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The Problem of Jesus: Answering a Skeptic’s Challenges to the Scandal of Jesus
Jesus has never been more popular. Some love him, applauding him as a good teacher, a political revolutionary, or a prophetic voice speaking out against the rich and powerful. Others find him bigoted, old-fashioned, and narrow minded, even as they are forced to admit that his words and teachings are utterly unique. His presence infuses our political discussions and our dinner table debates, making him impossible to ignore.
Yet sadly, in many churches today, the Jesus we meet is nothing more than a kindly man with children on his lap and a smile on his face. He is presented as a good person, a positive influence--a mixture of Mr. Rogers and Tony Robbins. The Jesus of American Christianity is meek, gentle, safe, and fun, always ready to be your best friend.
When we dig more deeply into the Bible, we discover a very different picture. Wherever Jesus went in his life, from the day he was born until the day he died, scandal and controversy followed him. Be warned. If you investigate Jesus beyond the superficial glance most give him today you will be challenged and confronted. Jesus creates in each person who encounters him a crisis of faith, forcing us to a point of decision.
When used together with The Problem of Jesus, A Video Study, this study guide helps you look beyond the superficial understandings of Jesus to examine his hard-hitting claims and teachings,
The reliable evidence that Jesus was a real, historical figure
The oft-unexamined cost of following Jesus
His claim to be God, the Creator of all, worthy of worship
His teachings and stories, which have always offended religious people
His miracles and actions, what they meant in the ancient world--and today
The claims of Jesus to be the only, exclusive path to God
The Problem of Jesus Study Guide confronts you with the real Jesus of history, asking you to wrestle with the teachings, claims, and actions of the man who has forever altered the course of human history. Every person must make their own decision about Jesus, choosing how they will live in light of the answers they discover about this amazing man.
Yet sadly, in many churches today, the Jesus we meet is nothing more than a kindly man with children on his lap and a smile on his face. He is presented as a good person, a positive influence--a mixture of Mr. Rogers and Tony Robbins. The Jesus of American Christianity is meek, gentle, safe, and fun, always ready to be your best friend.
When we dig more deeply into the Bible, we discover a very different picture. Wherever Jesus went in his life, from the day he was born until the day he died, scandal and controversy followed him. Be warned. If you investigate Jesus beyond the superficial glance most give him today you will be challenged and confronted. Jesus creates in each person who encounters him a crisis of faith, forcing us to a point of decision.
When used together with The Problem of Jesus, A Video Study, this study guide helps you look beyond the superficial understandings of Jesus to examine his hard-hitting claims and teachings,
The reliable evidence that Jesus was a real, historical figure
The oft-unexamined cost of following Jesus
His claim to be God, the Creator of all, worthy of worship
His teachings and stories, which have always offended religious people
His miracles and actions, what they meant in the ancient world--and today
The claims of Jesus to be the only, exclusive path to God
The Problem of Jesus Study Guide confronts you with the real Jesus of history, asking you to wrestle with the teachings, claims, and actions of the man who has forever altered the course of human history. Every person must make their own decision about Jesus, choosing how they will live in light of the answers they discover about this amazing man.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2021
163 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 23, 2025
4.5 stars - beautiful message and loved listening to it!
March 17, 2021
An superb and revealing account of the most important figure and hope in all of history.
I chose to read this book (though I've read more than a few on Jesus Christ) because I heard Mark Clark speak and preach at my church on a few occasions. I'm so glad I did! His prose and story telling are easy to digest and offer unexpected insight into the character of God and of his Son. At the same it wrestles with very real problems common to the human condition, it provides a warm and most plausible solution to them. Wonderful read.
I chose to read this book (though I've read more than a few on Jesus Christ) because I heard Mark Clark speak and preach at my church on a few occasions. I'm so glad I did! His prose and story telling are easy to digest and offer unexpected insight into the character of God and of his Son. At the same it wrestles with very real problems common to the human condition, it provides a warm and most plausible solution to them. Wonderful read.
January 24, 2023
I saw an advertisement for a discount on this book. The part of the description that caught my eye was “in some ways will … upend [Christianity] altogether.”
Perhaps I’ve read too many books, but I wasn’t surprised by the majority of the content. There is a good collection of historical evidence for Jesus from extra-biblical sources, historians, and scholars. Clark offers some good reminders to frame scripture in its historical, cultural, and geographical setting as well as the written context. There is a section on the genre of the Gospels which I don’t think gets enough attention in apologetics.
But chapter 6, my interest turned to disappointment. Clark spent the majority of the chapter explaining that becoming a Christian isn’t just a metaphorical death to our selfish desires but cited Revelation to indicate that Jesus would come back when the number of Christian martyrs was complete. With this mindset we should be encouraging Christian death so Jesus will come all the more quickly.
Then in chapter 7 the author says Christians should not “feel at home in the commodity kingdom” yet if that is the case they wouldn’t be part of fortune 500 companies or have homes big enough to host church or fellowship groups or even traveling missionaries. Clark goes on to cite two examples in his personal life of when he put preaching ahead of his family so that his family would not become an idol. Yet, I saw nothing in these stories to indicate that he prayed and asked God what he should do.
On to chapter 16 and more disappointment, sadly not surprised as most fundamental evangelicals will agree with his logic. Clark begins with an example of disappointment with pastors who don’t preach about sin because they do not convict people of sin–which I thought of the Holy Spirit’s job. He goes on to connect the cross back to Genesis when the serpent would bite Jesus’ heel–if the prophecy said the serpent would hurt Jesus, why is it taught that God put Jesus on the cross? God supposedly required sacrifice yet never required of Cain or Moses. The author correctly assesses that humans “want blood” when they have been wronged but then concludes that this is our God-given sense of justice. Clark even cites pagan cultures’ awareness to sacrifice as though God gave them this desire. So how is God any different than pagan gods? Then the author talks about counseling those who had bad parents who hit them and took out their anger on their children–how is God’s wrath poured on Jesus any different?
Mark Clark provides some good defense of the Christian faith or apologetics and uses a good collection of sources for it. However, he’s just another fundamental evangelical so I cannot recommend this book
Perhaps I’ve read too many books, but I wasn’t surprised by the majority of the content. There is a good collection of historical evidence for Jesus from extra-biblical sources, historians, and scholars. Clark offers some good reminders to frame scripture in its historical, cultural, and geographical setting as well as the written context. There is a section on the genre of the Gospels which I don’t think gets enough attention in apologetics.
But chapter 6, my interest turned to disappointment. Clark spent the majority of the chapter explaining that becoming a Christian isn’t just a metaphorical death to our selfish desires but cited Revelation to indicate that Jesus would come back when the number of Christian martyrs was complete. With this mindset we should be encouraging Christian death so Jesus will come all the more quickly.
Then in chapter 7 the author says Christians should not “feel at home in the commodity kingdom” yet if that is the case they wouldn’t be part of fortune 500 companies or have homes big enough to host church or fellowship groups or even traveling missionaries. Clark goes on to cite two examples in his personal life of when he put preaching ahead of his family so that his family would not become an idol. Yet, I saw nothing in these stories to indicate that he prayed and asked God what he should do.
On to chapter 16 and more disappointment, sadly not surprised as most fundamental evangelicals will agree with his logic. Clark begins with an example of disappointment with pastors who don’t preach about sin because they do not convict people of sin–which I thought of the Holy Spirit’s job. He goes on to connect the cross back to Genesis when the serpent would bite Jesus’ heel–if the prophecy said the serpent would hurt Jesus, why is it taught that God put Jesus on the cross? God supposedly required sacrifice yet never required of Cain or Moses. The author correctly assesses that humans “want blood” when they have been wronged but then concludes that this is our God-given sense of justice. Clark even cites pagan cultures’ awareness to sacrifice as though God gave them this desire. So how is God any different than pagan gods? Then the author talks about counseling those who had bad parents who hit them and took out their anger on their children–how is God’s wrath poured on Jesus any different?
Mark Clark provides some good defense of the Christian faith or apologetics and uses a good collection of sources for it. However, he’s just another fundamental evangelical so I cannot recommend this book
January 24, 2023
Wondering about your faith and the claims of Jesus? The actual evidence is overwhelming and well documented in this well-researched book.
July 15, 2021
Amazing book see last coments.
January 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has a lot of solid information and many good points. As far as theological/evangelical viewpoints go, I can't say much as I am not versed enough in those areas myself. Overall, I found this book to be eye-opening and informative. I would recommend this book.
May 18, 2021
One of the best books I've read and have literally given to dozens of people is Mark Clark's "The Problem of God." Mark is really this generations Lee Strobel/Timothy Keller (although Im sure there are some out there who will now be deeply offended at what I've typed here). Mark has really broke down some massive topics/questions/conversations that people wrestle with as they wrestle with what it means to have faith in God. As a pastor this book as been an asset in assisting me and others to unpack big topics in digestible ways.
