HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT
What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?
There are approximately 200,000 copies in print of What
If Jesus Had Never Been Born? Also the book has now been translated
into Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, and Norwegian. It is currently
being translated into Portuguese. This book was the basis for the new made-for-TV
Christmas 2001 movie, Scrooge
and Marley. Furthermore, Coral Ridge Ministries is in the process
of making a special to air around Christmas 2002 based on What If Jesus.
What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? is now available in a special revised
and updated 2001 version.
Feedback on What If Jesus Had Never Been
Born?
Nationally
Christian Book Review writes: "The wide range of sources cited,
including critics of Christianity, adds substantial support to the author's
conclusions...In a day when Bible-believing Christians are frequently portrayed
as those who would destroy freedom, liberty, and education, a clear understanding
of the positive contributions of Christianity throughout the ages is important
for all believers. What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? is an excellent resource
that covers a broad range of topics clearly and carefully documents how
the followers of Jesus Christ have benefited the human societies that they
have impacted. This book reminds us that although the historical record
of the actions of Christ's followers is not perfect, it stands up favorably
in comparison with the influence of anyother religion or philosophy on
the planet! James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe have done the church of Jesus
Christ a great service. What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? deserves a place
on your bookshelf."
What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? was a 1995 Final Nominee for the Gold Medallion Book Award in the Christianity & Society Category, presented by The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.
Dr. Kennedy addressed an audience of over 1,500 in November 1994 at
Hillsdale College in Michigan; his topic was "What If Jesus Had Never Been
Born?" Furthermore, the first two chapters of the book are condensed presented
as one of the chapters in Hillsdale's book: God and Man: Perspectives on
Christianity in the 20th Century. Other chapters are by such notables as
Margaret Thatcher, M. Stanton Evans, Michael Novak, and Os Guinness.
Dr. Jess Moody, pastor of Shepherd of the Hills in Porter Ranch, CA, wrote: "Being a pastor in Los Angeles is akin to being the pastor of the First Church of Greater Sodom and Gomorrah. Here, history is what the secularists say it is. "It is for this reason that, from platform and forum, I am recommending your truly remarkable book What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? I listed it as one of the ten top books of my life."
Nationally syndicated columnist Mike McManus recommended What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? as a Christmas gift in his Christmas Eve, 1994 column. His column on our book was his first one with his new syndicate, the New York Times Syndicate. And that particular column sold quite well in many large cities around the country, and even in Dublin, Ireland. He labeled our work an "important book" and said that it's a "book for believers and skeptics."
Paul Harvey said on his nationwide news broadcast:
"You are familiar with the Jimmy Stewart movie -- the Wonderful Life,
It's a Wonderful Life? It allows the Jimmy Stewart character to see what
his town would have been like, had he never been born. Dr. James Kennedy
and Jerry Newcombe have written a book called, What If Jesus Had Never
Been Born? Chapter by chapter, it reveals how Jesus influenced just about
everything -- charity and education, government, civil liberties, science,
economics, medicine, morality. This is scary. It was a perfectly horrid
world before Him! The book is called, If Jesus Had Never Been Born [sic].
It's published by Thomas Nelson."
Robert Schuller, pastor of the Crystal Cathedral, says:
"How refreshing it is to see one of our leading ministers address one
of the most controversial subjects in today's society. Your documentation
and presentation of each chapter in the book is a fascinating and most
informative commentary, and your insight and writings give proof positive
to our mission statement of Jesus Christ's coming into this world to reshape
the world for the good of all mankind. This is one of the most powerful
books I have seen. It is a winner -- and a 'must-read' book for everyone
who desires to share in the grace of God!"
Jeff Miller, writing in the Christian Interactive Network on Compuserve, describes the book as being "armed with a truckload of documentation." He concludes his book review by calling What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? a "thoroughly enjoyable and educational read!" He characterizes it as: "Excellent for: Pastors, Teachers, History Buffs, Skeptics of the Faith."
Dr. Perry Cotham, writing in A Closer Look, says:
"Kennedy and Newcombe challenge readers most with their rich exposition
and insight in answering these questions and addressing a broad range of
issues. With its readable and forthright style, the full impact of Christ's
coming gives Christians the insights to resist anti-Christian thinking
and actions and to continue to make a positive impact on our world."
Mark Horne reviewed the book for World magazine and wrote:
"By responding to the attacks launched upon Christianity, Kennedy and
Newcombe have written what is perhaps one of the best books for our time...Besides
being an excellent evangelistic tool, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?
will give Christians the confidence they need to do battle in the culture
war. The book ends quoting Psalm 110:1: God is at work in history, these
authors claim. 'making the enemies of Jesus Christ a footstool for his
feet!' It is a message we need to hear."
On December 3, 10, and 17, 1995, the Coral Ridge Hour (broadcast on 500+ stations nationwide) was tied to the theme of What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?. Dr. Kennedy's pulpit messages related to the topic, and the features following included a discussion between Dr. Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe on the book. Interwoven with these discussions were short segments on some of the themes of the book, e.g., science, human life, charity, changed lives, etc. Guests on those segments included Chuck Colson, George Grant, Erwin Lutzer, Ravi Zacharias, and John Woodbridge. The premium (or offer made available to the viewer) for these three Sundays (and the next one as well, December 24) was the book and a companion video based on the book, which consists of the Dr. Kennedy/Jerry Newcombe discussion from beginning to end, with segments interwoven throughout. (The companion video also contained elements that weren't broadcast.) In a similar vein, on March 3, 10, and 17, 1996, the theme of The Coral Ridge Hour dealt with the next book by the two of us, The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail, which focuses on the subject of Christian-bashing.
Scores of radio and television stations have interviewed Dr. Kennedy
or Jerry Newcombe about the book. This includes the Trinity Broadcast Network,
the Moody Broadcast System, and the Worship Network.
Internationally
An American businessman living in Hong Kong who's active in ministry
writes:
"Dear Dr. Kennedy and Mr. Newcombe, Loved your book What If Jesus Had
Never Been Born? China needs this book. It is very powerful. Jesus will
certainly change the entire nation. Christians would be greatly encouraged!
I'd love to help you have it translated into Chinese. I'd also like to
take about 30 copies back with me [to Hong Kong].
The book was winner of a 1995 contest in New Zealand of the Christian Book of the Year Awards as second runner up for General Christian Book of the Year.
Rev. Peter Hammond, an active missionary in Capetown, South Africa,
wrote Dr. Kennedy requesting 100 paperback copies of the book. He described
it as "excellent" and wrote:
"This book is one of the most important written in recent years. In
an age filled with guilt manipulation and slanderous attacks upon the Christian
faith and its founders - this book presents the undeniable facts...your
book has been of immense encouragement and practical help. I have regularly
referred to it and used it in seminars, lectures and sermons. By writing
What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?, you have provided a vital weapon for
the armoury of every Christian." Recently (October 1997), Rev. Hammond
wrote us and told us that he is reading the book, chapter by chapter over
South African radio! He describes the book as the "book of the decade."
An interview with co-author, Jerry Newcombe, about the book was
written up in the Norwegian Free Lutheran Church newspaper, Budbaereren,
which is sent to members of that denomination throughout Norway, September
1995.
To order a copy of What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? at a special Internet discount price, click here for hardback.
Click here for paperback.
Or what about the Spanish version of the book Y Que Si Jesus No Hubiera Nacido