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A Higher Court
NO. 1 BEST SELLER IN LITERARY FICTION. NO. 1 BEST SELLER IN RELIGIOUS FICTION. NO. 1 BEST SELLER IN SPIRITUALITY. "BEST BOOK OF 2010" - Readers Choice Book Reviews. "GOLD AWARD FOR RELIGIOUS FICTION" - 2010 eLit Awards. SILVER MEDALIST - 2011 Readers Favorite Book Awards. An excellent Book Club Selection! _____________________________________ My name is William Kensey. I have a wife and two great kids. Until very recently, I was a well-respected and financially successful trial attorney. I was also a man who was comfortable with his religion. I preferred it served at arm's length from the pulpit on Sunday morning. And would rather not discuss it the rest of the week. The circumstances that led me to write A HIGHER COURT changed all that. The entire experience was both bizarre and unavoidable. You see, I was summoned to serve as a juror in an improbable trial -- a trial to determine whether God exists. I know. You think that sounds ludicrous. I did, too . . . until the trial began. Witnesses buried me under mountains of scientific evidence. My own eyes forced me to confront the reality of extreme human suffering. God seemed less and less relevant -- even absent -- as the trial progressed. At the close of the trial, I had to render my verdict -- "God" or "No God." Affirm a new and deeper faith in a Creator, or confess the triumph of science. A HIGHER COURT is the story of how I discovered my ultimate truth. If your mind is open, you can join me in this journey of self-discovery. Come along. You won't be sorry.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2010
125 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
John L. Betcher
12 books431 followersAmazon Kindle TOP 100, B&N Nook TOP 100 and USAToday Bestselling author, John L. Betcher, holds a Bachelor's Degree, cum laude, in English from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis. He has practiced law for more than twenty-five years in the Mississippi River community of Red Wing, Minnesota.
Mr. Betcher has published an award-winning series of "Becker" suspense/thriller novels. The first five are THE 19TH ELEMENT, THE MISSING ELEMENT, THE COVERT ELEMENT, THE EXILED ELEMENT. and THE CRITICAL ELEMENT. He has also authored the award-winning spiritual phenomenon, A HIGHER COURT.
Most recently, John has published BLACK DAYS: Racism and Riots in the U.S. which explores systemic racism in America viewed through the lens of civil unrest from 1863 to present.
Mr. Betcher has published an award-winning series of "Becker" suspense/thriller novels. The first five are THE 19TH ELEMENT, THE MISSING ELEMENT, THE COVERT ELEMENT, THE EXILED ELEMENT. and THE CRITICAL ELEMENT. He has also authored the award-winning spiritual phenomenon, A HIGHER COURT.
Most recently, John has published BLACK DAYS: Racism and Riots in the U.S. which explores systemic racism in America viewed through the lens of civil unrest from 1863 to present.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 6, 2012
(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally.)
I recently received not just one but two new books from author John L. Betcher, so thought I would do a review of both of them at once too; and this is unfortunately easier to do with A Higher Court, a wispy, extra-silly examination of basic theological questions (and by "basic" I mean "teenage") couched as a literal court trial to determine whether or not God actually exists, the kind of eye-rolling exercise that one would normally expect to find as filler at the end of a church newsletter or an issue of Reader's Digest, a waste of time for most that does not come recommended. But this is a tougher call when it comes to the other book, aptly named The Covert Element: A James Becker Thriller because of it being the third book in the series; for while these kinds of tech-heavy military thrillers featuring a former-military bureaucrat-badass as its reluctant central hero are far from my usual cup of tea, I have to admit that I found this to be no better and no worse than the various Tom Clancy novels I've randomly read over the years as well. And so that means either that this really is as good as Tom Clancy, or that I find both it and Tom Clancy to be not very good at all; so as a compromise I'm giving it a middle-of-the-road score, and encouraging you to instead consult online reviewers with a lot more experience with this genre, if you want a better objective idea of how this stacks up against other military technothrillers.
Out of 10, A Higher Court: 4.9
Out of 10, The Covert Element: 7.5
I recently received not just one but two new books from author John L. Betcher, so thought I would do a review of both of them at once too; and this is unfortunately easier to do with A Higher Court, a wispy, extra-silly examination of basic theological questions (and by "basic" I mean "teenage") couched as a literal court trial to determine whether or not God actually exists, the kind of eye-rolling exercise that one would normally expect to find as filler at the end of a church newsletter or an issue of Reader's Digest, a waste of time for most that does not come recommended. But this is a tougher call when it comes to the other book, aptly named The Covert Element: A James Becker Thriller because of it being the third book in the series; for while these kinds of tech-heavy military thrillers featuring a former-military bureaucrat-badass as its reluctant central hero are far from my usual cup of tea, I have to admit that I found this to be no better and no worse than the various Tom Clancy novels I've randomly read over the years as well. And so that means either that this really is as good as Tom Clancy, or that I find both it and Tom Clancy to be not very good at all; so as a compromise I'm giving it a middle-of-the-road score, and encouraging you to instead consult online reviewers with a lot more experience with this genre, if you want a better objective idea of how this stacks up against other military technothrillers.
Out of 10, A Higher Court: 4.9
Out of 10, The Covert Element: 7.5
March 10, 2012
I really wanted to like this book. The science, the arguments, it all should have been a wonderful book. They even "Proved" what we know, believe and can see evidenced all around us every day in the world around us including the perfect mixture of gasses in the air we breath.
BUT...the main character, whom I actually liked for the most part, kept shocking me with these curse words! One minute he's thinking or talking about God and right in the middle of it he lets fly with a cuss word with no though, hesitation, apology or remorse!
Toward the end, when he is talking to the Judge and is being told he is specially chosen to do a job for God...he looks right at him and cusses!! And NOTHING!!
This really bothered me. I couldn't in clear conscience give more than 2 stars.
BUT...the main character, whom I actually liked for the most part, kept shocking me with these curse words! One minute he's thinking or talking about God and right in the middle of it he lets fly with a cuss word with no though, hesitation, apology or remorse!
Toward the end, when he is talking to the Judge and is being told he is specially chosen to do a job for God...he looks right at him and cusses!! And NOTHING!!
This really bothered me. I couldn't in clear conscience give more than 2 stars.
June 18, 2013
"Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see? It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles." Fred Gailey, Miracle on 34th Street.
A Higher Court is an award-winning novel and No. 1 bestseller in the genres of both Religious Fiction and Spirituality. I purchased my copy of A Higher Court from Kindle due to my interest in Christian fiction. John and I also follow each other on social media.
John is the author of the James Becker series. The Becker thrillers begin with The 19th Element and currently number four titles. John has also authored a book on coaching volleyball and the ubiquitous work on self-publishing. He is an accomplished volleyball coach, an attorney with twenty-five years of practice, and he holds a degree in English.
A Higher Court is professionally formatted, and the style makes it an easy read. The Gentle Reader should expect to read it in about four hours. John wrote the novel in a clever combination of the first person and third person, which allows the trial to flow with a natural feel. This feature is not as disturbing to me as usual. I strongly commend A Higher Court as a sample of ‘how to do it’ to those Authors who write in first person. Substantial portions of the novel take place in the dark or in a darkened room.
John does not leave us in any suspense as to the matter of the case. He tells us outright in the Prologue that it is God on trial. He presents the question in popular fashion: ‘Affirm a new and deeper faith in a Creator, or confess the triumph of science.’ Framing the issue this way places God, Believers, Unbelievers, and the evidence into inconvenient boxes predetermined by popular ideologies. It presents the question, though, in the way most readers are familiar with.
During the trial, the ‘parties’ present evidence which may not be suitable for young children. I would not hesitate though to share the book with a healthy, normal teenager based on the prevailing culture, but parents should be advised that some material borders on the PG-13 rating from a Christian / Family viewpoint. Considering what’s on cable television today though, this advice may seem overly scrupulous. No teenager watching cable television news will be shocked by anything in the book.
The book’s protagonist is William Kensey. He is a lawyer and a family man not unlike the author, but clues quickly suggest he may lead a rather shallow spiritual life. William’s father passed away unexpectedly in a traffic accident and he is struggling with his faith in God. William’s rather shallow religion brings him no solace, and he is handling this recent tragedy with some difficulty. (As the son of an unbeliever, I find this one of the most difficult points to identify with.) As if accepting the challenge, the Universe sends William a jury summons like none he has seen in his career.
The trial pits God the Father and Jesus against a number of stock challenges. The trial consists of raising the question, pondering it, and then moving on. These questions are not explored in the dimension of deep metaphysics. Nor is the scientific evidence presented in great depth for either side. Evidence on both sides of the question is presented occasionally in the form of a transcript of trial testimony. Cultural, historical, anthropological, legal, and moral evidence is introduced tangentially. The story concludes with a plot twist.
A Higher Court is a faith-based novel. The issues raised are sufficiently intriguing to hold one’s interest, if one is interested in philosophical questions. This is not an action novel and my rating reflects this. The book is clean, decent, and far more sensitive than the critical reviews suggest. The critics may have a point as to ‘depth’ but then who would understand or read the book? Certainly, the author discloses his ‘bent’ on the matter which is far more than many authors would concede on spiritual issues. John maintains a kindly and respectful demeanor regarding those ideas with which he disagrees, and he is not condescending.
As a faith-based work of fiction the author’s take on God’s existence is not surprising. No one should feel gypped because the author raises questions, works through the issues, states his own positions, and then introduces a plot twist.
What else should a reader expect? Should a Christian author conclude that God doesn’t exist and the only evil men in the world are Christians who are offended by murder, violence, and cruelty? If so, we’d all be medical doctors selling popular, touchy-feely, pablum that offers nothing, much less solace when life comes to call.
A Higher Court is an award-winning novel and No. 1 bestseller in the genres of both Religious Fiction and Spirituality. I purchased my copy of A Higher Court from Kindle due to my interest in Christian fiction. John and I also follow each other on social media.John is the author of the James Becker series. The Becker thrillers begin with The 19th Element and currently number four titles. John has also authored a book on coaching volleyball and the ubiquitous work on self-publishing. He is an accomplished volleyball coach, an attorney with twenty-five years of practice, and he holds a degree in English.
