Kerby Anderson

A book coming out in August asks an important question: What If Jesus Is Right? Doug Groothuis and Lindsey Medenwaldt evaluated the inaccurate claims made about Jesus. This is the sort of book you can hand to a seeker or to someone who has accepted one of the many false views about Jesus. 

One false claim is the belief that Jesus was only a great moral teacher. That discussion leads to the options of whether Jesus is a legend, liar, lunatic, or Lord.

Another false claim is the belief that Jesus is radically inclusive. Yes, Jesus was willing to sit with all kinds of sinners, including tax collectors and prostitutes. He showed compassion towards outcasts, such as lepers and others considered unclean. But that does not mean He was indifferent to sexual immorality and other sins.

A third false claim is that Jesus wants us always to be healthy and prosperous. That chapter addresses the issue of positive thinking and the prosperity gospel.

They also include a chapter on the many modern examples of a fake Jesus. This includes Jesus the universal Christ, Jesus the sage, Jesus the avatar, Jesus the mere prophet, and Jesus the created being. These discussions deal with various religions and cultures that have redefined Jesus into their theology.

They conclude by an examination of the claims that Jesus makes about Himself. He is the “I am” and claims that “a new Kingdom is at hand.” He claims authority to forgive sins and claims to know the future.

Final chapters call for us to exercise discernment especially when so many false views are promoted in the media and in our culture. This book will be a great resource as you talk to friends, neighbors, and co-workers.