More Than a Carpenter

Josh McDowell presents an intellectual defense of the divinity of Jesus Christ, centering his argument on the trilemma that Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. Drawing from his background as a former skeptic, McDowell evaluates historical evidence, archaeological findings, and the reliability of New Testament manuscripts. He examines the physical reality of the resurrection, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the rapid growth of the early church despite intense persecution. The book treats the historical record as a legal case, challenging the idea that Jesus was merely a moral teacher.

This text is written for skeptics, seekers, and Christians who want a logical basis for their beliefs. Readers use this material to address common secular objections regarding the authority of Scripture and the identity of Christ. Those who finish the book gain a structured framework for apologetics and a clearer understanding of how historical data supports religious claims. It provides a concise summary of evidence intended to move the reader toward a personal decision regarding the claims of the Gospel.

Practical and clear-cut; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Practical Optimizer. Which reader are you?