A Higher Court is professionally formatted, and the style makes it an easy read. The Gentle Reader should expect to read it in about four hours. John wrote the novel in a clever combination of the first person and third person, which allows the trial to flow with a natural feel. This feature is not as disturbing to me as usual. I strongly commend A Higher Court as a sample of ‘how to do it’ to those Authors who write in first person. Substantial portions of the novel take place in the dark or in a darkened room.
John does not leave us in any suspense as to the matter of the case. He tells us outright in the Prologue that it is God on trial. He presents the question in popular fashion: ‘Affirm a new and deeper faith in a Creator, or confess the triumph of science.’ Framing the issue this way places God, Believers, Unbelievers, and the evidence into inconvenient boxes predetermined by popular ideologies. It presents the question, though, in the way most readers are familiar with.
During the trial, the ‘parties’ present evidence which may not be suitable for young children. I would not hesitate though to share the book with a healthy, normal teenager based on the prevailing culture, but parents should be advised that some material borders on the PG-13 rating from a Christian / Family viewpoint. Considering what’s on cable television today though, this advice may seem overly scrupulous. No teenager watching cable television news will be shocked by anything in the book.
The book’s protagonist is William Kensey. He is a lawyer and a family man not unlike the author, but clues quickly suggest he may lead a rather shallow spiritual life. William’s father passed away unexpectedly in a traffic accident and he is struggling with his faith in God. William’s rather shallow religion brings him no solace, and he is handling this recent tragedy with some difficulty. (As the son of an unbeliever, I find this one of the most difficult points to identify with.) As if accepting the challenge, the Universe sends William a jury summons like none he has seen in his career.
The trial pits God the Father and Jesus against a number of stock challenges. The trial consists of raising the question, pondering it, and then moving on. These questions are not explored in the dimension of deep metaphysics. Nor is the scientific evidence presented in great depth for either side. Evidence on both sides of the question is presented occasionally in the form of a transcript of trial testimony. Cultural, historical, anthropological, legal, and moral evidence is introduced tangentially. The story concludes with a plot twist.
A Higher Court is a faith-based novel. The issues raised are sufficiently intriguing to hold one’s interest, if one is interested in philosophical questions. This is not an action novel and my rating reflects this. The book is clean, decent, and far more sensitive than the critical reviews suggest. The critics may have a point as to ‘depth’ but then who would understand or read the book? Certainly, the author discloses his ‘bent’ on the matter which is far more than many authors would concede on spiritual issues. John maintains a kindly and respectful demeanor regarding those ideas with which he disagrees, and he is not condescending.
As a faith-based work of fiction the author’s take on God’s existence is not surprising. No one should feel gypped because the author raises questions, works through the issues, states his own positions, and then introduces a plot twist.
What else should a reader expect? Should a Christian author conclude that God doesn’t exist and the only evil men in the world are Christians who are offended by murder, violence, and cruelty? If so, we’d all be medical doctors selling popular, touchy-feely, pablum that offers nothing, much less solace when life comes to call.
March 20, 2019
Heavy and Light
Wow! This book is both heavy and light at the same time. It is a quick, easy read (light); yet is on the deepest of topics (heavy). What an imagination! I loved John’s approach. It has a science fiction like quality while maintaining a sense of reality. I recommend it highly.
Wow! This book is both heavy and light at the same time. It is a quick, easy read (light); yet is on the deepest of topics (heavy). What an imagination! I loved John’s approach. It has a science fiction like quality while maintaining a sense of reality. I recommend it highly.
January 7, 2011
William Kensey is a well-respected and successful trial attorney. When his father is accidentally killed by a woman driving an SUV, William is concerned by his lack of emotion over his father's passing. A regular church-goer, he has been learning about God and heaven since he was a child, but the "memorized dogma" left him feeling skeptical. Did he believe in God? He just wasn't sure.
He receives a summons for jury duty for a week from that coming Monday. Little does William know that he's one of several people selected to serve during a special trial to prove, or disprove, the existence of God.
John L. Betcher, author of The Missing Element, The 19th Element, and the Little Black Book of Volleyball Coaching, has written an amazing novel unlike anything I've ever read before.
A character with a crisis of faith is nothing new in the world of fiction, but having that character, along with a diverse group of others, sitting on a jury panel where the very existence of God is being tried...now, that's original.
From the moment I opened this book, I was hooked. The reader can't help but sympathize with William Kensey's plight. He's lost his father, but he's distracted by his lack of emotion over the incident. Suddenly, he's not sure what he believes anymore, but it's not because he's angry with God over what happened. He's just not sure God is really there--in fact, he's never really been sure.
The trial is one unlike Kensey has ever been part of before. The proceedings are unusual, the jury selection process is highly irregular, and despite being in a room with many others, Kensey is only able to see and interact with a select few.
