Jesus or Nothing

by Daniel DeWitt

It's time to make a choice.

Many young adults are abandoning the Christian faith, convinced that it's an outdated and uneducated belief system. Dan DeWitt counters these misconceptions and challenges us to think carefully about the choice between Jesus and nothing by comparing the Christian worldview with the notion of a godless universe devoid of true goodness and ultimate significance.

This winsome book describes the rock-solid foundation for life that Christians enjoy in and through the gospel--offering an explanation for our existence, grace for our guilt, and meaning for our mortality.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Daniel DeWitt, PhD, is a senior fellow at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, where he leads the Center for Worldview and Culture and teaches courses on theology, apologetics, and C.S. Lewis. He is the author of multiple books, including Jesus or Nothing, The Friend Who Forgives, and Sketchy Views, and posts regularly at Theolatte.com. He and his wife, April, have four children.

Reviews

[Steve Dustcircle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Presumptuous, circular reasoning with many assumptions. If you assume 2+1 is 7, you will bend everything to show the gaps filled. It has not been proven that people are born into guilt, or that moral decisions are made from deist nudges. All through history, after humans have developed from lower forms, it has tried to figure things out. Trying to make things make sense is what each of us do. Science says I think...and then sets out to see if it's true and can be replicated. Religion says such-and--such is true, therefore I have to see everything through those lenses and try to prove it true, leaving aside what doesn't match up the story of religion, no matter how crucial it is disproving that religion. Specifics aside, even if the science worked out to prove that there is a god that started the cosmos, that doesn't mean it's the Jesus or Noah religions' god. Nor does it mean it's the god of Scientology or Mohammed. Maybe it's something altogether greater. Atheism simply means no theist belief. Everything else works out without god...even better than trying to make everything science has learned to fit in some archaic, misshaped box that can't even hold a sliver of the found wonders and awesomeness in the universe. The title is arrogant: Jesus or Nothing (with NOTHING struck out boldly). There is not "nothing" outside the belief in the various, differing Jesus stories. There is so much to learn, but I doubt this author has the time to read anything outside his Protestant book of contradictions. And he is too focused on what happens when a human being dies to invest in anything else. For the big claims of a heaven and a hell (which weren't invented until after the Jewish Bible was written), there is no evidence of any existence of the brain or soul or anything after the body dies. Billions have died without any shred of afterlife knowledge, except for a book that claims to be true because the authors of it says it's true. But I would expect that from a guy who thinks his species at this particular time, on a small planet at the corner of a galaxy, amidst billions of other galaxies, is a gift to the universe among universes. Arrogant, proud, and wrong.

[Brian Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that would be great to give to a graduating high school student or a college student. I think that may be the author's intended audience, though the book could be profitably read by anyone else. DeWitt attempts to show that the Christian worldview is more coherent than the atheistic one. I believe he succeeds in showing that the theistic worldview makes better sense of life than an atheistic one. However, he doesn't show that the Christian worldview is superior to other theistic worldviews. If he had shown how, for example, the ontology of the Trinity provides better philosophical grounding than the unitarian theistic worldviews (Judaism, Islam), the book would have been much, much better. Since it's a short book, there's really no reason why the author couldn't have added a chapter comparing Christianity to other world religions.

The other problem with the book is loose talk of "the gospel." The gospel is the core message of Christianity, but it is only that: a message of good news. At one point he writes, "the gospel is not one more fact to be synthesized, but a foundation for knowledge itself" (p. 65). No, the triune God is the foundation for knowledge (and everything else). At times, it seems he uses "gospel" to refer to the good news of Jesus Christ. But other times, "gospel" becomes synonymous for "Christian worldview," "Christianity," "the Bible," and, in the above case, "God."

[Kyle Bafia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it with high school students I lead in a youth group, and it was written at a level that was appropriate for what I expect at that age. It is not a groundbreaking work of apologetic genius for the church, but it asks fair questions and provides answers that are suitably simple for the novice apologist.

[T.J. Smith]

It was ok, nothing I haven't really read before. Perhaps a good starting place for those who are looking for answers.

