Evidence for Jesus: Timeless Answers for Tough Questions about Christ

by Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell

Quick answers to tough questions about Jesus' life, ministry, and divinity. Is there archeological proof that Jesus existed? Did Jesus ever actually claim to be God? Is Jesus really the only way? There's a good chance that every Christian will be asked tough questions like these at some point in their lives, whether from combative skeptics, curious seekers, or even doubts in their own minds. To help followers of Christ answer questions quickly and confidently, Josh and Sean McDowell adapted the wisdom from their apologetics classic Evidence That Demands a Verdict into an accessible resource that provides answers to common questions about Jesus. Evidence for Jesus answers these questions and Evidence for Jesus will equip brand new believers and lifelong Christians alike with time-tested rebuttals to defend their faith in Jesus against even the harshest critics.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Josh McDowell is a bestselling Christian apologist, evangelist, and author of over 150 books, including Evidence That Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter. Once an agnostic, he converted to Christianity while investigating its historical claims. He went on to earn degrees from Wheaton College and Talbot Theological Seminary. For decades, McDowell has been a prominent speaker with Campus Crusade for Christ, addressing issues of faith, character, and youth culture worldwide. His work emphasizes historical and legal evidence for Christianity and tackles challenges posed by skepticism and non-Christian beliefs. He lives in California with his wife, Dottie, and is the father of four children, including fellow apologist Sean McDowell.

Reviews

[Heidi Creasman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being asked to review Josh and Sean McDowell’s new book, Evidence for Jesus: Timeless Answers for Tough Questions About Christ. This dynamic father /son duo are gifted writers and communicators, and their newest book is compact and easy to read. By taking portions of their book, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, they have presented a concise argument detailing how a person is able to look at the evidence and understand who Jesus of Nazareth claimed to be and why that is important to us today. The format of this book allows the reader to examine different aspects of the claims made by Jesus as well as his followers. Broken down into seven sections it covers different aspects such as the historical evidence for Jesus, who he claimed to be, how he fulfilled prophecy and why his resurrection matters. By examining the evidence presented in this book a reader could understand how “Jesus’s death and resurrection are the ultimate confirmation that he is indeed the Son of God.” (p 235) I would encourage parents, students, skeptics, and believers to get their copy of this compact reference tool.

[Austin Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really left this book with an increased Faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is a must read for people on the edge of Christianity and in need of one final push.

[Paulette T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can enthusiastically recommend this book! I received this book in return for a review and I am delighted to be able to share my thoughts with others regarding the suitability of this book as a personal or group study, and as a witnessing tool. It is easily understandable to the average reader and it is engaging as well! It condenses copious amounts of important information into accessible portions. This book provides answers to a wide variety of questions posed by individuals ranging from skeptics to doubters to believers. Often, believers need to be reminded of how to answer questions from loved ones, and strangers, who are not believers. As I read through the book, I constantly recalled various individuals to whom this book could prove an crucial tool for witnessing to skeptical friends and for reassuring struggling Christians. I appreciate having this invaluable tool at my fingertips and will purchase it for others.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides an overview of some of the most common claims made about Jesus in our current culture:

- He's just a good teacher
- He didn't even exist; Christianity is a copycat religion based off pagan myths
- He existed, but didn't rise again
- The stories about his miracles were fabricated by his disciples after his death
- etc.

Josh and Sean provide good, quick arguments for why the Gospels can be trusted as historical accounts, why it makes sense to believe Jesus was a miracle-worker, and why the resurrection is the most logical explanation of certain key historical facts.

If you're a Christian trying to learn how to defend your faith, or a skeptic who wants a quick overview on what Christians believe about Jesus of Nazareth, this is a great book to start with.


Quotes:

"Contemporary scholarship has swung in the direction of acknowledging that Jesus performed miracles [because] the evidence is significant. As scholars have applied their critical methodologies to the gospels, even when they accept only what their own methods can prove, they have found there is no escaping that Jesus performed marvelous feats of healing."

