Book Review: The Completely Updated & Expanded Evidence That Demands a Verdict

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I first read the original Josh McDowell’s Evidence That Demands a Verdict a number of years ago for an apologetics course and found it to be helpful. Then a new version came out in 1999, which I enjoyed as well. Then I heard about another version coming out in October of 2017. I first thought, “Come on! Another one?!?” But now that I have it in hand and have read through it, I can say, it is a must have. The claim of “completely updated and expanded” is true.


Part 1: Evidence for the Bible is a must have for the Christian. Many today inside Christendom don’t trust the Bible, which is deeply troubling. Christians are people of a book: the Bible. Yet, they struggle with viewing the Bible as wholly unique, historical, and reliable. This section is an honest look at the evidence for a solid trust in the contents of the Bible.

Part 2: Evidence for Jesus puts forward a compelling case for the historical Jesus as well as evidence for Jesus, the Son of God. But Josh and son, Sean, don’t just look at the life of prophecies regarding Jesus, they also display evidence for a physical, historical resurrection of Christ. After reading this section, only a stubborn cynic would deny a physical and historical resurrection is the best explanation for the disciples claim they saw a risen Christ.

Part 3: Evidence for the Old Testament is a section every Christian should read. Christian’s tend to “favor” the New Testament over the Old Testament. The OT and NT make up God’s Word. Part 3 is a survey that brings clarity to the misunderstandings between the OT and NT.

Part 4: Evidence for Truth needs to be read by everyone. In an age where feelings trump truth, people need to stop planting their feet in mid-air. This section will bring them back down to earth. Often the topic of truth and knowing it is dealt with in ways the average reader can’t digest. The contents in Part 4 are deep, but understandable to those who want to learn.

Overall Impression: With over 20 pages of sources in the Bibliography, Josh and Sean have done their homework. If you are a Christian, you need to have the Updated Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Christian’s have a reasonable faith that can be tested and largely verified. Even Paul suggested that if what we believe is myth, we’d better give up and go back to our old lives. But he knew it was true, historical, and reliable. So should you.

What about if you are a skeptic or a non-Christian? Is this book one to read? Absolutely! I try hard to not to criticize something I haven’t looked into. Follow Josh (and Sean’s) journey in testing the data to see if Christianity was myth or true. If you only read two sections of the introductions in this book: “He Changed My Life” and “A Theistic Universe” you’ll walk away impacted by a life changed and a challenging view of the universe we live in.

In my opinion, the evidence is in: get your copy of Evidence That Demands a Verdict TODAY! 

 If you are interested in learning more about the book, go to: www.ReadEvidence.com 


 “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” ~ 1 Peter 3:15

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