[Coleman Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many people have found comfort in nothingness. Nothing to believe in, nothing to hold you back, nothing to stop you from doing what you want to do. Nothingness can have quite an appeal. It’s the battle cry of the New Atheism; there’s is nothing in this universe worth believing in. It’s the banner of the existentialists; there’s nothing in this world except what you make it to be. And its the choice numerous people have made when confronted with questions of doubt regarding faith in God. Isn’t religion just a distraction for those who can’t deal with the nothingness of life? How can a good God allow suffering? Is he really in control? Sometimes “nothing” seems like the best answer.

Dan DeWitt, dean of Boyce College at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, understands this dilemma. In his book Jesus or Nothing DeWitt presents readers with an opportunity to access their choices. Part apologetics and part pastoral commentary, Jesus or Nothing seeks to “encourage believers in their love of the gospel, challenge skeptics in their rejection of it, and assist Christian parents and leaders as they contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (17).

Using Colossians as a grid and relating the tale of “Zach,” the Christian turned atheist, DeWitt weaves philosophy and theology with pastoral anecdote to help readers approach the question at hand. His two worldviews approach (Jesus or Nothing) is similar to Jewish and early Christian “two-ways” literature. There is a way that leads to life and one that leads to death. Choose wisely. To propel his argument, DeWitt relies on 17th-century thinker Blaise Pascal and his famous wager argument. DeWitt helpfully dissects the crux of the wager: calling people to a life of fulfillment through faith in God. This is no mere intellectualism–a rich flourishing Christian life is on the line.

The stakes are high, and DeWitt is hoping you’ll bet on Jesus. To this end, he takes readers by the hand and flies through various arguments regarding God’s existence and questions of metaphysics. There are no lengthy syllogisms or logical equations here, but Dewitt extends the invitation to readers to use their minds and engage their hearts. Only a Christian “theory of everything” can make sense of what we see and experience. DeWitt asserts, “Jesus is central to the explanation of everything, from beginning to end.” (39).

DeWitt also helps us to see the implications of presuppositions. As college freshmen enter their first philosophy or religion class, understanding presuppositions is key. Presuppositions undergird all scientific and philosophic endeavors. What people believe about God radically informs their opinions about nature and the universe. DeWitt’s most helpful chapter in this succinct text is chapter five. Without God, there is no objective meaning. DeWitt remarks, “In short, we have meaning below because there is a God above.” (85). Jesus provides significance for life. DeWitt declares, “But if the gospel is true, then he offers much more. The grave is not conclusive. Death is not supreme. Nothing will not prevail.” (88).

At the end of the book DeWitt reveals the true identity of “Zach.” “Zach” is all of us who have wrestled with questions of meaning and God’s existence. This literary device, inviting readers to walk in “Zach’s” shoes, helps us understand the complexity of the issue at hand and also helps us minister to other “Zachs” around us. Using this character to draw people into the text is one of the book’s greatest strengths and should help readers of all ages engage more thoughtfully with the concepts and ideas presented.

Jesus or Nothing is approachable and ever-so practical. Dan DeWitt, writing with an academic background yet guided by a pastoral commitment, addresses with sensitivity the questions young adults are asking. Youth pastors should hand their junior and senior high students this book and insist on reading it together. Young adult pastors should consider this text as well for small-group study. Regrettably, all the small group questions are at the back of the book instead of the more natural placement at the end of each chapter. This should not hinder study too much, but it would have made it that much more helpful. I would also love to have seen a handful of key resources for further reading at the end of each chapter. These points are minor, however, and shouldn’t prevent close interaction. Those who are looking for higher level apologetic texts should look elsewhere. Those beginning the conversation with an atheist friend or encouraging one in the midst of the “nothingness” battle should turn to DeWitt for help in the fight.

Thanks for Crossway Books for a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Kristy Sayer-Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing better than a book that makes you stop and think, long after you turn that last page. Jesus or Nothing does exactly that.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to share the gospel with others with the goal of creating new disciples of Jesus - But there’s one major barrier to this goal. We’re trying to reach people who don’t know Jesus, who don’t go to church or who may have gone to church in the past and for some reason or another have been turned away. That barrier is why it’s so important that we change our ways of connecting with these people.

One of the things that I think is so important in any relationship is understanding both sides – because you cannot have a friendship without mutual understanding and acceptance.

Jesus or Nothing asks the reader to consider both sides and to ask yourself; What if? As Dan says in the book “the gospel doesn’t enjoy a middle category immune from truth or falsehood” – each of us as human beings have to choose, it’s either Jesus or Nothing.

Now, you might be thinking this is just a “churchy” book, but this is actually a book I’d recommend to everyone – regardless of where you stand on religion.

It shows us that, as humans, we all have an incessant desire for truth and understanding – and we all want to find meaning in our lives, regardless of what we do or do not believe in.

There’s one quote in the book by Blaise Pascal that especially stuck out to me; “We desire truth and find within ourselves only uncertainty”.

As humans, we all want truth and certainty. We all want to be sure of things – but we find it impossible to find that truth and certainty within ourselves.

There is only One who can give us meaning, understanding, hope, truth and certainty – and that’s Jesus.

This book will challenge you to rethink how you view everyone – especially atheists and those who seriously question our faith.

It addresses the question that we all quietly and ashamedly ask to ourselves, regardless of where we stand on religion; What If I’m Wrong? Jesus or Nothing considers both sides of the fence and gives you a better understanding of your own faith – whilst also equipping you with the tools needed to point others towards the right path when they come to the intersection of Jesus or Nothing.

Dan Dewitt is a theologian, however, this book is written without arrogance or judgement which was a huge breath of fresh air. He’s real, honest and raw and has pieced together a book that you’ll want to recommend to everyone. It’s a book that makes you think – and a book that also makes you act as you begin to look at the world around you in a whole new light.

Humans are always going to be searching for the meaning of life – because that gives us the meaning of everything. We are always going to come to the intersection of Jesus or Nothing and it’s important that we make an informed decision – because it’s a choice we make that has eternal implications.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus or Nothing
Dan Dewitt
Copyright 2014

This book geared toward the non believer helps to show them that loving Jesus is not only plausible but it is doable.  This book points out that some xecularists live good lives and sadly not all Christians live as their Savior would have them live but it also points out the importance ov the decision to accept Christ.

This is a great book to share with high school or college age students who are struggling to understand what faith is.  It would be a great book for those who do not quite understand what being a Christian is.

Jesus or Nothing is an invaluable tool for highschool or college graduates who are struggling with what they believe or with their lack of belief.

Five out of five stars.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The irreducible choice before each person, DeWitt proposes, is theism or nihilism. He goes on to explain that faith in Christ provides the most rational explanation of the universe (including theism, rational thought, etc.). Those looking for fine-tuned arguments will have to search elsewhere, but DeWitt has constructed a work that skillfully showcases the inevitable clash of worldviews as well as the resulting choice each of us is faced with. A thought-stimulating read, worthy of investment.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little introductory book paralleling the 2 worldviews of The existence of God as viewed in Christianity vs the existence of Nothing in athiesm. The author begs the question, "If life begins and ends in nothingness, how can we act as though it has some sort of intrinsic significance in the middle? Can we live with a lie, knowing that there is no objective value to human life?" I appreciate how well he applied the gospel message as the answer to this question that we all ask ourselves.

[Marguerite Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book for the VT Reading Challenge! A book about theology. I do hope that I am right that this book is about theology. This is a great apologetic book to read. Thankful for this. I learned a lot in this book.

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the philosophical stance that there are really only two worldview options: The Gospel, or Nihilism.

[Cameron Timmons]

i like it b the way i choose JESUS!!!!!!

[Mary Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to have Dan DeWitt as a professor. He's truly a dedicated man of God, excellent teacher, and compassionate leader. He's an authentic man who actually cares about people's well being, he doesn't see them as projects. It was a joy reading this and being allowed to gain from his wisdom and be humbled by his love for others.