"Nowadays, it is intolerant to claim that one religion is the only right way. Yet this is what Jesus and his earliest followers claimed: Jesus is the only way to salvation. While people may call this claim intolerant, what matters is whether it is true."

"While the claim that Jesus is just a copycat of pagan and dying and rising gods is popular on the internet, the truth is that it holds zero merit when the evidence is examined."

"Here's the simple point that must be repeated: If God possibly exists, then miracles are possible. Some skeptics want to dismiss the possibility of miracles unless God's existence can first be demonstrated. But this is backward. It is not up to the theist to prove God's existence, for if the existence of God is not impossible, then miracles are at least possible. To reject miracle claims outright, the skeptic needs to prove that God does not exist. But the nonexistence of God has never been shown. Rather, since the mid-nineteenth century, God's nonexistence has often been assumed. Not only has God's nonexistence not been demonstrated, but there are also good reasons to believe that God does exist."

"Are miracles possible? Again, your answer to this question most likely depends on your worldview. If you believe that the natural world is all that exists and you accept only natural explanations to events, no matter how unlikely, then you already have a philosophical presupposition against miracles. But this is an assumption, not a proof. If it's possible that God exists, then it is certainly possible that this God may choose to intervene in the regular course of nature in a unique way. After all, if God can create the universe and all its laws, then certainly God can violate those laws if he wants. Miracles are most definitely possible."

"Christianity without the resurrection is false. Christians are not given the power of the Holy Spirit if there is no resurrection. People are still in their sins if there is no resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is the defining historical event that establishes the truth of Christianity. It is the key to experienc- ing the Christian life. Because the resurrection is true, and we believe it, we can experience the power and freedom of Christ."

"Questions are not only okay but a good part of the Christian life. Jesus calls us to love God with our minds and to seek answers (Mark 12:30)! One thing we have both learned is that, if we are willing to do our homework, there are good answers for the toughest challenges to the Christian faith."

[Joshua Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read the McDowells Evidence that Demands a Verdict- then you’d I’ll love this one! It is a small, easy to read book on evidence of Jesus! Great read for people who are just getting into apologetics!

10/10- getting this for graduating seniors this year!

[Aydan! Boi Bamba · Rating 4 out of 5]

P good on God

[Stephanie Huang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ for ALL CHRIST-FOLLOWERS! For teenagers and adults.

Are you hungry for the Truth? This important pocket-sided book presents bite-sized core apologetics needed to defend traditional Christianity. It is an essential read to gain the proper equipping on how to know and defend the real and living Jesus. Basically, it parcels down the essentials from academic textbook, Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World. After reading this more-accessible book, you will be able to “issue spot” corrupted and wrong descriptions of Jesus and press in with His truth and evidence. Each chapter provides a relevant question, biblical context, historical evidence, and a concise digestible conclusion. You will be able to eloquently discuss the most foundational topics of Jesus as a historical person, God and Savior, miracle-worker, and resurrected Messiah. Josh and Sean McDowell (and team) take the time to create what is easily described as an abbreviated “Master’s in Christian Apologetics in one book.”

Three hot topics pertaining to my life that were addressed by Evidence for Jesus:
(1) Moral dilemma. My husband of 18 years is still agnostic, even with all the academic evidence proving the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his “rejection of Jesus” is in his heart and not in his head. Chapter 8 addresses this heart issue. If Jesus were real, then my husband would need to face the moral implications. The McDowells write, “This moral dilemma is the true reason many people resist, not the academic dilemma. If Jesus is Lord, people are obligated to follow him or else honestly reject him and be held responsible accordingly. Therein lies the greatest challenge. There needs to be moral honesty in the consideration of Jesus as either liar, lunatic, or Lord and God.” Oof. This is a gut-punch to those who choose to stay in bondage of the flesh.

