Man, Myth, Messiah: Answering History's Greatest Question

After I spoke in support of the historical reliability of the New Testament documents at the University of Maryland a few years ago, an atheist student came up to me and expressed some skepticism about the Gospels. Based on what he was saying, I sensed that he didn’t really know what was in the Gospels. So when I asked him if he had ever read Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, he was embarrassed to admit that he never even read them. The young man had rejected Jesus without even knowing who Jesus allegedly was! I took him off to the side and paraphrased a famous description of Jesus of Nazareth from a sermon called the “One Solitary Life.” It goes like this: “He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant. He grew up in another village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then, for three years, He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn’t go to college. He never lived in a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place where He was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself. He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His garments, the only property He had on earth. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave, through the pity of a friend. [Twenty] centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race. I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned — put together — have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one, solitary life.” I then said to the student: “I don’t care where you’re from, how you were brought up, or what your current beliefs are. Jesus Christ was undeniably the most influential human being to ever walk this earth. Anyone honestly pursuing truth has to at least read what He allegedly said. You may disagree with it. You may not think it’s true. But you have to at least read it, and then look at the evidence to see if it's true.” He agreed, but I don’t know if he followed through. Now you can follow through with Man, Myth Messiah—an extremely readable and insightful book about the One Solitary Life that remains the center of human history. Rice Broocks, who also wrote God’s Not Dead (which inspired two YOOOOUGE movies), shows you why Jesus of Nazareth actually is the Messiah. And Rice doesn’t assume the Bible is true in making his case—he cites historical facts that even skeptics admit are true to ultimately arrive at his conclusion. Since Rice is a founder of many churches and speaks on college campuses all over the world, he knows how to transform what could be dry academic material into an engaging read that all audiences will enjoy and benefit from. And that’s important because "Man, Myth Messiah" is about the most important life ever lived. If Rice is right (and I think he is), then what you decide about Jesus of Nazareth is the most important decision you’ll ever make. Get this excellent book to find out why. (It will help you share eternity with others too!)

Book that inspired God's Not Dead 2, but NOT a "story" that runs along with the movie. This is an intelligent and thorough presentation of most of both the secular and Christian writings that the author presents as logical and even scientific proof that not only was Jesus Christ a real person, but that he was killed by crucifixion by the Romans and was seen in body and person by many witnesses after what the Christian faith believes was a resurrection from the dead. The book gives many facts that Christians can use to support their faith when talking to unbelievers. A MUST READ for any Christian who needs reassurance about the Biblical account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I would suspect if persons of other religions like Islam, etc. were to thoughtfully and with an open mind read this book that many would be persuaded to embrace Christianity.

Definitely a worthwhile read for those looking for ideas to debate the rhetoric of the ideologues looking merely to poke anyone that perceives Christianity as a viable alternative to humanism in the eye and viewed as an egregious choice only to be trifled with. There are those willing to have an honest debate without hyper emotionalism and made up ideas, but they are far and few and in between these days. However, as the followup book to the original 'God's Not Dead', it did a great job of closing some holes left open from the original and provides more artillery to build faith and hope in the relentless barrage of skepticism and negativity towards those whom continue to remain the "called out". If you must stand alone in truth, then stand. Sometimes it's all you have the energy or strength to do... stand.

Though the name of Jesus of Nazareth is known literally throughout the world, what people understand about him widely varies. But, to be certain, no other name seems to have the ability to evoke both strong positive or negative reactions wherever it is mentioned. Pastor Rice Broocks, from Bethel World Outreach in Nashville, Tennessee, has written previously about the truths of Christianity in "God's not Dead", but in his newest release "Man Myth Messiah" he tackles, head on, the claims about Jesus, examining who He was, in the light of both scripture and historical research. I received this book for free as a part of the book review program for bloggers, available at [...] and the views expressed are my own. First, I previously read and reviewed Rice's book "God's Not Dead" on my blog, found at [...] but I actually like :Man Myth Messiah" a little better. Both are well written and documented, but I think the author spent time focusing on the issues that surround Jesus rather than talking about the critics this time, more than in his previous effort. And, I commend him for it. The chapters include discussions on the Gospels, Jesus crucifixion, His resurrection and even the subject of miracles. Another thing I liked is that the author is not afraid to tackle the views of the skeptics, doubters and even atheists. He has obviously studied many of their arguments and does not dismiss them. He simply shares the opposing viewpoints and challenges the reader to evaluate the evidence. It is not an attack on anyone, but merely a presentation of Gospel beliefs. I think this book will be a good resource for anyone who has heard many of the common arguments against the person of Jesus Christ, stating that He didn't exist, or He didn't do what people say He did, or that He wasn't the Son of God. All of these opinions and others receive their fair treatment throughout the book. I also think it would be a good help for high school or college students who finds themselves consistently having to defend their faith against an onslaught of critical viewpoints. I hope that Pastor Rice Broocks writes more apologetic materials in the future, to better reach more unbelievers, who would benefit from his teachings, and to equip more Christians for works of service, to be better prepared to know what they believe and why they believe it.

Another great book and stance. Take a look at the movies too: God's not dead (3 of them!)

It's great and helps a lot to explain gantails about Christ . Plus it gives extra useful knowledge too . I recommend every preacher and who wants to share the truth .

Do you believe that Christianity is true? Is the story of Jesus Christ true? Perhaps you need to read this book, to show you the truth.

O livro aborda a realidade e os desafios que os Cristãos que querem defender sua fé encontram e fornece bases para fortalecê-la, excelente livro.

I found Man Myth or Messiah very helpful and find myself recommending it to others to read. The structure and flow makes it easy to grasp complex arguments for the defense of the existence of the historical Jesus who is God and savior. The stories also help make it a compelling read. I enjoyed the contemporary examples of miracles alongside the well thought out historical evidences presented by leading experts. A great book I will continue to recommend to others, especially those with sincere questions about Jesus and the Christian Faith.