard Dawkins book, The God Delusion. Robertson’s latest book Magnificent Obsession contains the same conversational tone, disarming demeanor and well-reasoned argumentation that he demonstrated in The Dawkins Letters. This time around, though, Robertson in Magnificent Obsession is carrying on a letter conversation with an atheist who works at a Scottish University; all the while engaging the late Christopher Hutchen’s book, God is Not Great. As I read Robertson’s letters I couldn’t help but appreciate how deeply sincere they were; since he wrote them at a time in his life where he almost died from a serious illness.

In Magnificent Obsession, Robertson showcases a solid grasp of not only the Bible and other theologically sound works, but also an intimate understanding of popular atheistic and philosophical literature. He ably engages his intended recipient of his letters; namely those who have a variety of questions about the Christian faith. The issues examined in Magnificent Obsession are: Miracles – can and should they be believed in and why; Incarnation – Did God really condescend and become the God-man Christ Jesus?; and Message – the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Magnificent Obsession, in this reviewers opinion, is one of the most engaging and theologically robust books on Apologetics out there. I highly recommend Magnificent Obsession because it provides an up-close look in how to engage those who question the Christian faith with a view to answer them with well-reasoned and biblically faithful answers.

A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[John Hantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent book on one man's witness of Christ to an atheist. For a great book on apologetics, I would give this to my atheist, agnostic and Christian friends as well. David Robertson is witty, deep, and authentically approachable in his interaction with his atheist friend to whom he writes a series of letters which make up this book. A great work for atheists and agnostics to examine, and a fresh, encouraging and worshipful experience for believers. Highly recommended reading for our current battle for meaning and truth in this culture.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers of this blog may have noticed David Robertson’s name pop up here and there in links to things he’s written. For some of those readers, his name on this book alone will result in the tab being closed. That would be a shame. Regardless of what you might think of David’s blogging, speaking or opinions, this book is well worth reading.

Early on, David writes;

“The story is told of a Christian student in the University of Edinburgh who thought he would be what Christians call ‘a good witness’ by going into his philosophy lecture early and writing on the blackboard ‘Jesus is the Answer’, before heading out of the lecture theatre. (This was some time ago – if you are under forty ask an older person what a blackboard is!) When he returned with his fellow students he was somewhat pleased to see that his chalk-written words were still there for all to see. But underneath someone had written ‘What’s the question?’. I so believe that Jesus is the answer, in a way that goes far deeper than you could possibly hope or imagine, but first we have to ask the questions.”

This vignette gives a sense of the book. Originally concieved as a response to Christopher Hitchen’s God is Not Great – and David interacts with that book, and others, throughout – Magnificent Obsession is instead a positive book, as the author shares some of the reasons why he follows Jesus. There is a healthy dose of humility throughout the book – both in its epistolary format whence David clarifies things from earlier chapters, and constantly (and rather Englishly, in my opinion) self-deprecates his own learning. Whilst I read this book as a Christian, and found it both encouraging and thought provoking, the book is arguably aimed at the thoughtful non-Christian, whether atheist agnostic or ‘other’, and this is important.

Review continues on my blog: https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...

[Theo Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The things I loved about this book were:
I loved the chapters - I thought he wrote the book in a great structure, and it follows a great thought path. I also loved the easy language - unlike many other books on religion and philosophy it was never boring or hard to read, but it had fairly easy language with fun examples. I liked his thoughts on the argument of 'Stalin was an atheist' - I was convinced that it was a bad argument from reading 'The God delusion', however my mind was changed on this from reading this book. Finally, I really enjoyed how Robertson revealed how hypocritical and irrational the 'new world atheists' are, especially from quoting Christopher Hitchen's book 'God is Not Great'.
I didn't thank that Robertson always covered the all the counter-arguments against what he was saying, but other than that I have no improvements.
I would recommend it to anyone from militant atheists to Christian fundamentalists.

[William Barrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conversations between devoted Christians and serious atheists produce many opportunities to explore what the Bible actually says as well as who we actually are (as compared with who we claim to be and what we say we believe). Robertson and his unnamed friend ("J") provide readers with a window on a friendly exchange on significant theological topics. The irenic and transparent way Robertson pursues his friend stands as a superb example for Christians desiring to share their own obsession with Christ. And, that is the core issue: our relationship to the person of Jesus Christ. Too often our evangelism misses that significant element without which the gospel itself is empty and our Christian lives would be deprived. Here are the answers to offer to friends who happen to be atheist, neo-atheist, agnostic, or just plain confused and discouraged by the lack of absolute truth in a post-modern world.

[Jennifer Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent Obsession is worth reading!

David shows the obsessive attempt by atheists to malign God and His Word by denying the truth. He lives out his faith and show us repeatedly why God us so great.

[Davy Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and readable whilst tackling the big topics. Written as a series of letters, it interacts with the arguments of the day (still relevant years after). If you have ever wondered why people bother with church in 2021, this will answer it. The subtitle summarises the book perfectly!

[Jessica Bang · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Jennah · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Robertson writes as if an atheist and/or someone has disbelief and questions about Christianity through letters. It is a unique way of writing a book and I enjoyed reading his presentation of speaking the Gospel and speaking Truth.

[luis rios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Help

This book has definitely helped me better know, relate, and melody Jesus Christ. I will be sharing it as a reference to new and learning Christians.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book about the evidence for who Jesus is. I only gave it 4 stars because I thought it was going to be about Jesus not about the evidence, so was a little disappointed.

[Dave Buller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We can't avoid reasoning; we can only avoid doing it well.”

―-Peter Kreeft, Pocket Handbook of Christian Apologetics

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

--First Peter 3:15

This review first was published here.

The rise of atheism in the popular arena and the decline of Christian influence have served to heighten the need for thinking Christians. Faith is a decision that is not based solely off of emotion, but must involve our mental faculties--and all the more so as we engage in conversation about religion and ethics. It is into this arena that David Robertson's latest book, Magnificent Obsession, makes its foray.

Magnificent Obsession is filled with extra-biblical history and quotes. Covering ten facets of Christianity, the book explores the phenomenon of the God-man Jesus, from his miracles to his murder. With testimonies from people like the ancient Jewish historian Josephus (who was not a Christian) to Matthew Parris (a 21st century atheist) who have witnessed the power and transformation that Jesus brings to our world. Robertson refutes the claims of atheistic and anti-Christian debaters such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens with tact and efficiency. The entire work is fascinating and provides a solid rationale for the existence of Jesus and reasons to believe in the Bible as the words of God.

Magnificent ObsessionDavid's intent is fantastic: to write an apologetic with the purpose of persuading people to consider giving their lives to Jesus. The only deficiency of Magnificent Obsession is very minor but consistent in relation to David's reason for writing it. Each chapter has elements characteristic of "letters" written between two individuals (salutation, body, conclusion, and a signature). But letters this extensive in length and academic in nature are atypical. The relationship between the author and the "imagined recipient" of the letters centered around this debate and nothing else. Nonetheless, I did not find this method distracting, or excessively negative. I found myself with even a hint of curiosity as the story unfolded as to what "J" (the recipient of these letter-chapters) would decide to do with this Christian faith.

Magnificent Obsession is a great resource for Christian's concerned about sharing their faith with mutual respect. Readers interested in debate, reason, and persuasion will be especially keen on Robertson's work.

David Robertson, author of The Dawkins Letters and Awakening, is pastor of St Peter's Free Church of Scotland. Robertson is a trustee of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity and works to fulfil the Centre's mission to engage culture with the message of Christ.[1]

I received "Magnificent Obsession" in exchange for a review. I was not required to give a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[1] David Robertson. Magnificent Obsession (Kindle Locations 42-43). Christian Focus Publications Ltd.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The format of the book is a series of correspondence between the author and an agnostic. Its a bit artificial since such correspondence never took place. The author just used it as a device to write the book, which is otherwise nonfiction. (I think Gregory A. Boyd wrote a better book using actual correspondence in "Letters from a Skeptic"). The author makes a lot of allusions to popular music, which I initially found distracting. I thought the author was trying to demonstrate how hip he was. As the book developed and began to flow, I got past those things. Robertson has a nice style and I decided that he does a nice job of presenting the facts and making sound, understandable arguments. He makes Christopher Hitchens look a little uninformed and naive in the arguments he made in "God is not Great". Overall I came to like the author and I believe he knows what he‘s talking about, including music.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an easy to read yet thought provoking book. David Robertson has such a loving and pastoral heart, yet does not compromise on the truths of Jesus or His gospel. This book provides not merely retorts to use in discussions with non-believers, but reasons why they must believe in and love Jesus.

[Calvin Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read apologetic, straightforward and unpretentious. Nice job Rev.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review on my blog: http://wp.me/pf2RR-si

[Ginger Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, very accessible for those of us who new to apologetics, clear and concise without being patronising or dumbed down.

It's a book I know I will use as a reference in the future.

[Derek Van Leenen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic, conversational apologetics book. I enjoyed the author. He seemed as comfortable quoting Mumford and Sons as he did John Calvin.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly readable

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid apologetics in letter format. Will date, but works well now.