(2) Intolerance. My 15-year-old daughter (who is a believer) is offended when I seem “intolerant” of the LGBT+ community. Chapter 11 addresses Christianity’s inclusivity and exclusivity clearly. The McDowells write, “Christianity may be exclusive in that Jesus is the only way to salvation, but Christianity is also inclusive, because salvation is available to anyone.” We must read further than John 3:16 to be reminded that in John 3:17 “…God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

(3) Creed. Often the sinner’s prayer is misunderstood as a mere check box that marks the believer. We fail to recognize the creed written in the Bible. Section 6, before Chapter 26 boldly proclaims “The apostle Paul suspends the entire weight of Christianity on the single thread of the historical resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth: ‘If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also in vain… if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins… If we have hoped in Christ only in this life, we are of all people most to be pitied’ (1 Cor. 15:14, 17, 19 NASB)” Furthermore, they write “Jesus’s resurrection is more than just another religious miracle claim—it is the cornerstone of the Christian faith… To put it simply, everything rests on Jesus rising physically.”

I love this book! My teenagers are reading it now.

[Currently I am enrolled in the Masters of Arts in Christian Apologetics at Biola/Talbot School of Theology graduating in Dec, 2023]

[Maxwell Bunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Evidence for Jesus: Timeless Answers for Tough Questions about Christ, the authors embark on a critical and systematic exploration of the historical and theological veracity of Jesus Christ, offering a robust and meticulously structured defense of the Christian faith. The work serves as a primer, distilled yet deeply rooted in a wellspring of historical, archaeological, and doctrinal evidence aimed at answering the most pressing inquiries surrounding the life, death, and divinity of Jesus.

At its core, the book is an eloquent consolidation of foundational arguments that provide intellectual clarity to the complex, often contentious, questions surrounding Christ. The authors effectively navigate a wide spectrum of skeptical critiques, utilizing scholarly resources with finesse to substantiate the central claims of the Christian narrative. The logical coherence, coupled with the incorporation of archaeological discoveries and patristic testimony, renders the book a valuable resource for both the inquisitive layperson and the seasoned apologist.

However, while Evidence for Jesus excels in establishing the groundwork for understanding the legitimacy of the historical Jesus, it arguably does not delve deeply enough into the more intricate theological or philosophical aspects of the debate. This restraint is not a fault of the authors but a conscious design choice, as the companion volume Evidence That Demands a Verdict is presumably intended to expound on these deeper layers. Nevertheless, one might lament the missed opportunity to engage with more advanced arguments in this volume, which could have provided a more comprehensive treatment of the subject matter.

In summary, Evidence for Jesus stands as an exemplary introductory text that successfully balances accessibility with academic rigor. It offers readers a compelling synthesis of evidence that will undoubtedly bolster the faith of believers while challenging skeptics to reconsider the claims of Christianity. Though the work refrains from venturing into more sophisticated philosophical terrain, its foundational approach remains an invaluable asset. On balance, I would assign this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, recognizing its significant contributions to the discourse on the historicity and significance of Jesus Christ, while acknowledging its limitations in terms of depth.

[Douglas Keil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an edited summary of the classic apologetics reference “Evidence That Demands a Verdict” (ETDV) written by Josh McDowell and recently updated in 2017. It intends to focus primarily on three key areas: (1) the deity of Christ, (2) the resurrection of Christ and (3) the reliability of scripture. This book intends to be a very condensed accessible version of ETDV for people who may be only beginning their study of apologetics and are likely to find ETDV much too daunting. Each chapter in the book is limited to about 1500 words. This forces economy on every sentence such that it advances the argument. This design should work well for a small group that can then easily read a chapter together and discuss. The book is also great for a Christian school. It is also helpful for personal study. It is a practical simple book, where the information is packed in. The book is framed by Josh McDowell’s story in the beginning and by Sean’s story at the end. Perhaps my only quibble is that the book provides very minimal guidance for those who want to dig deeper. For those who are true apologetics geeks this book may disappoint, since much of the material presented has been presented elsewhere in greater depth (but there are a few updates). However, the true apologetics geek is not the intended audience. Rather, this book surveys the landscape for the common person with questions but only a casual acquaintance with apologetics. For this goal it succeeds admirably. This is a book you can give a friend, a student or a neighbor who has questions and little familiarity with Christian apologetics. It could be a great resource for stimulating a solid conversation about Jesus.