The Problem of Jesus continues the goodness that Mark began in his first book. This historical aspects talked about, the scientific truths that need to be known and acknowledged are an asset to anyone looking to grow in understanding. Yet like any topic there will be trolls and haters, doubters and critics alike that will come to dismantle and discredit the work that has been produced here.
The line "The Christian life is BOTH historical facts and life-changing personal application." got me thinking that in all Mark presents here I have the choice what to do with it. You can read this book and hit up google for every refute, every reason to continue not believing Jesus is real or that His life, death and resurrection matter. Or you can make the choice to dig in, really discover who Jesus is and what that means to your life personally. Maybe just maybe this would lead you to the life changing application that Mark speaks of here.
I'm thankful for Mark and his time spent creating yet another wonderful resource and asset for generations to come to benefit by. I hope this was all other readers experience as well.
The Problem of Jesus continues the goodness that Mark began in his first book. This historical aspects talked about, the scientific truths that need to be known and acknowledged are an asset to anyone looking to grow in understanding. Yet like any topic there will be trolls and haters, doubters and critics alike that will come to dismantle and discredit the work that has been produced here.
The line "The Christian life is BOTH historical facts and life-changing personal application." got me thinking that in all Mark presents here I have the choice what to do with it. You can read this book and hit up google for every refute, every reason to continue not believing Jesus is real or that His life, death and resurrection matter. Or you can make the choice to dig in, really discover who Jesus is and what that means to your life personally. Maybe just maybe this would lead you to the life changing application that Mark speaks of here.
I'm thankful for Mark and his time spent creating yet another wonderful resource and asset for generations to come to benefit by. I hope this was all other readers experience as well.
October 24, 2022
I found the author made things more complex and confusing on topics, stating that things we thought we know about the Bible are not accurate, while at other times telling us we need to take others at face value, that other things have bigger context in the past, etc., causing not only confusion while reading it but now also causing more confusion and fear in ever attempting to read the Bible.
September 17, 2025
I read this book last November and waited to review it because I was in total shock at how one can even write such a "thing".
The book claims to address skepticism and present the truth of Jesus, but it fails to philosophise in any meaningful way. Rather than engaging with reasoned arguments or depth, it leans heavily on an Americanized, ideological version of Christianity. At times, it feels less like an exploration of faith and more like a rigid, lacking in complexity, Christo-ideological message.
What disturbed me most was its treatment of other religions. There is an entire section that veers into outright Islamophobia, which is not only theologically irresponsible but damaging to Christianity itself. A Christianity that positions itself through fear and attack cannot endure as the faith of love. Have we forgotten the parable of the Good Samaritan and the command to “love thy neighbour”? These are central to the Gospel. Yet, the author seems more interested in drawing hard boundaries and pointing fingers than in embodying the radical compassion at the heart of Jesus’s message.
Intellectually, the book is full of logical failures. Instead of persuading skeptics, it would likely push them further away, as its arguments collapse under scrutiny. It didn't invite thought, it just shut it down.
It’s not difficult to see why this book has become popular among certain strands of American evangelicalism. it reads more like an ideological tract than a genuine attempt at understanding. If the American church hopes to have a future rooted in truth, it needs new interpretations of the Bible; ones that preserve its philosophical depth rather than reducing it to a culture war tool.
Readers genuinely seeking Christianity’s richness would be better served by engaging with serious Christian thinkers, such as G.K. Chesterton, rather than wasting time on this kind of shallow polemic.
The book claims to address skepticism and present the truth of Jesus, but it fails to philosophise in any meaningful way. Rather than engaging with reasoned arguments or depth, it leans heavily on an Americanized, ideological version of Christianity. At times, it feels less like an exploration of faith and more like a rigid, lacking in complexity, Christo-ideological message.
What disturbed me most was its treatment of other religions. There is an entire section that veers into outright Islamophobia, which is not only theologically irresponsible but damaging to Christianity itself. A Christianity that positions itself through fear and attack cannot endure as the faith of love. Have we forgotten the parable of the Good Samaritan and the command to “love thy neighbour”? These are central to the Gospel. Yet, the author seems more interested in drawing hard boundaries and pointing fingers than in embodying the radical compassion at the heart of Jesus’s message.
Intellectually, the book is full of logical failures. Instead of persuading skeptics, it would likely push them further away, as its arguments collapse under scrutiny. It didn't invite thought, it just shut it down.