Betcher did a fine job in creating a cast of characters, whether they be jurors, the judge, the witnesses, or the attorneys, whose differences and similarities provided the necessary conflict for the story. In addition, while A Higher Court puts the existence of God on trial, the way the story unfolds and the information/evidence is presented, the author's true feelings on the subject aren't necessarily clear to the reader. I think that's something that is difficult to do--providing an unbiased view of such a controversial subject--yet, Betcher makes it seem easy.
Most people know by now that I don't care for surprise endings. I often come away feeling that the author has purposely tried to dupe me, though that's probably not the case. In this instance, however, the outcome is perfect. I didn't have to stretch my imagination to see it unfolding in the way it did. I didn't feel that the author had led me down one road when I should have been taking another.
I believe A Higher Court will appeal to a diverse group of people. Yes, it's the age-old battle of Science versus God, Evolution versus Creation, but not only is this a unique way to approach it, you are witness to jury deliberations, and therefore, it provokes your mind to consider possibilities outside of your comfort zone without the confrontation that can come about when discussing this topic with others.
A Higher Court by John L. Betcher is a must read.
He receives a summons for jury duty for a week from that coming Monday. Little does William know that he's one of several people selected to serve during a special trial to prove, or disprove, the existence of God.
John L. Betcher, author of The Missing Element, The 19th Element, and the Little Black Book of Volleyball Coaching, has written an amazing novel unlike anything I've ever read before.
A character with a crisis of faith is nothing new in the world of fiction, but having that character, along with a diverse group of others, sitting on a jury panel where the very existence of God is being tried...now, that's original.
From the moment I opened this book, I was hooked. The reader can't help but sympathize with William Kensey's plight. He's lost his father, but he's distracted by his lack of emotion over the incident. Suddenly, he's not sure what he believes anymore, but it's not because he's angry with God over what happened. He's just not sure God is really there--in fact, he's never really been sure.
The trial is one unlike Kensey has ever been part of before. The proceedings are unusual, the jury selection process is highly irregular, and despite being in a room with many others, Kensey is only able to see and interact with a select few.
Betcher did a fine job in creating a cast of characters, whether they be jurors, the judge, the witnesses, or the attorneys, whose differences and similarities provided the necessary conflict for the story. In addition, while A Higher Court puts the existence of God on trial, the way the story unfolds and the information/evidence is presented, the author's true feelings on the subject aren't necessarily clear to the reader. I think that's something that is difficult to do--providing an unbiased view of such a controversial subject--yet, Betcher makes it seem easy.
Most people know by now that I don't care for surprise endings. I often come away feeling that the author has purposely tried to dupe me, though that's probably not the case. In this instance, however, the outcome is perfect. I didn't have to stretch my imagination to see it unfolding in the way it did. I didn't feel that the author had led me down one road when I should have been taking another.
I believe A Higher Court will appeal to a diverse group of people. Yes, it's the age-old battle of Science versus God, Evolution versus Creation, but not only is this a unique way to approach it, you are witness to jury deliberations, and therefore, it provokes your mind to consider possibilities outside of your comfort zone without the confrontation that can come about when discussing this topic with others.
A Higher Court by John L. Betcher is a must read.
December 21, 2010
Author John L. Betcher boldly places the existence of God on trial in his extraordinary new book A Higher Court: One Man's Search for the Truth of God's Existence.
We meet William Kensey shortly after his father was struck and killed in a crosswalk by a distracted soccer mom. At his father's service, William turns down the reverend's offer of a private time of prayer believing his time is best served with his wife and children.
A few days later, still troubled by his lack of distress over his father's death, William receives a summons for jury duty. On arrival at court, he quickly realizes this is no ordinary trial. No juror could be excused, nor could any cell phone, time piece, or electronic device be brought into the courtroom. He, along with thirty-five other jurors, must hear evidence offered by witnesses claiming expertise regarding God's existence or lack thereof. In the end each must render a verdict...God or No God! Handicapped and mysterious Judge Jonathan Cole presides over the case with two lawyers, Counsel for the Repudiation of God and Counsel for the Existence of God.
And so the trial begins with each lawyer calling witnesses including an anthropologist, philosopher, theologian, cosmologist, minister, and an average Joe, to name a few. Each witness gives testimony that proves or disproves the existence of a higher power. Four individual stories of tragic loss and hardship are also heard, both for and against God. These testimonials add a poignant yet disturbing element to the proceedings. Along the way are seven deliberations where the jury is split up into small groups of 4-6 to discuss the previous evidence. William's group includes a Muslim, Native American, atheist, and a naïve teen, setting off some lively debates.
At first William believes the trial must be a hoax but before long he begins to understand the importance of what is unfolding in front of him. He is face to face with every human's trial of a lifetime with no choice but to deliver a verdict that will change his life and perhaps the world as well.
This entertaining and thought provoking read will appeal to readers from all denominations, to those unsure of their faith, and even to those who consider themselves atheists. John L. Betcher doesn't preach or push his own beliefs on his audience. His research is intensive and he presents the facts and his findings for the reader to decide. A Higher Court will definitely have you considering or reconsidering your thoughts on God. This book is well written in every aspect. It caught my interest early, and kept me hooked with insightful information, crisp dialogue, and then finally, an ending I didn't see coming.
I can't imagine anyone reading A Higher Court and not feeling moved to recommend it to a friend or family member. I asked my wife to read it.
Rated a Must Read by William Potter
We meet William Kensey shortly after his father was struck and killed in a crosswalk by a distracted soccer mom. At his father's service, William turns down the reverend's offer of a private time of prayer believing his time is best served with his wife and children.
A few days later, still troubled by his lack of distress over his father's death, William receives a summons for jury duty. On arrival at court, he quickly realizes this is no ordinary trial. No juror could be excused, nor could any cell phone, time piece, or electronic device be brought into the courtroom. He, along with thirty-five other jurors, must hear evidence offered by witnesses claiming expertise regarding God's existence or lack thereof. In the end each must render a verdict...God or No God! Handicapped and mysterious Judge Jonathan Cole presides over the case with two lawyers, Counsel for the Repudiation of God and Counsel for the Existence of God.
And so the trial begins with each lawyer calling witnesses including an anthropologist, philosopher, theologian, cosmologist, minister, and an average Joe, to name a few. Each witness gives testimony that proves or disproves the existence of a higher power. Four individual stories of tragic loss and hardship are also heard, both for and against God. These testimonials add a poignant yet disturbing element to the proceedings. Along the way are seven deliberations where the jury is split up into small groups of 4-6 to discuss the previous evidence. William's group includes a Muslim, Native American, atheist, and a naïve teen, setting off some lively debates.
At first William believes the trial must be a hoax but before long he begins to understand the importance of what is unfolding in front of him. He is face to face with every human's trial of a lifetime with no choice but to deliver a verdict that will change his life and perhaps the world as well.
This entertaining and thought provoking read will appeal to readers from all denominations, to those unsure of their faith, and even to those who consider themselves atheists. John L. Betcher doesn't preach or push his own beliefs on his audience. His research is intensive and he presents the facts and his findings for the reader to decide. A Higher Court will definitely have you considering or reconsidering your thoughts on God. This book is well written in every aspect. It caught my interest early, and kept me hooked with insightful information, crisp dialogue, and then finally, an ending I didn't see coming.
I can't imagine anyone reading A Higher Court and not feeling moved to recommend it to a friend or family member. I asked my wife to read it.
Rated a Must Read by William Potter
July 25, 2012
Wow!! "A Higher Court" by Author John L. Betcher is one great book! Have you ever watched a movie and at the end of it, you just needed to talk to someone else in order to share the experience or compare notes to see if they enjoyed it as much as you did or saw things the same way? Well I got that exact same feeling during/after reading this magnificent, thought-provoking novel.
In this well-written spiritually based novel, a trial takes place to decide whether God truly exists or not. I could go on and on about the cases that were presented by Counsel for the repudiation of God's existence as well as the arguments by opposing Counsel for His existence; however, I don't want to get sidetracked and take away from what I consider to be the more significant reasons for this book's true appeal. The extensive trial, with the many expert witnesses that were called to help argue both sides of the case, certainly make this book a very challenging and interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed broadening my knowledge by all the information that was presented. At times, I was even forced to reread some passages in order to make better sense of the somewhat mind boggling data.
Although the information provided by the author was well-researched and added much enjoyment to this novel, the factor that raised the bar for me to give it a 5 star rating goes like this. "A Higher Court" really made me "think". It did not tell me how or what to "think", it merely made me ponder about my own belief system and my personal relationship with God. When a book succeeds in getting the reader to "think" outside their normal comfort zone, it falls into the category of being a great book! It is not only meant to entertain...it has a far greater purpose.
In my opinion, a great book spurs you on to question and hopefully assists the reader in finding some satisfaction in their quest for knowledge. Does God exist is an age old question that man has been trying to determine for eons. Author John L. Betcher goes to great lengths to provide fairness when presenting information both for and against His existence. In doing so, the reader is forced to look at man's insatiable desire to understand God and to see proof of His existence. It would seem that thus far, it is humanly impossible to fully understand God or 100% prove or disprove His existence no matter what theories and scientific evidence we might believe or try to present as irrefutable fact. If it were humanly possible, there would be no need for the gift of Faith. To me, this is what having a personal relationship with God is all about...having Faith and Trust in the One who created me. I'm perfectly at peace knowing and accepting this fact. Peace beyond understanding is proof enough for me!
Kudos to this gifted Author for having the courage to share his talent with both believers and non-believers alike!
In this well-written spiritually based novel, a trial takes place to decide whether God truly exists or not. I could go on and on about the cases that were presented by Counsel for the repudiation of God's existence as well as the arguments by opposing Counsel for His existence; however, I don't want to get sidetracked and take away from what I consider to be the more significant reasons for this book's true appeal. The extensive trial, with the many expert witnesses that were called to help argue both sides of the case, certainly make this book a very challenging and interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed broadening my knowledge by all the information that was presented. At times, I was even forced to reread some passages in order to make better sense of the somewhat mind boggling data.