[Dan Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read Evidence for Jesus by Josh and Sean McDowell. In full disclosure I am a former student of Sean’s and promised to write a review in exchange for a copy of the book. I have read a some other apologetics books so some of the material I was already familiar with. Also some perspective in another way. I grew up in a non Christian family and specifically some were well versed in their reasons for dismissing evangelical Christianity. I had become a christian and when I wanted to be able to defend my faith I bought a copy of the older version of Evidence that Demands a verdict. Reading it felt overwhelming but just having it, and knowing it contained evidence for the faith was reassuring. Since this book is a portion of the larger text with some additional content, it felt good to finally actually read it for myself. I do recommend this book for anyone who wants to know if Jesus like the Bible says actually existed and what evidences and reasons back up what the church has proclaimed over the centuries. I also like the compactness the text they really covered a lot of good material while keeping the reading level for the common high school reading level. There is a lot of good evidence that is not common knowledge that they provide and they also use good reasoning. With somewhere around 80 years of practice in presenting this material between the two of them you can see that in the text. Also they worked to make short chapters so that readers could take bite sized chunk.

[Larry White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essence, Not Exhaustive

In “Evidence for Jesus” father and son Christian apologists Josh and Sean McDowell combine in an overview of one of the many topics examined more extensively in their classic “Evidence That Demands a Verdict”: Jesus Christ. It doesn’t get more foundational than that. They begin with the historicity of Jesus, which, while not questioned seriously by anyone, either Christian believer or nonbeliever, nonetheless establishes a foundation for their thorough approach. They establish the veracity of the Biblical sources and examine extrabiblical sources, both within the early church and among outside observers of first century history. The McDowells go on to evaluate Jesus’ identity, uniqueness, and significance, concluding with the fact and importance of His Resurrection. This is not the in-depth study found in the earlier, more comprehensive work, but rather an excellent overview that offers both a convincing introduction for the novice apologist or seeker and a useful refresher for the more seasoned and studied reader. Very readable and concise, “Evidence for Jesus” aims to cover the essentials and perhaps stimulate deeper inquiry, not to be exhaustive, and it succeeds extremely well.

[Brooke Burnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book does a good job of re-instilling faith in Christians who want to be able to keep their beliefs, but from an outside perspective I did not find it particularly compelling. The majority of this book's defenses relies heavily on circular reasoning (using the Bible as defense for the Bible), and the extra-biblical information, in my opinion, does not provide sufficient grounds for proof of the divinity of Jesus. I personally think a lot of the arguments made within this book could be just as easily applied in similar fashion to other faiths and their texts such as Islam, Judaism, etc.

I have respect for Josh and Sean's apologetics work, but unfortunately I can't say that I found myself swayed by the arguments presented.

[Steve Sleeves · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is like overcoming doubts and questions that a kid might have when they already believe in magical Santa Claus... creating reasons how santa was coming down the chimney in a house without a fireplace... It argues for you to abandon your natural doubt to absurdities and that you just need believe in the circular reasoning bought into by people already groomed and convinced the bible is true and historical. This whittling down of critical thinking brainwashed parents do to brainwash their children is scary. We should be teaching our children to think for themselves before being force fed nonsensical BS in churches by people that haven't got a working knowledge of most anything factual, just what they were forced and groomed to believe as a child. These authors of this book to a skeptic seem to be intellectually dishonest, this book was written for people who already accept the agenda. The authors know anyone who's not already in the cult isn't buying the ridiculous claims of a magical jesus born from a virgin. If anyone told you today that their wife got pregnant, but they never slept with her... your thinking mind as a logical individual would more than likely draw the correct conclusions. Not accept some ridiculous nonsensical lie only a credulous buffoon could believe, unless they were taught it true over and over non-stop every day/week since adolescence to disregard their critical thinking and "just believe" it... "have faith". Faith, which is belief without evidence.

[Justin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most influential books I've ever read. It is packed with information about Jesus and answers many of the questions you may have about the most influential person to have ever lived. I've read some of their larger work (Evidence that Demands a Verdict) but this one is easy to read and in a format that you can carry with you anywhere. This book was given to me to review and has honestly motivated me as a believer and would provide many skeptics with the information they may be searching for. I highly recommend this book!

[Donna Latham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book not to prove evidence of Christ to myself, but to give me pointers if/when I have the opportunity to speak to nonbelievers. The book is written without much emotion, which to be fair one might expect when the writing seeks to prove evidence for something. Even considering that, the book just didn’t do it for me. When it comes right down to it, Christianity is about faith not proof. While I do believe there is concrete evidence for many things in the Bible, faith, hope and love are all the proof I need.

[Karson Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read several books from both McDowells in the past, this was a very fun read! Evidence for Jesus is not only easy to read but also packed full of useful information. The questions surrounding the historicity of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are pivotal to the Christian faith. This book will prove to be extremely useful to those questioning or even considering the faith. I definitely recommend getting a copy of this for yourself as well as for some friends!

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Search for the Historical Jesus Is Over; He's Been Found!

The father and son apologetics team has just released a new book that gives updated evidence for the historical Jesus. Since the nineteenth century, liberal scholars have tried to deny that the biblical record portrays Jesus as he really existed. Some have even attempted to show that he is merely an imagined person, a conglomerate of dying and rising mythical gods that reflect the agricultural cycle.
The McDowells have organized the thirty chapters of their book into seven sections. Section 1 examines the historical records of Jesus. They defend the historicity of the New Testament and consider the evidence of both Christian and non-Christian sources outside the biblical record.
Section 2 looks at the identity of Jesus. The authors discuss his claims of divinity, what his followers thought about his divine claims, and how his actions and character authenticate the claims. The section concludes with why we can’t dismiss Jesus as just another moral teacher or prophet.
In Section 3, we learn how Jesus is unlike any other founder of a religious movement. His supernatural incarnation and the divine power that accompanied his life and teaching validate his claim that he is the unique and exclusive savior from the human predicament.
The book offers a response in Section 4 to the claims that Jesus’ character was compiled from the mythical accounts of the gods of Mystery Religions. Josh and Sean compare and contrast the theory that Jesus is a copycat of the myths and the Bible’s historical account of Jesus backed by archaeology.
In the fifth section, the apologists look at messianic claims made by Jesus. They explain the types and shadows found in the Old Testament and show how the early Christians interpreted these to be fulfilled by Jesus. At the end of the section, answers are given to the most common criticisms of Jesus’ messianic claims.
Section 6 looks into the resurrection of Jesus. The authors first establish that miracles and supernatural claims put forth in biblical texts are a possibility to consider. They list the facts about the resurrection to which even secular scholars admit. Then the pair shows the most prominent explanations presented and demonstrate that only an actual resurrection fits the known facts. Further evidence is found in the deaths that the apostles were willing to suffer rather than renounce the resurrection.
The last section of the book continues the theme of resurrection. Josh and Sean teach us the how the resurrection is key to the claims made by Jesus Christ. The resurrection validates all the other claims made by Jesus and is central to our faith.
In an age when every promise, every claim, and even the historic reality presented by Jesus is questioned by skeptics, this book is significant and should be on the bookshelf of every evangelical Christian.

[Frank Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read Josh or Sean before then you know they are consistent with biblical faithful apologetics. I walked away with new concepts in defending the miracles of Jesus. Great book for those who need evidence and want to defend.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the plus side of good. This book focused on apologetics for Christ Himself. His historical averment, His claims to deity, His miracles, His resurrection, and other aspects of theological importance.

[Damon Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Well written short chapters that present basic information with citations that can be used if you want to dig deeper. Convincing arguments for the core tenets of Christianity and against the major claims against it. Highly recommend.

[Cathal Ó · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book does a great job of presenting you with factual information and not trying to influence you in one way or another. It served its purpose in that way and is very comprehensive, from archaeology to historical documentation.

[Jared Rasmussen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh…a good apologetic but boring writing style.