It’s not difficult to see why this book has become popular among certain strands of American evangelicalism. it reads more like an ideological tract than a genuine attempt at understanding. If the American church hopes to have a future rooted in truth, it needs new interpretations of the Bible; ones that preserve its philosophical depth rather than reducing it to a culture war tool.
Readers genuinely seeking Christianity’s richness would be better served by engaging with serious Christian thinkers, such as G.K. Chesterton, rather than wasting time on this kind of shallow polemic.
December 27, 2024
This book did not convince me, a skeptic, to follow Jesus - presumably the reason it was written. My fundamental questions were left unanswered and one was given a terrible answer.
The Tanakh says that God does not change, so my question is - how is anything about Jesus valid? Mark Clark's answer is that Jesus came to flip Jewish law on its head...which implies that God's law DID change. Yet Christians consider their Old Testament the infallible Word of God, meaning that they both believe that God's law is unchanging AND that Jesus permanently changed God's law. How do these concepts coexist? Mark, I know you wrote this book with good intentions, but your book actively helps my case in remaining a skeptic.
Clark also mischaracterizes Judaism as a religion that believes it is the only true way to heaven. Has he ever spoken to a rabbi? This damages his credibility as he spends a good chunk of this book deriding Judaism with an infuriatingly smug superiority complex, not to mention part of another chapter spent clumsily explaining Newton's Laws of Motion and quantum physics.
If Clark doesn't understand the religion that Christianity leeches from, how am I supposed to trust his scientific explanations? And since when are evangelical pastors credible sources on advanced science? I have a stronger scientific background than Clark does, and no way would I feel comfortable explaining quantum physics.
The first 40% of this book was an utter drag. The following 10% I was slightly entertained by, but that may have been because I was stuck on a plane and there was nothing else with which to entertain myself. The rest was back to being incredibly boring. It read like an essay. And man, were there a lot of quotes. I should have gone straight to the source and read N. T. Wright, Spurgeon, and Kierkegaard instead if Clark was going to borrow from them so much.
The Tanakh says that God does not change, so my question is - how is anything about Jesus valid? Mark Clark's answer is that Jesus came to flip Jewish law on its head...which implies that God's law DID change. Yet Christians consider their Old Testament the infallible Word of God, meaning that they both believe that God's law is unchanging AND that Jesus permanently changed God's law. How do these concepts coexist? Mark, I know you wrote this book with good intentions, but your book actively helps my case in remaining a skeptic.
Clark also mischaracterizes Judaism as a religion that believes it is the only true way to heaven. Has he ever spoken to a rabbi? This damages his credibility as he spends a good chunk of this book deriding Judaism with an infuriatingly smug superiority complex, not to mention part of another chapter spent clumsily explaining Newton's Laws of Motion and quantum physics.
If Clark doesn't understand the religion that Christianity leeches from, how am I supposed to trust his scientific explanations? And since when are evangelical pastors credible sources on advanced science? I have a stronger scientific background than Clark does, and no way would I feel comfortable explaining quantum physics.
The first 40% of this book was an utter drag. The following 10% I was slightly entertained by, but that may have been because I was stuck on a plane and there was nothing else with which to entertain myself. The rest was back to being incredibly boring. It read like an essay. And man, were there a lot of quotes. I should have gone straight to the source and read N. T. Wright, Spurgeon, and Kierkegaard instead if Clark was going to borrow from them so much.
December 8, 2022
The most disheartening thing about this book is how well received it is.
This author uses the work of other well known apologist as intellectual training wheels. At least 35% of this book are direct quotes from other well-known authors. The book takes Christian theology and summarizes it into shallow modern dogmatic talking points.
Clark does not understand the difference between a skeptic and a cynic. He responds to the challenges skeptics have regarding the historical accuracy of the Bible, existence of Jesus, miracles, or the resurrection with microwaved answers that only satisfy those who already believe.
His inability to engage with skepticism beyond canned Christian responses and quote mining apologist demonstrates the absence of the inllectual strength required to support his arguments.
The author also has a gross misunderstanding of science. He doesn't understand the difference between a scientific theory and a law. He thinks Einstein's Theory of Relativity disproves Newton's Laws. Worse of all, he works from this base level of ignorance to substantiate a belief miracles. Blah.
A book filled with quotes from other authors and deep thinkers supported with appeals to emotion and to ignorance does not answer the challenges of the modern skeptic.
This author uses the work of other well known apologist as intellectual training wheels. At least 35% of this book are direct quotes from other well-known authors. The book takes Christian theology and summarizes it into shallow modern dogmatic talking points.
Clark does not understand the difference between a skeptic and a cynic. He responds to the challenges skeptics have regarding the historical accuracy of the Bible, existence of Jesus, miracles, or the resurrection with microwaved answers that only satisfy those who already believe.
His inability to engage with skepticism beyond canned Christian responses and quote mining apologist demonstrates the absence of the inllectual strength required to support his arguments.
The author also has a gross misunderstanding of science. He doesn't understand the difference between a scientific theory and a law. He thinks Einstein's Theory of Relativity disproves Newton's Laws. Worse of all, he works from this base level of ignorance to substantiate a belief miracles. Blah.
A book filled with quotes from other authors and deep thinkers supported with appeals to emotion and to ignorance does not answer the challenges of the modern skeptic.
August 30, 2021
Outstanding presentation of an apologetic for Jesus and the Gospel. Clark has made a serious addition to the Kingdom of God that will encourage people to look seriously at their faith (or lack thereof) and more adequately examine their own positions. I need to more carefully go through this book (and get his other book on the problem of God) so as to be able to use his material in my own life and teaching...and yes, the order is important! First, make sure that I am walking the walk before trying to talk the talk.
July 23, 2021
This book starts with a bang and ends, to a degree, with a whimper. Mark Clark’s ‘The Problem of God’ is an extraordinary book - clear, reasoned and helpful.
The Problem of Jesus is a different kind of book. More theology and history than an apologetic, it serves as a dive into the person of Jesus.
To me, it was 100 pages too long to be truly accessible for the not yet Christian, yet 200 too short for a textbook. A good read nonetheless, but not a patch on the Problem of God as an apologetic.
The Problem of Jesus is a different kind of book. More theology and history than an apologetic, it serves as a dive into the person of Jesus.
To me, it was 100 pages too long to be truly accessible for the not yet Christian, yet 200 too short for a textbook. A good read nonetheless, but not a patch on the Problem of God as an apologetic.
November 16, 2025
A masterpiece
I love Pastor Mark, and growing up in Village Church I was expecting this book to be a convincing but kind of disorganized story. I was wrong. It is masterfully written to equip you with knowledge and confidence in the most incredible story we have ever been told. It motivated me at every corner to love Jesus with every fiber of my being and share him with my coworkers as the most worthwhile scandal ever. I hope I can share with everyone how great God is!
I love Pastor Mark, and growing up in Village Church I was expecting this book to be a convincing but kind of disorganized story. I was wrong. It is masterfully written to equip you with knowledge and confidence in the most incredible story we have ever been told. It motivated me at every corner to love Jesus with every fiber of my being and share him with my coworkers as the most worthwhile scandal ever. I hope I can share with everyone how great God is!
April 17, 2022
Reminds me a fair bit about Lee Strobel's case for Christ. This was good and had most of the arguments that he had. But this book also goes a fair amount into what Jesus taught and what it meant which is a great addition and was well done. Especially the part about Jesus's call to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him.
October 3, 2021
Lots of summarizing other authors
Mark basically takes the best ideas from authors like NT Wright and synthesizes and summarizes their primary points. Decent read if not a bit meandering.
Mark basically takes the best ideas from authors like NT Wright and synthesizes and summarizes their primary points. Decent read if not a bit meandering.
November 27, 2022
For me this wasn't a book to rush through. I did a lot of reflection in my life as I read this book. I highly recommend this book to Christians to further your understanding of Christ, his purpose here on earth and his resurrection.
March 13, 2021
Great read and great follow up to the problem of God.
August 11, 2021
Loved this book because I Love Jesus. So insightfully on point.
If you don’t know Jesus— please read this book. Jesus is Hope and Life.
If you don’t know Jesus— please read this book. Jesus is Hope and Life.
October 28, 2021
I liked it — it’s another apologetic book written by a former agnostic. My favorite chapter was the one on Exclusivity. A lot of quoting in it.
December 31, 2021
Good overview of Christian theology and history.
January 31, 2022
I don't believe in this.
December 21, 2022
Good but just got a little long
January 23, 2023
Knowledge is a continuous thing we should all work on, this helped me expand mine.
June 17, 2023
Cerebral and insightful!
August 4, 2023
Me quedé en la mitad. Not worth your time…. Es él dando speeches of what his mind is about
November 17, 2023
Loved it!
November 20, 2023
Always interested in any religious writings.
Love to have my beliefs explained and confirmed!
Love to have my beliefs explained and confirmed!
January 11, 2025
Excellent, easy read. Convinced me that Jesus is real.
January 27, 2023
Just as good as the first one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews