Amazon.com
Bestselling author and Christian apologist Josh McDowell hopes The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict will further document historical evidence of the Christian faith. As such, it is a straightforward compilation of notes prepared for his lecture series, "Christianity: Hoax or History?" The entire book (over 750 pages) is laid out in outline form, which makes it easier for researchers, scholars, and students to access. As a result, this is not reflective fireside reading. Rather, it is a tool for locating supporting "evidence" whenever the need arises. Part I addresses the trustworthiness of the Bible; Part II offers historical evidence and supporting attestations for Jesus' claim to God; Part III addresses "radical Christian criticism" of the Bible; Part IV is devoted to quelling the voice of numerous skeptics, including "a defense for the existence of miracles" and "answers to divergent worldview."
Book Description
Evidence I & II-The classic defense of the faith: Now fully updated to answer the questions challenging evangelical faith today.
The New Evidence maintains its classic defense of the faith yet addresses new issues.
The New Evidence is destined to equip believers with a ready defense for the next decade and beyond
Customer Reviews:
A Must Have.......2007-08-31
This is a Must Have book for any Christian. It helps explain many, many questions that non-Christians and Christians alike come up with. This book will not only strengthen your belief but also help "back up" that belief! As for "Faith", well, we all know where that comes from....
Very impressive evidence.......2007-06-21
This is a very unique book for one reason: you will not find any "faith-based" arguments used to prove claims made about the bible. Only documented facts are used.
McDowell employs an interesting technique to prove many of the Christian beliefs about Jesus: namely he uses the actions and arguments made by the groups that hate Jesus to prove the point. For example, he uses the heavily guarded tomb to prove that the jews were willing to do whatever they could to prevent the resurrection thus destorys their argument that the Christian's may have taken the body. Also, if Jesus' body wasn't resurrected the jews could have easily squashed the religion by simply offering Jesus' dead body up to the Christians.
Also, the author argues that the jewish priests BELIEVED in the miracles he was performing. The jews accused him of using sorcery to accomplish his miracles instead of just calling him a fake (although they call Jesus a fake with impunity 2000 years later!). When he restored the sight of a blind man they stated that he was using the devils power to restore sight instead of asking the man whether or not he was really cured of blindness.
By looking at what the antagonists say about Jesus he has a perfect source of proof. By Crucifying Jesus for Blasphemy (something even the anti-Christ authors of today admit) McDowell proves that Jesus' followers didn't merely invent his claimed divinity (what else would they Crucify him for?).
Beyond these methods the author explorers many "friendly" evidences to support the bible as well, such as scientific evidence for the locations, peoples, events, etc in the bible. He uses historical evidence, as well as the testimony of those who witnessed the events of the new testament and recorded the events in their lifetime.
Before I read this book, I had doubts that you could seriously PROVE the events in the bible and that Jesus was the son of God. But now, if this case was brought before a true court of law, I have no doubt that a jury would find for the defendant: Jesus.
enlightening!.......2007-05-08
written by someone who set out to prove that christianity was a crock, josh mcdowell convincingly shows all who read the overwhelming evidence supporting a risen jesus christ. a must have!
good, but not without problems.......2007-04-26
I have read this book several times and I use it as both a reference and an anchor when the world tries to spread lies about Jesus. I will say that although this book is unparalelled in its excellent persuit of the truth of Jesus and the Bible, etc., it relies a bit too much on emotion, personal experience and the author's hope that the grey areas will be resolved somehow. I think that the author should have spoken only where there were facts and not conjecture, because anything presented as apologetics and which has within it emotion and poetic liscence, however brief and cursory, opens us (Christians) to ridicule and taunting by the left and their scientists/archaeologists etc. All in all a good effort, but perhaps Mr. Mc Dowell would be better off writing a novel about his personal experiences, and a book strictly about the facts and allow the readers to harmonize the two in their own minds.
An outstanding reference for Christians!.......2007-03-17
This is an outstanding reference book for Christians. It provides evidences for the truth of Christianity and the Bible under several different categories. It is organized in a way to make it easy to use to teach a class. Highly recommended!
Book Description
Among important books in the defense of Christianity, this one has few equals. Evidence That Demands a Verdict is an easy-to-read, front-line defense for Christians facing the tough questions of critics and skeptics. Using secular evidences and other historical sources, Josh McDowell's faith-building book is a "must read" for every Christian.
Customer Reviews:
What is the deal with evidence?.......2007-08-29
Firstly, we should all acknowledge the paradox that characterizes the Christian's search for evidence. Some Christians have probably done their religion a disservice by allowing "academia" (a diverse entity in itself) to drag them into a debate over evidence. Not that evidence isn't important, but this isn't science we're talking about; it's faith. And besides, even academics have debated for a long time which evidences are more valid than others. All said and done, though, McDowell seems to have done the worst of both -- playing the evidence game, and using bad evidence poorly. When faith precludes intellect, that is when eyebrows are raised.
Secondly, books like this -- and ones that, for example, rail against the Jesus Seminar (which I do not defend) -- have the unfortunate intention and/or effect of lumping intellectuals into some imaginary totality of "liberal" or "anti-religious" enemies. However politically adventageous this framing has been for the "Christian" Right (not to be confused with Correct), it is not true by any stretch of the imagination. And I think the fact that Mother Theresa, an anthropologist, or a rocket scientist all question faith, religion and God is quite telling.
Thirdly, my main beef with this whole milieu is: Why ruin a good thing? If you can transcend your religion or anti-religion for a moment, you can ask whether it even matters or not that Jesus existed or whether Jesus was a deity or Son of God. If you're at all interested in social issues past and present, I think you will find that it is Jesus' message, not his existence, that matters. And his message is a good thing! So don't ruin it by ignoring it! Let us acknowledge Jesus' many levels, rather than categorically rejecting him.
Be saved! Be liberated! Most importantly, be a liberationist!
(see Gustavo Gutierrez's The God of Life)
Leads you into real belief.......2005-10-16
This book changed my life. It created a small seed of hope in me that eventually flourished into a life and faith that I thought was impossible to attain in this existence. It was laying around the house (actually strategically placed by my wife) and I thought it was one-sided Christian propaganda. But I picked it up one day and the most wonderful process begin. I recommend it highly if you want to start the search for something real and deep and lasting that can become the treasure of your life.
Help Wanted .......2005-09-11
For immediate publication
Help Wanted
Attorney For Christianity
Duties:
1.Presenting evidence that demands a favorable verdict to Christianity
2. Presenting A Case for Christ
Position is currently vacant and duties are being performed by popular book authors
Competent legal council is needed immediately
Please apply through prayer. Selected candidate will be notified.
All qualified candidates will be considered
Minimum Qualifications:
A JD from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
Training in Trial Advocacy preferred
Thanks"
Copyright © W. John Bentley 2005
The Jury is still deliberating.......2005-09-01
This is a good starting place for someone looking for religion or looking to increase their faith in Christianity. It is difficult reading, but the format would work well as a reference guide. I truly glory in the things in this book and I hope it can advance the Christian cause. I do consider myself a Christian believer, but putting myself on the outside looking in, I can see there is no slam dunk here. As one can readily see from previous reviews, the physical evidence can be explained away. There is some very compelling evidence in this book, but the vast majority of the evidence consists of reasoning (though I believe the reasoning for the most part to be sound) with the accounts written from within the Bible itself, or theologians commenting on it. The most credible accounts are from the Jewish historian, Josephus, though in recent decades even some of his accounts have come into question. There is reference to some lost Old Testament cities that have been recovered in recent decades.
I do not base my faith on whether or not there is physical evidence to support it, as it would truly be shaky ground to stand on, especially in this day. On the other hand, it was Austin Farrar that said, "Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish." This book is a wonderful example of just such "rational argument" that at times is very convincing.
There is no doubt that there is power in evidence to advance the nurturing of faith. But this should not overshadow the fact that there is an even greater power to be had beyond physical evidence or reasoning. The Savior Jesus Christ tells us himself of a much greater, even more powerful witness that man can have in Matthew 16, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." I don't think the need for faith will ever be completely diminished in this life.
Not evidecnce.......2005-03-21
This book is most certainly not evidence that demands a verdict. The premise used is that this book must be accepted as history, for if you disgard it then you are disgarding thousands of books that are considered history. So, on the flip side, since we must accept it as history than the scriptures are history and the witness accounts and so on are all true. This is the most amount of rubbish I have ever tried to read.
He attempts to reiterate his past opposition, froms students to professors and always makes himself out to be completely right. One example: A student comes to him with an intellectual problem with Christianity, saying that she proved that the bible is wrong. He asked her a simple question and then talked to her for a half hour. After that time, she confessed to him that she made it all up in order to hide her sins. Huh? And this puerile example proves what? Or his favorite mechanism is to ask someone a question and they always yell back an emphatic "NO". Those atheists, they are so moronic!
Here is another example to illustrate how baseless this claim is to being evidence. A history professor speaks on Jesus. "The truth is that we do not know, and in all probability the disciples knew no better, where the body of Jesus had been thrown after it had been removed from the cross, probably by the executioners. It is more likely to have been cast into the pit for the executed than laid in a new tomb." McDowell's response is one sentence. "Professor Guignebert makes these assertions with absolutely no supporting evidence for his claims." Huh? And that is a rebuttal? The professor uses the history of the time and the customs of the time to support his claim, what does McDowell use?
He claims that the evidence comes from the two sources. One, the eyewitness accounts within the bible (which obviously can't be used as irrefuttable evidence because the bible was written to support Jesus, not as an unbiased account), and two of people that were born after Jesus had died. Huh, again? How can their accounts be evidence if they never even saw him alive, but instead recounted what others had said? How can either be used as evidence that demands a verdict? Why wouldn't he bring up the accounts of the Roman governors and their passing mentioning of Jesus of Nazareth? Obviously there isn't much evidence to support that Jesus ever existed, but what little there was was in the Roman correspondence. How can you overlook this evidence?
This book was written by a born again Christian with no evidence whatsoever. What he does do is quote scripture and other Romans who were born after Jesus died and were probably closet Christians. Evidence that would certainly not be considered evidence. What about the evidence that the Old Testament was written just before the millenium, and not, as it was written, back thousands of years before Christ? How do you account for the discrepancies in the four gospels? He doesn't touch any of this, but he does tell us that Jesus was resurrected, with what he thinks is irrefutable proof, because, again he quotes the bible for evidence, Jesus' disciples found his bandages in an empty tomb. Huh? Rubbish.
If this book is evidence that demands a verdict, than the verdict is that McDowell is a moronically emphatic Christian too lost in his religion to recognize that he actually hurt his case more than he helped it.
Book Description
In the face of modern critical scholarship, which is steadily eroding the historical reliability of the Gospels and their presentation of Jesus, conservative writers have been making valiant attempts to reestablish confidence in the Christian record and doctrine. The most prominent of these, in popular exposure and commercial success, has been Lee Strobel, in his 1998 book The Case for Christ.
In that book, Lee Strobel, an ex-court journalist, conducts a series of 14 interviews with well-known conservative and evangelical scholars of the New Testament, such as Craig Blomberg, William Lane Craig and Gary Habermas, in an attempt to establish the reliability of the Gospel account and the truth of the Resurrection. Within the context of a scholarly critique, Earl Doherty, author of The Jesus Puzzle (also available on Amazon) takes quotations from those interviews and sets up his own dialogue with them, as though cross-examining Strobel and his witnesses in a courtroom before judge and jury.
This makes for gripping reading, a strong atmosphere and an effective way to present the case in favor of a more rational and coherent view of the Christian record and the origins of Christianity. Challenging the Verdict exposes the deficiencies, the fallacies, the selective and misleading use of evidence inherent in The Case for Christ, and offers more reasonable alternatives.
Challenging the Verdict is written in simple, clear, conversational language, with elements of humor and insight into logic and history. The book addresses all aspects of the Christian record: Gospels, epistles, non-canonical documents. Occasionally, it steps beyond the scope of New Testament interpretation and discusses religion and rationality in general.
Challenging the Verdict provides an ideal response for those who have had Lee Strobel's book urged upon them by friends, family members and their local clergy. Now you can offer something in return that will show why there is good reason to question the Gospels and reject their claims.
Customer Reviews:
Rubbish.......2007-08-16
This book is so astoundingly unscholarly that I'm not going to bother wasting everyone's time with a point-by-point refutation to justify my one-star rating, since a simple Google search will reveal that has already been done well elsewhere.
I endeavoured to read both the Case for Christ and this abomination side-by-side but could only make it to the end of the fourth chapter. Since Doherty introduced his argument in Chapter 4 as having "critical importance", I figured it would finally contain something compelling--but I was sorely disappointed. In this chapter, nearly as much as in three previous combined, Doherty appeals to his beloved and overused arguments from silence and startlingly irrational distortions of the rational evidence that Strobel presents. Having decided that this "pinnacle" of Doherty's challenge had been a massive waste of my reading time, I thus closed the book in satisfaction that he truly has nothing to bring to the table.
The most incredible thing to me is not how useless of an argument Doherty gives, but how much value other atheists seem to place on it. Are there really no better scholarly refutations to be had against Strobel's Case than this garbage? I was expecting to at least be stimulated intellectually and possibly even challenged theologically by this praised work, but instead I was enlightened on just how much *more* faith it must take to deny a historical Jesus than to believe in him.
read the excerpt, decide for yourself.......2007-04-24
Call me old-fashioned, but I believe that a review of a book should actually give the reader some idea of what's inside. Hence, unlike with some other reviewers, I have read the book but will not attempt to argue for or against Doherty's conclusions. In fact, the best way to decide for yourself whether this book is worth buying or at least reading is by reading an excerpt from Doherty's website. (Just Google "The Jesus Puzzle" to find the site - it's listed first as of this moment -, enter the site, and look near the bottom of the main menu for his "book review" of "The Case for Christ.") The excerpt is extensive, covering dozens of pages, which is more than enough to give you a very good impression of the book's contents and style. (The rest of the book isn't any different.)
This book is essentially a rebuttal of Strobel's "The Case for Christ," so it would probably be more interesting to the reader if you have some familiarity with that book first. Strobel is an evangelist Christian who attempted to present the evidence for the truth of the Biblical picture of Jesus as if he were presenting a legal case. Naturally, when one presents a case in court, one brings to the stand only experts who will support one's conclusions and asks them questions designed to elicit answers in support of one's case, so it's no surprise that Strobel didn't interview (or least record an interview with) anyone who disagrees with his perspective. Doherty, on the other hand, is an athiest, who holds to the radical idea that Jesus didn't even exist, although for the most part he doesn't base his arguments in this book on this premise. Since in a true court of law there would be the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, Doherty decided to present his answer in the form of a legal proceeding as well, by interspersing his own point-by-point responses to Strobel's expert's opinions with quotes from Strobel's book to expose the interviewee's biases.
Both authors have somewhat extreme views, at odds with most critical NT scholars (even with one of the interviewees of this book). Strobel does not really focus too much on Jesus' existence, which he probably regards as too obvious to challenge, but instead tries to establish the inerrancy of the Biblical accounts and divinity of Jesus. Consequently, his interviewees profess beliefs in miracles, angels, demonic possession, etc., and this Doherty pounces on with relish. Doherty also goes to great lengths to burst the inerrancy bubble by presenting well-known evidence for contradictions among the Gospels, but for those with a more liberal view of Christianity (or a non-theist view of Jesus), these kinds of arguments will not matter that much. Ultimately, the question of the true nature of Jesus, or even his existence, is not conclusively resolved, but then, Doherty is, as he states, merely trying to cast "reasonable doubt" on Strobel's case.
Some have argued that Doherty doesn't present a clear alternative to Strobel's view, and while I do not entirely agree with that characterization, it is not too surprising that he would approach a book with this purpose in that way. Also, Doherty doesn't document his claims as well as he should, although he does cite other scholars and books. For these reasons, I would recommend his other work, "The Jesus Puzzle," as being a far better (more systematic, at least) presentation of his argument.
Currious.......2007-04-22
Just after reading the description of the book and a few reviews, I am plagued with curiosity as to why Doherty, if so certain of his accusations, chose not to actually interview the scholars that Strobel interviewed. The title classifies this book as a "cross-examination" of Strobel's work, but based on my experience with and understanding of the judicial system, witnesses who are cross-examined get the opportunity to respond.
Why then does Doherty not allow these scholars to face the accusations he makes in his work as Strobel does? I understand some of you may simply respond with "it was just a metaphor," but the fact still remains that Strobel sat in the hot seat with scholars, while Doherty sat in his cushioned seat at his desk.
The reason I pose this question is because it makes me skeptical of Doherty's true intent. Is he really trying to find answers to his questions? If so, why didn't he interview scholars? How many presuppositions are left unchallenged in this book because he didn't interview them?
What I found from the reviews I read was this:
(1)Non-Christians think this book is the greatest gift to mankind (5 stars).
(2)Christians think the book doesn't even make good firewood (1 star).
For now I gave it 1 star because I believe this is a crucial flaw in the book.
So before I drop $12.95 on this book, I want to know why Doherty didn't actually speak with the scholars he was supposedly "cross-examining."
A great and informative debunking of Lee Strobel's Case for Christ.......2007-04-06
Mr Doherty clearly and effectively destroys the "facts" provided by the experts that Mr Strobel has brought to his imaginary court case. Anyone who reads this and does not at least wonder about the value of the information is suffering from a typical case of religious dogmatism. I have nothing but the greatest of respect for Mr Doherty in the lucid and intelligent manner in which he presents his information. Admittedly, there are occasions where he fails to "close the case", so to speak, but these instances are mere technicalities within the framework of an imaginery court case, and does not in any way impact on the quality of the information he provides.
If only those who maintain a belief in the historical Jesus would relieve themselves of the burden of the dogmatic and one-eyed belief system they adhere to, and intelligently research the information which exists out there, they would be more inclined to have a better understanding of how the world operates around them. I am sure Mr Doherty will agree that they are welcome to return to their faith, if they so choose. However, chances are they will find the evidence so compelling that they can only do so with doubt and a lack of sincere beliefs.
I rate this book as excellent, but it is worth the effort to read it after reading Mr Strobel's Case for Christ.
unconvincing.......2007-03-17
this was a terrible book...boring, bitter, and very unconvincing. it's sad when someone has to fight another's beliefs but has no convincing beliefs of their own, or answers, or even good guesses.
Book Description
Dead Lawyer. Drugs. Dormant Volcano?
Disgraced former prosecutor Luna Cruz has one chance at redemption, defending her only client and only friend, Jen Song. Jen is a legal secretary accused of killing her boss and leaving him atop an Albuquerque volcano. During the investigation, Luna uncovers a conspiracy involving lawyers and illegal prescription drugs coming across the border. Luna journeys into Texas, and then down to Mexico only to find hat her friend might be the real volcano and she's ready to erupt.
Customer Reviews:
Harlan Coben has serious competition........2007-08-08
Knocked my socks off - a super story, packed with surprises and twists - and, because the legal angle ran surreptitiously in the background, it didn't labour or get bogged down.
Forget the Grisham thing - Jonathan Miller has placed himself as a serious rival to Harlan Coben.
Great stuff, looking forward to picking up my next one.
Amazon.com
Before O.J. Simpson, Sam Sheppard was probably the most famous man acquitted for murder in the United States. Sheppard was a suburban Cleveland doctor accused of murdering his wife in 1954. The essentials of his case are well known. Sheppard said he was asleep on the couch when he heard his wife scream from the bedroom; he ran up the stairs and was knocked out by her attacker. Before long, Sheppard himself became the leading suspect--and most of the public came to consider him guilty. In The Wrong Man, reporter James Neff offers a detailed and well-told narrative that argues for Sheppard's innocence. Based on 10 years of research and interviews with many of the people whose lives touched the case, from family members to jurors to Sheppard's famous attorney F. Lee Bailey, Neff's account seems convincing. He even proposes a perpetrator, who, Neff says, offered something "close of a confession" during an interview shortly before his death in 1998. There may never be a "final verdict" in the saga of Sam Sheppard, but many readers will think this book effectively closes the case. --John Miller
Book Description
The real-life murder that became known as “The Fugitive” case began before dawn on July 4, 1954, in a Cleveland suburb, when Marilyn Sheppard was viciously beaten to death in her bed. After an inadequate investigation, her husband, Dr. Sam Sheppard, was charged with the crime, and a chain of events was set in motion that has caused more speculation, more publicity, and more cultural myth than any other American murder.
James Neff is an award-winning investigative journalist who, over the past ten years, has assembled the most compete set of Sheppard records in existence, including DNA analyses and interviews with every living person central to the case. He has also gained unprecedented access to crime-scene evidence that shows conclusively that Sham Sheppard did not murder his wife–and points to the man who did. Peeling away the layers of fiction surrounding the case, Neff uncovers the factual events and the key players in a story that until now has been shrouded in mystery.
The Wrong Man is a landmark work, a gripping narrative, and indeed the final verdict on America’s most famous unsolved murder
Customer Reviews:
THE RIGHT MAN.......2007-04-03
As others have indicated, those with an interest in this case should also read "Dr. Sam on Trial," by Jack DeSario and William Mason - the prosecutors' side of the third trial. My own impressions are based on reading both books (and the many preceeding books on the subject - all of which are pro-Sam), my training as a pathologist in Cleveland in the 1970's (during which time I made an enduring friendship with Dr. Roger Marsters, blood stain expert at the second and third trials), a good
friendship with Dr. Lester Adelson (who performed the autopsy) and passing acquaintance with Dr. Gerber and Miss Cowan. My wife's father and his sister were backyard neighbors of the victim and her family and the sister dated Sam in high school - once.
In short, Sam Sheppard was a philandering osteopath in a west Cleveland suburb who was, other than his young son, the only known occupant of his house when his wife was bludgeoned to death in their bedroom on July 4th, 1954. The murder weapon was never found and Sheppard always maintained that the real killer was a bushy-headed intruder. He was convicted of 2nd degree murder and then acquitted after serving ten years in the penitentiary. He died (of alcoholism) a few years thereafter. Thirty more years passed and his son then sued the state of Ohio for damages related to wrongful imprisonment - the impetus for this book.
This book was published before the DeSario/Mason account and is most interesting and, perhaps, reliable, in its first part, before the author gets into the second and third trials and his omissions and distortions become evident. Sam's early life brings out a couple of aspects of his personality to me. He seems to have labored under some feelings of inferiority as an osteopath (such was the attitude in those days); after his acquittal, he signed a copy of his ghost-written autobiography as "M.D." (osteopaths are "D.O."). From the stories of his escapades and his own diary of life with his second wife, he also seems to have had a voracious sexual appetite - maybe satyriasis (the male equivalent of nymphomania). As Mr. Neff points out, only the Susan Hayes affair was brought into the legal proceedings - to me, for obvious reasons - why ruin more lives? Mr. Neff describes, as have many others, the campaign in the newspapers (especially the Cleveland Press) to pursue Sam, and yes, that should not have been done; color photographs of autopsies are no longer allowed in court - considered too garish (or too realistic) - but what does that have to do with whether Sam Sheppard was guilty or innocent? The Sheppard "team," from the day of the murder to today, has
on their part had no qualms about casting about for any and all suspects -
and besmirching the reputation of the victim, about whom little or no regret is voiced. Further observations:
1). the rumor about Sam keeping a barrelful of human heads in his garage is true. Lester Adelson gave the Cleveland Society of Pathologists a slide show in 1979, after a made-for-TV movie (George Peppard was Sam)
and this was included in the non-admitted evidence. Sam used them for surgical practice. Does it make him guilty? No. But it tells you about Sam.
2). Retrials after several years often obtain acquittals - prosecution evidence disappears, witnesses forget. It also helps to have a skillful
defense attorney. No surprise about the second trial (which was acquittal)- but the evidence was a lot stronger against Sam that this book indicates, since the jury in 2000 was out only a few hours and found against the Sheppard side, after even more time had passed!
3). Contrary to the implication of this book, ABO typing was not wholly dependent on old tissue forty-six years after the fact. It was done within days of the murder by a meticulous technician (Miss Cowan). Only type O (the victim's type) was found in the murder room. The DNA evidence in this case - first analyzed for this third trial - was rendered useless by years of deterioration and contamination - the Sheppard side really brought nothing new to the table.
4). The scenario fit perfectly with the FBI description of a domestic homicide, which was read to the jury. The prosecution's witness had a supervisor (Douglas) who MAY have disagreed (as often the case, the author makes hearsay statements about this) - why did he not testify?
5). You have to see the color photo of the pillow (DeSario/Mason book) - the black and whites in other books don't show the imprint - there IS an instrument there and it fits with a lamp harp. (The bedside lamp was the probable murder weapon).
6). The absence of a lamp in the murder room was not based solely on the recollection, 46 years old, of the repairman who fixed and returned it to the nightstand. Det. Fred Drenkhan noticed at the time of the murder that there was no lamp next to the telephone at Sam's bedside - where a doctor would have it - and heard from the repairman himself that he had fixed and returned it two days before the murder.
7). Yes, there was not much blood on Sam - suspiciously so. He said he had bent over his wife twice and grappled twice with an intruder! How about changing clothes - and where did his T-shirt go?
8). Mrs. Sheppard's body was exhumed for the third trial. By now the body was skeletonized and massive blunt trauma of the face was found -not evident at the first autopsy. MASSIVE. Someone powerful and in a rage
had delivered thirty or forty blows to her - a crime of passion and by a man (not the luckless female neighbor, also bruited about as a suspect).
9). After his acquittal, Sam autographed a copy of his book, Endure and Conquer. Inspection of the book later found not only his autograph, but also a boldly inscribed "Yes," written on the teaser page, following the book's rhetorical question as to whether "Sam" did it. A guilty conscience! Check the photo of this in the DeSario/Mason account. Then see if YOU buy Mr. Neff's claim that the "yes" was really in answer to the Minneapolis Tribune endorsement that follows it.
10). The police had their suspicions in 1954 about who may have helped Sam stage the scene: crime of passion + burglary (try putting those two together). The DeSario/Mason books adds further evidence about this.
Just about everyone who came in contact with Dr. Sam Sheppard was hurt by it. By all means read this book and find out a little more about him.
Then read the DeSario/Mason one. You'll learn why.
Fascinating Book.......2006-12-21
Really an outstanding book. I am the same age as Sheppard's son and grew up in Ohio and I remember the murder well. Although too young to follow it and later in my college and professional life did not have the time to follow the subsequent trials, it was very interesting to read about it.
If this crime were committed in the last 35 years, Dr. Sam would never have been initially convicted. With the Miranda Act and subsequent advances in DNA and other investigative methods there's no way that a conviction could have ever been obtained, if the trail venue had been changed and the jury sequestered. There was far too much of a rush to judgement by the corner, police, and prosecutor. Being a political animal his ego was bruised and he was out to protect his professional reputation and he showed his pettiness when Dr. Kirk subsequently refuted many of his determinations. There's far too much reasonable doubt to ever convict Dr. Sam. It's shows how the press and the police can railroad a big profile murder case. Not to mention the botched police investigation.
The corner and Dorothy Kilgallen should have Dr. Sam's conviction on their souls. The judge told Kilgallen in a meeting in his chambers before the trial that Sheppard was guilty as hell and that it was a open and shut case. Kilgallen should have disclosed that conversation and the judge should have been removed.
There was a terrible injustice done to the Dr. Sam and his family. It ruined their entire family. His mother committed suicide roughly ten days after the initial trial, and his father died several weeks later. It ruined the lives of his brothers and only child. Also in subsequent trials the prosecutors and police continued to back the conclusions of the police, corner and prosecutor from the original investigation and trial in 1954.
I don't buy the arguments that Ms. Connelly wrote that Sheppard is guilty, which she posted in a review in 2001. It's amazing how the system sticks up for itself.
By the grace of God this terrible injustice could have happened to your or my families. This is a compelling book and a must read if you remember the case. It's hard to put down once you start reading the book.
The Sordid Story of the Wrongful Conviction.......2005-09-08
James Neff grew up in Cleveland during the murder and trials. Those in the Cleveland area believed Dr. Sam was guilty, those living further away were more likely to believe in his innocence (p.xi). Biased coverage by the media can affect people for decades. While this book was being written, the prosecutors tried to commandeer his research (p.xii). The author is a prize-winning journalist and editor, who was a reporter and columnist at the Cleveland 'Plain Dealer'. This very readable book tells about the commercial rivalry between the "Sheppard clan" osteopaths and the allopaths who controlled Cleveland's hospitals. The Sheppard's suburban hospital performed therapeutic abortions, considered as murder to many in Cleveland (p.37).
Part 1 tells of the crime, trial, and conviction of Dr. Sam Sheppard. The county coroner disliked the "Sheppard clan", Dr. Sam was the suspect from the first day (p.16). Marilyn had fought her attacker, she had 15 lacerations on her head and 35 wounds overall (p.18). Important evidence was lost by mistake (p.19). Dr. Sam had physical injuries from a powerful blow to the back of his head (pp.28-29). Dr. Sam's rescue vehicle for car accidents in 1953 had irked the medical establishment (pp.36-37). Stories were leaked to the press to make Dr. Sam appear guilty (pp.39-40). Dr. Sam's family all backed Marilyn when there were problems in their marriage. Dr. Sam had been copying the permissive life style of the rich and famous in Los Angeles (p.48), but Marilyn tolerated Sam's affairs (p.65). There was a trail of blood drops from the kitchen to the cellar, Dr. Sam had no wounds. They was never tested by Mary Cowan, the co-worker and close friend of Coroner Dr. Gerber. People's minds were made up by the stories in the press (p.71). There was no forensic evidence to tie Dr. Sam to the crime (p.91). Possible evidence for an intruder was neglected (p.95)! The local press and court system were convinced of Dr. Sam's guilt (p.127). The prosecutor used Dr. Sam's adulteries as a motive for murder (p.133). The coroner testified that a "surgical instrument" was the murder weapon but there was no factual basis for this claim (pp.142-144). After many days the jury decided on murder second degree (p.166).
Part 2 tells of the appeals to reverse the conviction. Defense lawyer William Corrigan hired Dr. Paul Kirk, the "founding father of criminalistics" (p.174). The prosecution concealed evidence that suggested an intruder (p.175). Kirk found evidence to support Dr. Sam's story (pp.179-184). Coroner Gerber used his political connections to damage Kirk (p.187). The flashlight murder weapon was found in the lake, then neglected by the coroner (p.190). Chapter 22 tells of Richard Eberling's early life. In 1961 Paul Holmes published his book which presented Kirk's findings. Dr. Steve Sheppard was introduced to Francis Lee Bailey, who sued to get Dr. Sam's conviction overturned (Chapter 26). Bailey believed he could win an acquittal (p.242). The Supreme Court overturned the conviction. The retrial resulted in a 'not guilty' verdict because of the blood spatter evidence and the testimony for a third person's blood (p.281); there was reasonable doubt. But Dr. Sam's victory was followed by personal defeats. His surgical skills deteriorated; he also drank. Ariane divorced him, Dr. Sam became a professional wrestler (p.287). His drinking continued until he died of a liver disease (p.289). Chapter 32 tells of the career of Richard Eberling and Oscar B. Henderson. They gained power and influence under one Cleveland mayor. An elderly woman where Eberling lived died form an accident, a fracture like Dr. Sam's (pp.299-300). Later Eberling got a life sentence for murder, forgery, theft, and related crimes (pp.305-306).
Part 3 tells of Neff's investigations. Marilyn's death did not fit the usual profile (p.333). Kirk's old files were found, the blood sample pointed to Eberling, but not uniquely (p.336) Neff explains the "hard facts" why Dr. Sam did not kill Marilyn (Epilogue). [You can look up NY vs Charles Stielow for another example of local prejudice against the facts.]
Very good and thorough.......2004-10-22
Mr. Neff certainly did his homework on researching this case. A very interesting book, I could hardly put it down. I had to skim over the chapter on the last trial, but otherwise, it is a very good book.
Justice at Last.......2003-01-29
The Wrong Man is a gripping and provocative look at the sensational murder trial(s)of Sam Sheppard. While in high school in the 70's, I member first reading about the case in F. Lee Bailey's book 'The Defense Never Rests'. Neff's book takes you behind the headlines of this infamous case and moves forward from the day of the crime and through the various incarnations of the case in the state and federal courts. He looks in depth at the participants and suspects in one of the century's greatest 'unsolved murders.' This case is a clear example of a man and a family destroyed by politicians and the press. These folks refused to let the facts get in the way of a good story. Sheppard's life and reputation were lost because the case was tried in the newspapers and television, instead of the court room. Oddly enough, through three trials in a 'search for truth' justice was never served. It is ironic that Neff's objective review of the case as a journalist and a 'member of the press' may be the closest the Sheppard family ever gets to finding the truth and obtaining justice. This is not simply a regurgitation of the headlines but a probing anatomy of an infamous crime and what happens when a 'good story' over takes the facts, a community, and our system of justice. It also shows why our freedoms guaranteed by the constitution (including the freedom of the press) must be jealously guarded against all who would take them away. I could not put the book down once I started reading it and strongly recommend it to any one who enjoys the true crime genre or reading law related novels. Here, the facts are stranger (and more interesting) than any fiction one could invent.
Book Description
Albert Speer was an unemployed architect when Hitler came to power in 1933. Soon he was designing the Third Reich's most important buildings. In 1942 Hitler appointed him Armaments Minister and he quadrupled production, an astonishing achievement that kept the German Army in the field and prolonged the war.
Yet Speer's life was full of contradictions. The only member of the Nazi elite with whom Hitler developed more than a purely functional relationship (he has even been called "Hitler's unrequited love"), Speer was always an outsider in Hitler's inner circle. He saw himself as an artist, above the crass power struggles of the roughnecks around him. But his enormous ambition blinded him to the crimes in which he played a leading role.
Brilliantly illustrated, this gripping account of one man's rise and fall helps explain how Germany descended so far into crime and barbarism.
Customer Reviews:
20 yrs not enough.......2005-05-15
Speer fooled the Nurenberg tribunal. He admitted guilt and because Jackson, the US prosecuter, did a poor job of knowing the facts and keeping them straight, Speer was able to dodge the hangman. Without the dogged persevereance of the Russian prosecuter, Speer might have walked.
It was puzzling and sad that so many of Speers associates from the Armaments Group felt Speer betraded the leader, Hitler, and Germany. The book presents Speer as a good example of the many German citizens who went over the top for Hitler because they were in a position to personally profit from the period of National Socialism represented by the Nazis. This is an interesting book and the disclosure by Rudolph Wolters in his "Chronicles" indicates Speer was guilty of other crimes that he was never held accountable for. This is the first book I've read about Speer that discloses the existence of the "Chronicle" source kept by Wolters who worked daily with Speer. My hat's off to the author.
Interesting book on Albert Speer.......2004-06-12
I found this book to be one of the more perceptive books I have read on members of Hitler's inner circle. Albert Speer as many of the previous reviewers have already wrote, proves to be a great mystery. However, the author provides some very interesting insights to Speer's rather naive but contradictory asute behavior during the time he serves for Hitler.
The book proves to be very readable and easy to get into. Its provides a very informative picture of Albert Speer without overwhelming you with mindless details and gives a clear idea what kind of man Speer was, before, during and after the Third Reich.
Its interesting that of all the individuals of Hitler's inner circle, Speer was intellectually, culturally and morally above the rest but Fest make it understood that Speer had some sort of psychological blinder on and spent much of his post-World War life with that blinder still partially on. From what Fest wrote, it seem that Speer suffered from some sort of a self-imposed martyrdom at Nuremberg.
Interesting book and well worth the effort to read, I thought I knew Speer a bit better now then before.
How Much Did He Really Know?.......2003-05-08
Author Joachim Fest tells us that Albert Speer became fascinated with Adolf Hitler and was flattered that Hitler took a seemingly personal interest in him. Although Speer didn't think of himself as politically involved with Hitler and his cohorts, Hitler, nevertheless, saw Speer as one to build the monuments that would symbolize the Third Reich. While Speer accepts blame for his part in the Nazi regime he hedges in regard to his knowledge of the persecution of the Jews. Speer tried to distance himself from the other Nazi's being tried at Nuremberg, and although Speer expected the death sentence from the Nuremberg trials, he managed to escape with a lengthy prison sentence at Spandau prison. The author tells us about Speer's adjustment to prison life as well as his difficulties in readjusting to civilian life following his prison sentence. Of additional interest is the jealousies involved between the misfits that Hitler brought together in his entourage. The book held my interest even though I don't believe this book did, indeed, provide the reader with the final verdict as the title suggests.
"Good" Nazi or smooth operator? The reader decides.......2003-04-16
Joachim Fest's "Speer: The Final Verdict" is a solid contribution to the Speer catalog. Fest's book is essentially a biography of Speer's time within the National Socialist regime. It is a nice (if somewhat redundant) companion to Speer's pseudo-autobiography "Inside the Third Reich". Whereas Speer's writings in ItTR focus not only on his time in the Nazi regime but also childhood and university years, Fest's book really deals with Speer's rise in the Nazi power structure and his association (often volatile but never strained beyond distinct affection) with Hitler. While the title suggests that the reader will gain some new insight into Speer's complicity and complacency relative to war crimes for which had association, little new is brought to life. Yet, because Fest is looking from outside - he is not writing about himself as Speer has done - the analysis can be taken with a different grain of spice. Fest does not excuse Speer's actions but rather tries to place them in a context that the reader can draw judgment from.
It is clear that Speer is an enigma within the third Reich: 1) he was highly educated (if not successful as an architect before his association with the Nazi's) and cultured - in stark contrast to other power brokers like Rohm and Bormann; 2) while certainly not immune to Hitler's psychological powers Speer did actively disobey (at great personal risk) many of Hitler's orders late in the war - with the major exception of the assassination plot conspirators Speer is essentially alone in this regard, and 3) while he appears to have despised politics he played the intrigue game within the Hitlter Court to perfection and really had few rivals (Bormann being the strongest). Was he the "Good Nazi"? Or is this simply an oxymoron? Either way, Fest's book provides ample information to let the reader decide the historical fate of Albert Speer. With Speer's own writings he attempts to paint a fairly pretty picture of his National Socialist life. Unlike other works that try hard to project conclusions about Speer's culpability and motivations, Fest's work presents facts with little interpretation - that remains the responsibility of the reader.
Verdict, He Understood and Did Nothing.......2003-02-20
Albert Speer the only man in Hitler's entourage whose ambitions were peaceful and constructive, he wished to rebuild Berlin and Nuremberg. Nevertheless, in a political sense, Speer is the real criminal of Nazi Germany, for he, more than any other, represented that fatal philosophy which has made havoc of Germany and nearly shipwrecked the world. Albert Speer with his intelligence diagnosed the nature of the Nazi government and policy, but he did nothing,
Mr. Fest brings this all out well enough and what at times makes for a fantastic read.
Average customer rating:
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Open Verdict
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Steven Arkell
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- An Amazing Novel
- Move Over Grisham!
- One of the best novels I've ever read.
- Brilliant writing debut
- Powerful!
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Directed Verdict
Randy D. Singer
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ASIN: 1578566339
Release Date: 2002-10-15 |
Book Description
In the face of injustice, one person committed to a holy cause can make a difference. This is the story of how one lawyer, confronted with the martyrdom of a Christian missionary, stands up to injustice despite seemingly insurmountable odds.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, two American missionaries are targeted by the infamous religious police–the Muttawa. The man is tortured and killed; his wife arrested on trumped-up charges before being deported to the U.S.
Compelled by the injustice of her plight, young attorney Brad Carson files an unprecedented civil rights suit against Saudi Arabia and the ruthless head of the Muttawa. But the suit unleashes powerful forces that will stop at nothing to vindicate the Arabian kingdom. Witnesses are intimidated and some disappear, jurors are bribed, and a member of Brad’s own team may be attempting to sabotage the case.
As Brad navigates a maze of treachery and deception, he must gamble his case, his career, and the lives of those he loves–including brilliant co-counsel Leslie Conners–on the ability of his team to bring justice to one family, challenge the religious intolerance of a nation, and alter the course of international law.
Download Description
In the face of injustice, one person committed to a holy cause can make a difference. This is the story of how one lawyer, confronted with the martyrdom of a Christian missionary, stands up to injustice despite seemingly insurmountable odds.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, two American missionaries are targeted by the infamous religious police -- the Muttawa. The man is tortured and killed; his wife arrested on trumped-up charges before being deported to the U.S.
Compelled by the injustice of her plight, young attorney Brad Carson files an unprecedented civil rights suit against Saudi Arabia and the ruthless head of the Muttawa. But the suit unleashes powerful forces that will stop at nothing to vindicate the Arabian kingdom. Witnesses are intimidated and some disappear, jurors are bribed, and a member of Brad's own team may be attempting to sabotage the case.
As Brad navigates a maze of treachery and deception, he must gamble his case, his career, and the lives of those he loves -- including brilliant co-counsel Leslie Conners -- on the ability of his team to bring justice to one family, challenge the religious intolerance of a nation, and alter the course of international law.
Customer Reviews:
An Amazing Novel.......2006-12-17
It is unfortunate that Randy Singer is not more well known. He is an excellent writer.
'Directed Verdict' is really a superb novel that is very difficult to put down. It begins with severe religious persecution in Saudi Arabia by the Muttawa - the Saudi religious police. They have targeted an American missionary couple with unspeakable brutality.
Sarah Reed, who is the surviving wife of the couple, pushes for legal recourse in the States to expose their tactics and hopefully prevent more terror directed against Christians.
She hires legal ace Brad Carson and his team who are rather unconventional, but very tenacious. The story contains numerous plot twists. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, it took another turn.
This book is on a par with Grisham's best - his first few novels. Actually, this is even better than that as Singer addresses much more important issues - those with eternal significance.
I highly recommend this book. If you haven't read Randy Singer yet, you don't know what you're missing.
Move Over Grisham!.......2006-10-26
I began this book with a bit of skepticism because I just didn't see how a Christian legal novel could compare with the likes of John Grisham. Not only am I surprised at the quality of this novel, but I am surprised I have never heard of Randy Singer before now. Directed Verdict is right up there with anything Grisham has ever written, maybe even better.
Great writers write what they know, and Randy Singer knows the law. This story takes you into the depths of international law, and Singer is thorough without ever being dry or boring. Your heart will go out to missionary Sarah Reed as her and her family face severe persecution for their unwavering faith. Lawyer Brad Carson takes Sarah's case and files an unprecedented civil rights suit against the nation of Saudi Arabia and her persecutors.
Singer's novel is full of unexpected twists and turns and riveting courtroom scenes. There are themes of forgiveness and faith all throughout and even a love story. I was hooked from page one and I couldn't put it down. If you love legal thrillers you'll love Randy Singer.
One of the best novels I've ever read........2006-08-21
If you asked me a few months ago who my favorite novelists were, my answer would be Allistair MacLean and Frank Peretti. After reading this novel, Randy Singer has joined the list. And this is the only novel I've read of his . . . for the time being.
My wife and I are area representatives of Voice Of The Martyrs. Thus, when the book opens with religious persecution in Saudi Arabia, it had my attention. But this book is primarily a court-room drama, and it succeeds here.
Singer has the credentials of being a member of the North American Mission Board (Southern Baptist), and being a former attorney with the American Center Of Law And Justice, founded by Jay Sekulow. (Sekulow wrote a promotional review for this book, and he makes a cameo early in the book, probably an inside joke.)
Some of the plot is predictable. There were two characters that, when introduced, I knew would be major players in the book. I will forgive that. He makes up for it with a plot with twists and turns.
The best part of the book for me, though, were the characters. They came across as believable, flesh and blood people, easy to either love or loathe. One thing that I like, as well, is that some of the antagonists are not true villains; they have a human side which shows through.
Even though I've read a Grisham novel (and two movies based on his novels), and saw several Perry Mason episodes, this book has given me an idea of aspects of law I did not know before. The title itself is an example. For those who are as unfamiliar with law as I am may not know that a directed verdict is one made by the judge as opposed to the jury.
This was Singer's first novel, as well as the first I've read. I will guarantee you, though, that this is not the last one I'll read.
Brilliant writing debut.......2006-07-19
Sarah Reed, a longtime missionary in Saudi Arabia, is forced into an early return to the United States. Her husband's tortuous death at the hands of the muttawa, the Saudi Arabian religious police, provokes her untimely return. Allegations of cocaine abuse by her husband lead to a rejection of the life insurance claim, which in turn directs Sarah into the law office of Brad Carson and Associates. Rather than suing the life insurance company, Carson persuades Reed to take legal action against members of the muttawa and the nation of Saudi Arabia. Drawing from the testimony of Reed and other members of her underground church, Carson and his assistants attempt to bring attention to the corrupt ways of both the muttawa and the Saudi Arabian government. But the case is not so clear-cut. As the story develops, the already intricate plot thickens, leaving the reader wondering just how much more twisted and tumultuous things can get.
Randy Singer has his finger squarely on the pulse of the federal justice system, as he leads the reader through the lives of several key characters at once. As a lawyer with a dozen years of experience, Singer shows remarkable accuracy in his descriptions of court proceedings. His portrayal of the persecuted church (in Saudi Arabia) will help North American readers to further appreciate their religious freedom. Action, suspense, drama, comedy, and even romance, place this book near the top of a legal thriller lover's lis
Powerful!.......2006-05-24
Incredible legal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! This was the first Randy Singer book that I've had the pleasure of reading and it certainly won't be the last. The characters were well developed and interesting and the story was thought provoking and clever with twists that made the book hard to put down. Singer does an excellent job of crafting a story that stirs the emotions of the reader. The diverse characters were memorable and easy to relate to.
Books:
- The Night Before Easter
- The Pipe Fitter's and Pipe Welder's Handbook Revised Edition
- The Plague, The Fall, Exile and the Kingdom, and Selected Essays (Everyman's Library)
- The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck O'Neil's America
- The SPIN Model Checker: Primer and Reference Manual
- The Triple Bottom Line: How Today's Best-Run Companies Are Achieving Economic, Social and Environmental Success -- and How You Can Too
- The Virgin's Lover
- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording
- The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl
- There's Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Squee's Wonderful Big Giant Book of Unspeakable Horrors
- History: Fiction or Science
- Unimolecular Reactions, 2nd Edition
- As Tough as Necessary: Countering Violence, Aggression, and Hostility in Our Schools
- Caliban Cove
- History: Fiction or Science
- Dear Mom Thank You For Everything
- Veil: Veiling, Representation, and Contemporary Art
- Anthony Quinn's Eye: A Lifetime of Creating and Collecting Art
- On Your Mark, Get Set, Hold It: Memories of Wwii
More Than a Carpenter
Answers
The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God
The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