Although the information provided by the author was well-researched and added much enjoyment to this novel, the factor that raised the bar for me to give it a 5 star rating goes like this. "A Higher Court" really made me "think". It did not tell me how or what to "think", it merely made me ponder about my own belief system and my personal relationship with God. When a book succeeds in getting the reader to "think" outside their normal comfort zone, it falls into the category of being a great book! It is not only meant to entertain...it has a far greater purpose.
In my opinion, a great book spurs you on to question and hopefully assists the reader in finding some satisfaction in their quest for knowledge. Does God exist is an age old question that man has been trying to determine for eons. Author John L. Betcher goes to great lengths to provide fairness when presenting information both for and against His existence. In doing so, the reader is forced to look at man's insatiable desire to understand God and to see proof of His existence. It would seem that thus far, it is humanly impossible to fully understand God or 100% prove or disprove His existence no matter what theories and scientific evidence we might believe or try to present as irrefutable fact. If it were humanly possible, there would be no need for the gift of Faith. To me, this is what having a personal relationship with God is all about...having Faith and Trust in the One who created me. I'm perfectly at peace knowing and accepting this fact. Peace beyond understanding is proof enough for me!
Kudos to this gifted Author for having the courage to share his talent with both believers and non-believers alike!
June 7, 2013
June 5, 2013
A Review by Anthony T. Riggio of John L. Betcher’s Novel: A Higher Court
After reading The 19th Element I decided to put this author on hold for a while. Going to the next book on my list, it was the “A Higher Court” and I held back because I was not really impressed with the “The 19th Element”. After reading some reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, I decided that this was a different type book and I was in the mood for “something different”.
Wow, this definitely was different.
I read this book over three days and after the first night reading, I had a hard time sleeping and the thoughts being pondered in this novel were causing me to be “ober” discerning. What would I do if I were called to be on this jury? The hero of the book is an ordinary family man with two daughters living in contemporary small town Minnesota. He is an attorney whose father recently passed away and the hero, William Kinsey is less than affected by the event. He receives in the mail, a notice to appear for jury duty. As a former attorney, myself, I found this unusual since lawyers are routinely dismissed from this duty, but, I guess not always.
When he appears for this duty, the court takes on an appearance of something out of the “Twilight zone" as the setting is nothing like the attorney hero was ever inside. He determines that the litigation was one between “atheist” and “believers” and they were to determine the existence or nonexistence of God.
They were advised to listen to the arguments on both sides before coming to a final conclusion. The arguments were somewhat predictable depending, on the readers’ background and there were some that I found unique and different. While the arguments may seem to some to be cerebral, they are not and are presented in everyday speak I was able to follow them quite easily and even found myself vacillating on occasion. The arguer/attorney for the repudiation of God is perceived as a professorial type while the proponent for God is a middle aged, plain dressed black woman, while both had tremendous credentials, you are pushed, because of the initial impressions, to judge the deck stacked. The Judge is a crippled, wheel chair bound but very stern in his judicial role.
All of the arguments were profound and enlightening and the jury was also atypical in this presentation. There were 36 jurors and all were empanelled (no voir dire) to decide the case. There are several discussion periods allowed for the jurors, between presentations of the evidence and these allow the reader to collect his thoughts and calm his/her emotions before going forward.
The reader will find that he/she is being pushed pulled in opposing directions as they wait for both sides to conclude their arguments and summations.
Then the verdict! You will have to read the book.i
A Review by Anthony T. Riggio of John L. Betcher’s Novel: A Higher Court
After reading The 19th Element I decided to put this author on hold for a while. Going to the next book on my list, it was the “A Higher Court” and I held back because I was not really impressed with the “The 19th Element”. After reading some reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, I decided that this was a different type book and I was in the mood for “something different”.
Wow, this definitely was different.
I read this book over three days and after the first night reading, I had a hard time sleeping and the thoughts being pondered in this novel were causing me to be “ober” discerning. What would I do if I were called to be on this jury? The hero of the book is an ordinary family man with two daughters living in contemporary small town Minnesota. He is an attorney whose father recently passed away and the hero, William Kinsey is less than affected by the event. He receives in the mail, a notice to appear for jury duty. As a former attorney, myself, I found this unusual since lawyers are routinely dismissed from this duty, but, I guess not always.
When he appears for this duty, the court takes on an appearance of something out of the “Twilight zone" as the setting is nothing like the attorney hero was ever inside. He determines that the litigation was one between “atheist” and “believers” and they were to determine the existence or nonexistence of God.
They were advised to listen to the arguments on both sides before coming to a final conclusion. The arguments were somewhat predictable depending, on the readers’ background and there were some that I found unique and different. While the arguments may seem to some to be cerebral, they are not and are presented in everyday speak I was able to follow them quite easily and even found myself vacillating on occasion. The arguer/attorney for the repudiation of God is perceived as a professorial type while the proponent for God is a middle aged, plain dressed black woman, while both had tremendous credentials, you are pushed, because of the initial impressions, to judge the deck stacked. The Judge is a crippled, wheel chair bound but very stern in his judicial role.
All of the arguments were profound and enlightening and the jury was also atypical in this presentation. There were 36 jurors and all were empanelled (no voir dire) to decide the case. There are several discussion periods allowed for the jurors, between presentations of the evidence and these allow the reader to collect his thoughts and calm his/her emotions before going forward.
The reader will find that he/she is being pushed pulled in opposing directions as they wait for both sides to conclude their arguments and summations.
Then the verdict! You will have to read the book.i
April 24, 2012
I love the concept of this book. It’s an excellent example of how fiction can educate. In this instance, on the arguments both for and against the existence of God (or Allah, The Flying Spaghetti Monster, or whatever name the world’s many religions attach to their Deity of choice). In this book, which reads like a legal drama with a supernatural leaning, Betcher lays out the arguments for both sides. I stole this quote from the book, which seems to describe most people:
We are Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Jew, Hindu, Atheist, Agnostic, or whatever other label we have selected for ourselves. We are comfortable with our chosen viewpoint, and uncomfortable with any idea that might pop our theistic or atheistic bubble. So we avoid controversial ‘proofs’ of ‘God’ or ‘No God,’ choosing to remain blissfully unaware of any challenges such writings may pose to our beliefs.
There is no shortage of books that argue for the existence of a God, or against. But many people find these too dry for their taste.
A Higher Court does an excellent job of laying out many of the arguments for either side in the guise of a court case, although one that takes a slightly different form than normal, and does so in a way that is entertaining, or at least more interesting than dry facts and proofs. I felt the “trial” also presented the “facts” in an even-handed and reasonably comprehensive fashion.
I think understanding the arguments both for and against your personal beliefs is a good thing. It is conceivable that reading this could challenge or even change those beliefs. That also seems like a good thing.
While I would recommend A Higher Court to anyone, regardless of which side of this question they currently stand on, I do have one complaint. The author did a great job not taking an obvious position either way throughout the trial portion of the book. He even managed to tie things up in the trial without announcing a verdict. Then the book took a decidedly partisan turn. I won’t say which direction, because it doesn’t matter. I think it would have been a much better ending leaving it to the reader to decide which side made the better case without attempting to push them in either direction.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
We are Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Jew, Hindu, Atheist, Agnostic, or whatever other label we have selected for ourselves. We are comfortable with our chosen viewpoint, and uncomfortable with any idea that might pop our theistic or atheistic bubble. So we avoid controversial ‘proofs’ of ‘God’ or ‘No God,’ choosing to remain blissfully unaware of any challenges such writings may pose to our beliefs.
There is no shortage of books that argue for the existence of a God, or against. But many people find these too dry for their taste.
A Higher Court does an excellent job of laying out many of the arguments for either side in the guise of a court case, although one that takes a slightly different form than normal, and does so in a way that is entertaining, or at least more interesting than dry facts and proofs. I felt the “trial” also presented the “facts” in an even-handed and reasonably comprehensive fashion.
I think understanding the arguments both for and against your personal beliefs is a good thing. It is conceivable that reading this could challenge or even change those beliefs. That also seems like a good thing.
While I would recommend A Higher Court to anyone, regardless of which side of this question they currently stand on, I do have one complaint. The author did a great job not taking an obvious position either way throughout the trial portion of the book. He even managed to tie things up in the trial without announcing a verdict. Then the book took a decidedly partisan turn. I won’t say which direction, because it doesn’t matter. I think it would have been a much better ending leaving it to the reader to decide which side made the better case without attempting to push them in either direction.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
August 22, 2012
It was okay.. It didn't shed new light on anything that I didn't already really know. But it is a worthwhile book for someone who may doubt the existence of a being...it really doesn't come to a clear conclusion except that the person who is reading is the one who has to make the final conclusion. (which is true in accepting faith- rather than trying to reason everything out that exists. It can't be done.)
October 31, 2012
I enjoyed the story but not sure if I like the author's style or his main character. I did, however, stick with it to the end. It had me wanting to see what happens to the lawyer who was called to serve on this jury. The element of suspense is there. I gave it 4 stars just for that reason. A book has to hold my interest, or it's abandoned.
September 11, 2012
This was a very interesting book written from the perspective of a lawyer, call to serve on a jury which will decide if God truly exists. It is a surreal attempt to present the typical arguments found on both sides of the question.
It was thought provoking at times and I found myself really getting involved in the main character as his thought process devleoped.
A good read indeed.
It was thought provoking at times and I found myself really getting involved in the main character as his thought process devleoped.
A good read indeed.
September 14, 2012
This was one of the best books I ever read. I found it in an email from Book Daily. Caught me in the first paragraph.
The books is set in a court room and God is on trial. The author does an excellent job presenting both sides of the case and the jury is to decide "Does God exist?"
The ending was awesome and was more than I expected.
The books is set in a court room and God is on trial. The author does an excellent job presenting both sides of the case and the jury is to decide "Does God exist?"
The ending was awesome and was more than I expected.
January 6, 2013
This was a free book on Amazon. It was not what I was expecting. But, I completely enjoyed it. The further I got into the book the more I did not want to put it down. Very insightful and thought provoking. Hope you enjoy it. I sure did.
February 22, 2013
This was a really good book - enjoyed the trial, and the evidence. I would recommend for anyone who's ever given serious consideration to the question of whether there is or is not a 'higher being' or who has questioned what their religion teaches about God.
July 18, 2012
This was an amazing book. There is a twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
August 8, 2012
Wow! The end shares an extraordinary perspective of our individual judgment days. Must read and decide for yourself... Does God exist? Or doesn't He?
September 15, 2012
Interesting book that makes you think about your own stance. I read this book quickly because I wanted to know what happened next.
November 7, 2012
Does God really exist? This is the question on trial. Both sides of the issue are defended pretty well.
January 18, 2013
Mind provoking
March 31, 2013
Interesting journey, thought provoking, ultimately you examine your reasoning about faith through engaging with this book
August 2, 2013
Amazingly intriguing!!! I need to go back and re-read this to remember responses to those who do not believe their is a God!!!
June 1, 2018
Very interesting concept to have a trial to decide whether or not God exists. William Kensey was chosen for jury duty. When he arrives to the courthouse to serve he is surprised to find that they are there to decide if God really exists. Of course his first instinct is that this is all a joke. How can this be? As the day progresses he realizes that this is no joke and they have a big task ahead of them.
Although I found myself intrigued by this story it was a bit too detailed at times with all the scientific explanations of how the world was created. That is why I gave it a rating of 3. If you were on this jury how would you decide? With your mind, after listening to all the scientific facts, or with your heart, after all the heartfelt stories of faith? A tough decision. Is your faith in God strong enough to follow your heart or weaker than you believed? This is a book that makes you wonder and reexamine your own faith or non-faith.
Although I found myself intrigued by this story it was a bit too detailed at times with all the scientific explanations of how the world was created. That is why I gave it a rating of 3. If you were on this jury how would you decide? With your mind, after listening to all the scientific facts, or with your heart, after all the heartfelt stories of faith? A tough decision. Is your faith in God strong enough to follow your heart or weaker than you believed? This is a book that makes you wonder and reexamine your own faith or non-faith.
March 21, 2019
Would you have a ready answer if someone asked you if God exists or not?
I am so thankful for being led to read this book. It was very illuminating in it's covering of both sides of the arguments, for or not for, God's existence. Recommend this book to anyone who wonders about this themselves. Gave 5 stars because I like the way John Betcher wrote about this question.
I am so thankful for being led to read this book. It was very illuminating in it's covering of both sides of the arguments, for or not for, God's existence. Recommend this book to anyone who wonders about this themselves. Gave 5 stars because I like the way John Betcher wrote about this question.
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August 10, 2022Good for what it does but incomplete
In the arguments for the existence of God, I found that he left many of the best arguments off the table, such as Aquinas' 5 proofs. I also thought that some of the cross examination was light. Where he does a decent job is trying to fairly give the arguments against God. I'm not sure he fully steel-manned those arguments, it was decent.
In the arguments for the existence of God, I found that he left many of the best arguments off the table, such as Aquinas' 5 proofs. I also thought that some of the cross examination was light. Where he does a decent job is trying to fairly give the arguments against God. I'm not sure he fully steel-manned those arguments, it was decent.
August 21, 2017
Thought provoking
The scientific parts of the book were a bit difficult to get through. But then, they are in real life too. The book raises many questions in a non-preachy way. At the conclusion it left me in a reflective mood, which is a good thing.
The scientific parts of the book were a bit difficult to get through. But then, they are in real life too. The book raises many questions in a non-preachy way. At the conclusion it left me in a reflective mood, which is a good thing.
September 28, 2017
A higher court
A Higher Court by John L. Butcher was really interesting. I like courtroom drama and this was really a different kind. I found that both side had some very good things to consider. For myself, I firmly believe that God does exist and Jesus Christ is my Saviour!!!
A Higher Court by John L. Butcher was really interesting. I like courtroom drama and this was really a different kind. I found that both side had some very good things to consider. For myself, I firmly believe that God does exist and Jesus Christ is my Saviour!!!
December 5, 2017
It took me a few tries to finish this book. I'm not sure if it was the style or the characters that caused my struggle to stay interested. I had hoped to like it much more than I did. Not a waste of time, but unfortunately not a book I'll suggest others take time to read.
July 21, 2020
Ready for some serious considerations
This apologetic approach to belief in a supreme God and the faith that accompanies it presents factual logic that is worthy of consideration both for those who believe and those who don’t.
This apologetic approach to belief in a supreme God and the faith that accompanies it presents factual logic that is worthy of consideration both for those who believe and those who don’t.
August 17, 2021
Thought provoking!
This story is an easy read but one that truly makes you consider your relationship with our Heavenly Father. Our awareness of our own road blocks to faith can lead to continued growth of our faith and openings to sharing the hope that lights the way.
This story is an easy read but one that truly makes you consider your relationship with our Heavenly Father. Our awareness of our own road blocks to faith can lead to continued growth of our faith and openings to sharing the hope that lights the way.
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