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Undaunted: One Man's Real-Life Journey from Unspeakable Memories to Unbelievable Grace
"Undaunted"--both the book and an upcoming movie--chronicles the riveting true story of a young farm boy named Josh who carried unspeakable memories of an alcoholic father and a farmhand's abuse, causing him to defy God's existence. Yet God redeemed a horrible situation with his unbelievable grace. Today Josh McDowell is one of the most popular evangelists in the world who defends the reality of Jesus Christ to millions through his presentations and classic book "More Than a Carpenter." "Undaunted" unfolds the dramatic spiritual transformation in Josh's life when he faces his past head-on and puts everything entirely in God's hands. The result is an undaunted faith, a gift freely offered to everyone who seeks it.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2012
22 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Josh McDowell
515 books646 followersJosh McDowell is a bestselling Christian apologist, evangelist, and author of over 150 books, including Evidence That Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter. Once an agnostic, he converted to Christianity while investigating its historical claims. He went on to earn degrees from Wheaton College and Talbot Theological Seminary. For decades, McDowell has been a prominent speaker with Campus Crusade for Christ, addressing issues of faith, character, and youth culture worldwide. His work emphasizes historical and legal evidence for Christianity and tackles challenges posed by skepticism and non-Christian beliefs. He lives in California with his wife, Dottie, and is the father of four children, including fellow apologist Sean McDowell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 13, 2022
“Should be quite and eye-opener for you.” That was the response of a fellow student to McDowell’s acceptance of his challenge to disprove Christianity. It would completely turn everything he thought he knew on his head.
This book though doesn’t delve deeply into all the arguments that eventually brought him to a relationship with the Savior. It isn’t a book of logical arguments. It’s a book of heartbreak and peace. The first chapters of this book, actually the vast majority of the book, is really sad. The abuse he suffered is horrific. The shell he built around himself understandable, but the transition of from bitter, hate filled youth to a forgiving, loving, son is beautiful. It just tells that story in all it’s emotional power and joy.
I highly recommend it. But it might be really rough. He is as delicate as possible, but the truth of abuse is hard.
This book though doesn’t delve deeply into all the arguments that eventually brought him to a relationship with the Savior. It isn’t a book of logical arguments. It’s a book of heartbreak and peace. The first chapters of this book, actually the vast majority of the book, is really sad. The abuse he suffered is horrific. The shell he built around himself understandable, but the transition of from bitter, hate filled youth to a forgiving, loving, son is beautiful. It just tells that story in all it’s emotional power and joy.
I highly recommend it. But it might be really rough. He is as delicate as possible, but the truth of abuse is hard.
January 9, 2016
I first heard of Josh McDowell when I was a Uni students in the early 80s. I remember reading his booklet 'Jesus and the Intellectual', which I think was probably the first thing I'd read that talked about evidence for Christianity. I've also read a couple of his books, a drop in the ocean considering he's written or co-written over 100 in his 50 years of ministry. However, I knew nothing of his life and was interested to read his story.
What I didn't know was that he came from a childhood of abuse. His father was a violent alcoholic whom Josh blamed for sending his mother to an early grave (not directly, but because of a broken heart over a shattered life). As his mother was morbidly obese, the family hired a helper for her called Wayne, who sexually abused Josh for years. By the time Josh was in his teens, he was filled with hatred and wanted to kill his father, to the point of actually wondering how he could do it and get away with it. He was an ardent atheist, and if he allowed himself to even entertain the idea that God existed, he had no time for a God that would allow such suffering to happen in his own family.
When he met a group of Christians at college, they challenged him to prove that the resurrection was false, because if he could do that, the whole case for Christianity would fall apart. He took their challenge seriously and saved up so he could go to England and Europe to talk to scholars and research original documents first hand. Not only did he eventually come to the conclusion that it was true, but there was an incredible transformation in his own life that brought positive changes in his own family that were nothing short of miraculous. This is not the story of some church-going kid who grew up to be a minister. This is the story of a life transformed by grace and forgiveness that could bring hope to others who have experienced trauma in their own lives.
The book ends with Josh in his early 20s. As he's in his 70s now, I would have liked to see more about the rest of his life. However, the book accompanies the movie of the same name (which I haven't seen). As a memoir, it tells that slice of Josh's life well and does bring some resolution to childhood events. The style is also easy to read and moves along at a good pace. Even if you don't share his beliefs, it's an interesting insight about how someone can come to faith and lead a purposeful life even when the odds are stacked against them.
What I didn't know was that he came from a childhood of abuse. His father was a violent alcoholic whom Josh blamed for sending his mother to an early grave (not directly, but because of a broken heart over a shattered life). As his mother was morbidly obese, the family hired a helper for her called Wayne, who sexually abused Josh for years. By the time Josh was in his teens, he was filled with hatred and wanted to kill his father, to the point of actually wondering how he could do it and get away with it. He was an ardent atheist, and if he allowed himself to even entertain the idea that God existed, he had no time for a God that would allow such suffering to happen in his own family.
When he met a group of Christians at college, they challenged him to prove that the resurrection was false, because if he could do that, the whole case for Christianity would fall apart. He took their challenge seriously and saved up so he could go to England and Europe to talk to scholars and research original documents first hand. Not only did he eventually come to the conclusion that it was true, but there was an incredible transformation in his own life that brought positive changes in his own family that were nothing short of miraculous. This is not the story of some church-going kid who grew up to be a minister. This is the story of a life transformed by grace and forgiveness that could bring hope to others who have experienced trauma in their own lives.
The book ends with Josh in his early 20s. As he's in his 70s now, I would have liked to see more about the rest of his life. However, the book accompanies the movie of the same name (which I haven't seen). As a memoir, it tells that slice of Josh's life well and does bring some resolution to childhood events. The style is also easy to read and moves along at a good pace. Even if you don't share his beliefs, it's an interesting insight about how someone can come to faith and lead a purposeful life even when the odds are stacked against them.
September 18, 2012
I have to start out by saying, I don’t normally read biographies. I find most of them so dry and boring that it’s almost a waste of energy. Undaunted sounded interesting and I’d heard of Josh McDowell (but never read anything by him) so I thought that I would give it a try. I was more than pleasantly surprised.
First and foremost, Undaunted does not feel at all like a biography. It is written with a relaxed style that feels as if you are sitting and chatting with Josh McDowell. You find out the story of his childhood in bits and pieces, however, this somewhat disjointed information makes the story move and flow in a conversational tone. When you are introduced to a new character or situation that might have been introduced earlier, it is done with an “Oh right, this one time…” type of monologue.
This is a tremendous story of a person who has come through repeated adversity with an understanding of how God will use our struggles to not only grow our characters and change us into someone he can use but to help others going through similar situations. It was also a great reminder that it doesn’t matter how far you seem to have strayed from Him or whether you’ve given up on Him, we have a relentless Savior who will patiently wait for your return.
First and foremost, Undaunted does not feel at all like a biography. It is written with a relaxed style that feels as if you are sitting and chatting with Josh McDowell. You find out the story of his childhood in bits and pieces, however, this somewhat disjointed information makes the story move and flow in a conversational tone. When you are introduced to a new character or situation that might have been introduced earlier, it is done with an “Oh right, this one time…” type of monologue.
This is a tremendous story of a person who has come through repeated adversity with an understanding of how God will use our struggles to not only grow our characters and change us into someone he can use but to help others going through similar situations. It was also a great reminder that it doesn’t matter how far you seem to have strayed from Him or whether you’ve given up on Him, we have a relentless Savior who will patiently wait for your return.
October 1, 2012
Undaunted is a personal memoir demonstrating the life of Josh McDowell. The book is also based on the movie Undaunted. He grew up on a farm in Union City, Michigan. At a young age, he began to realize that life isn’t always right and you aren’t always treated fairly. His father was an abusive alcoholic and would regularly beat his wife. He witnessed many quarrel and fights between his parents during his childhood. Many different times, he would stand up to his father and try to stop him from hurting his mother. He would sometimes be so drunk Josh would tie his father up in the family barn and threaten to kill him. He secretly wanted him to die where his mother wouldn’t have to endure anymore pain. He had much resentment and bitterness over how his father behaved and treated his mother.
At the age of six, his family hired a farm aid named Wayne. His mother stated and warned Wayne that Josh was a trouble maker and that he liked to get into stuff. One day his mother and father had to take a trip out of town to visit some relatives. Wayne ended up having to watch Josh because he couldn’t miss school. Before his mother left she told Josh, “Do everything Wayne, tells you to do. If I hear that you disobeyed, I’ll give you a good thrashing when I get back” (Page29). This event led to Wayne molesting Josh at the young age of six. He was molested for the next seven years. He told his mother twice about the abuse and his own mother wouldn’t believe him. She denied and claimed that her son was lying and he never told anyone else.
I would recommend this memoir to anyone who is looking for an inspirational story about overcoming the odds and the struggles of life. I especially connected to the realness that Josh displayed and shared the bad things he had to go through. I can’t even begin to imagine the heartache and the pain of being sexual abuse. This book has made me think about making sure I don’t ever say to my children to do whatever someone tells them to do. I’m not saying that they don’t need to listen to authority, but if someone tries to touch them, I want them to speak up and I want to know about it. This book will awaken your eyes and you must always watch out for others and listen when your child speaks.
Josh had to encounter sexual abuse, an alcoholic abusive father, and he had great difficulty understanding a relationship with a God was possible and that he truly loved him. Like many fatherless and abusive fathers, he had to learn how to receive that the Creator knew him and loved him. This book will take readers through the whole ordeal and adventures of Josh’s searching for God’s answers and the truth. Josh was seeking to try and disprove that the Gospel wasn’t true and that it was all made up. Eventually we know he has radically changed because now he is a popular evangelist and a bestselling Christian author. This book revealed the details of his transformation journey to him following Christ. His story will inspire, encourage, and give readers hope to overcome whatever trials they had to face in their own childhood.
Tyndale House Publishers/ Tyndale Momentum has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
At the age of six, his family hired a farm aid named Wayne. His mother stated and warned Wayne that Josh was a trouble maker and that he liked to get into stuff. One day his mother and father had to take a trip out of town to visit some relatives. Wayne ended up having to watch Josh because he couldn’t miss school. Before his mother left she told Josh, “Do everything Wayne, tells you to do. If I hear that you disobeyed, I’ll give you a good thrashing when I get back” (Page29). This event led to Wayne molesting Josh at the young age of six. He was molested for the next seven years. He told his mother twice about the abuse and his own mother wouldn’t believe him. She denied and claimed that her son was lying and he never told anyone else.
I would recommend this memoir to anyone who is looking for an inspirational story about overcoming the odds and the struggles of life. I especially connected to the realness that Josh displayed and shared the bad things he had to go through. I can’t even begin to imagine the heartache and the pain of being sexual abuse. This book has made me think about making sure I don’t ever say to my children to do whatever someone tells them to do. I’m not saying that they don’t need to listen to authority, but if someone tries to touch them, I want them to speak up and I want to know about it. This book will awaken your eyes and you must always watch out for others and listen when your child speaks.
Josh had to encounter sexual abuse, an alcoholic abusive father, and he had great difficulty understanding a relationship with a God was possible and that he truly loved him. Like many fatherless and abusive fathers, he had to learn how to receive that the Creator knew him and loved him. This book will take readers through the whole ordeal and adventures of Josh’s searching for God’s answers and the truth. Josh was seeking to try and disprove that the Gospel wasn’t true and that it was all made up. Eventually we know he has radically changed because now he is a popular evangelist and a bestselling Christian author. This book revealed the details of his transformation journey to him following Christ. His story will inspire, encourage, and give readers hope to overcome whatever trials they had to face in their own childhood.
Tyndale House Publishers/ Tyndale Momentum has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
November 28, 2012
The power of Christ's grace, mercy and forgiveness demonstrated in Josh McDowell's life. This story of how McDowell soared above his painful past and came to know Jesus as his personal Saviour will move you to tears of sadness and tears of joy. Most of all is is a powerful story of forgiveness.
Jesus can make miracles out of disasters!
Jesus can make miracles out of disasters!
September 18, 2017
Josh McDowell share's his life story. For a man to change
as he did, is evidence in itself that there is a loving God!
A must read!!
as he did, is evidence in itself that there is a loving God!
A must read!!
May 6, 2022
WOW..WOW!! This book is a personal memoir(also a movie) of Josh McDowell, who is a Christian apologist and evangelist who is now in his 70's. He has written many books and is known for his work with Campus Crusade for Christ. It is a story of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I never knew his story/testimony of his life and it sure impacted me. He grew up, with his siblings, on a farm with an alcoholic and abusive father. He watched his father and mother quarrel and would stand up to his father when he was abusive to his mother. He wished his father would die so his mother wouldn't have to endure anymore pain. His mother was morbidly obese and they hired a helper, named Wayne, who sexually molested Josh for years. When he told his mother, she wouldn't believe him. Because of his suffering, Josh was an agnostic.
Fast forward to college where he met a group of Christians, who challenged Josh to prove that Jesus and the resurrection was false. Josh hated God so much, he was willing to do anything to prove Jesus never rose from the dead and Christianity was just another religion. Josh saved up the money and headed to Europe, where he could research original documents and speak to scholars. He traveled to England, Glasgow, Geneva, and Germany in his research to find evidence to disprove this. One scholar he spent much time with was Alan Cobb, a barrister/lawyer. I loved the way Cobb presented evidence to Josh in a legal way. Josh's intention was to go to Law school so he understood how the evidence was presented. As he researched, he began to discover that it was true and his life began to transform. It was amazing how God led Josh to seminary right before he was to start Law school at UCLA.
Oh the power of forgiveness and the peace that comes with it once you let go. I don't think you can get through Chapter 18 without crying!! This story is one you won't want to put down and will totally inspire you. I highly recommend it and this is one I will read again.
Fast forward to college where he met a group of Christians, who challenged Josh to prove that Jesus and the resurrection was false. Josh hated God so much, he was willing to do anything to prove Jesus never rose from the dead and Christianity was just another religion. Josh saved up the money and headed to Europe, where he could research original documents and speak to scholars. He traveled to England, Glasgow, Geneva, and Germany in his research to find evidence to disprove this. One scholar he spent much time with was Alan Cobb, a barrister/lawyer. I loved the way Cobb presented evidence to Josh in a legal way. Josh's intention was to go to Law school so he understood how the evidence was presented. As he researched, he began to discover that it was true and his life began to transform. It was amazing how God led Josh to seminary right before he was to start Law school at UCLA.
Oh the power of forgiveness and the peace that comes with it once you let go. I don't think you can get through Chapter 18 without crying!! This story is one you won't want to put down and will totally inspire you. I highly recommend it and this is one I will read again.
December 3, 2019
This is the story of the early life of Josh McDowell. I was amazed by how dismal it was. He had an alcoholic, abusive Father, a morbidly obese Mother, siblings who just wanted to get away from the family and to top it all off, he was systematically sexually abused by the hired help. The story just made me think how remarkable it is that McDowell became such a well known evangelical speaker and writer. It really is a testament to the grace of God and what the Lord can do with those that are fully committed to Him.
If the hope of the book was to bring the reader closer to God, it certainly achieved it with me.
December 13, 2012
This was Josh McDowell's own story. Raised in a very abusive home, he wanted nothing less than to see his father dead. When he went to college, he met a group of Christians who challenged him to disprove the reality of Jesus' life and death. He tries, but everywhere he went, he met people with real answers, and eventually, reluctantly, accepted the existence of God. Ultimately, he took that leap of faith in Jesus as Savour and Lord. Josh McDowell has gone on to serve God in many ways, and is the author of Evidence That Demands a Verdict.
February 11, 2019
A remarkable and powerful memoir.
Josh McDowell's early years were riddle with tragedy and horrific events that seemed to be set on repeat. His father was an abusive alcoholic. His mother, although loving, was unable to protect her family. After high school Josh wanted nothing more than to escape.
As Josh pursued his dream of becoming a lawyer, he overcame numerous obstacles, meet many people who impact his life and future, and most importantly, sought the truth about Jesus. His journey is remarkable.
Faith. Struggle. Forgiveness. Love.
Book Club selection.
Josh McDowell's early years were riddle with tragedy and horrific events that seemed to be set on repeat. His father was an abusive alcoholic. His mother, although loving, was unable to protect her family. After high school Josh wanted nothing more than to escape.
As Josh pursued his dream of becoming a lawyer, he overcame numerous obstacles, meet many people who impact his life and future, and most importantly, sought the truth about Jesus. His journey is remarkable.
Faith. Struggle. Forgiveness. Love.
Book Club selection.
December 31, 2023
One of my favorites! Josh (Joslin) McDowells redemption story from his horrible childhood through when he started ministry. I was giggling at some of his conversations with people both before and after he became a believer! God is so fun in how he works!
September 30, 2012
I'm touched that Josh McDowell would share his heartbreaking and triumphant story. He reminds me why we should live gently with one another.
May 23, 2017
This book shows that God can and will work in any and all situations, no matter how hopeless they may seem.
March 10, 2018
One of the most captivating and inspirational biographies I have ever read!
December 2, 2020
An inspiring story about a man's search for truth.
November 26, 2018
Josh was the son of an abusive, alcoholic father. The hired hand did horrible things to Josh for years. All Josh wanted to do was leave and escape his life. He went on a world wide quest to prove there was no God. Instead he became an evangelist and learned to listen to the clues God gave him to fulfill his life in the best way possible. And he learned to forgive everyone for the horrible youth he endured.
February 4, 2023
I read this book as part of a reading challenge. I'm so glad I did! This book really captured my attention from page one. The ending found me in tears examining my own life. I've been a Christian for over half a century but reading about how Christ needs to be on the throne of my life instead of standing out in left field waiting for me to call for Him while I sit on the throne really spoke to me.
February 19, 2018
A really beautiful story of grace and God's incredible love. I love how this book is written with such fluency and simplicity yet it is so deep and inspiring.
September 22, 2018
I wondered why I hadn’t heard of this before. It must have been hard for Josh McDowell to remember and to write and publish this aspect of his life story. I salute him.
October 11, 2018
A good book. Easy to read. Just sad about his childhood abuse, but grateful for the Lord’s healing and guidance in Josh McDowell’s life!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2019
I can’t express how amazing this book was, I couldn’t put it down. John McDowell came & spoke at my church & I just had to hear the rest of his story & I definitely wasn’t disappointed!
August 8, 2019
I borrowed this book from my mom, it was pretty good.
September 26, 2019
Let me reign in my emotions for about five seconds....and wow. GOD IS SO GOOD. SO AMAZING AND JUST.....MAN OH MAN.
Read
November 28, 2019Great story.
March 21, 2020
Phenomenal testimony!
March 26, 2020
The best autobiography I have read yet. Josh's life really inspired me. He shaped many of my thoughts which I was afraid to do so.
July 24, 2020
An inspiring story of how God redeems us. Also gives some good food for thought about the rational historical proof of Christianity and encouraged me to be more active in my faith.
August 30, 2021
I love Mr. McDowell's passion for seeking the truth and it propelling Him to reach out for lost souls. 💓
March 5, 2023
Josh's testimony is a powerful testament to the wonderful majesty of Christ. Praise God!
September 7, 2024
Excellent book, easy to read and informative. I would definitely recommend it .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews