Whether Jesus was really the Son of God or not is a central question for Christians—and one that has provoked heated debate since the time of Jesus' birth. Dean L. Overman examines the earliest Christian records to build a compelling case for the divinity of Jesus. Overman analyzes often-overlooked evidence from liturgies and letters written in the years immediately following Jesus' death—decades earlier than the Gnostic gospels or the New Testament gospels. Addressing questions raised by books such as Bart Ehrman's Misquoting Jesus and Elaine Pagels' The Gnostic Gospels, Overman presents powerful evidence from the earliest Christian communities that will be new for many modern Christians and builds a carefully reasoned case for Jesus truly being the Son of God.

review for "a Case for the DIVINITY OF JESUS: EXAMINING THE EARLIEST EVIDENCE":

"The divinity of Jesus Christ has been a matter of fervent dispute since the Galilean made his appearance on the human stage. Following his death and resurrection, numerous schools of thought arose to try to explain who this man was and why he mattered. Overman, former Templeton scholar at Oxford University who studied religion at Princeton and Harvard, brings his considerable talents to this question, focusing on the scholarly evidence for early belief in the divinity of Jesus. This is the third in a series of studies from his able pen, including a volume examining the case for the existence of God. He spares no effort in dissecting and analyzing early liturgical practices and documentary bases. His examination of Gnosticism and its impact on Christian belief is nothing short of masterful; his reflections about a resurrected messiah among the Jews are thoughtful and pointed. Some may find his approach overanalytical and a bit dry. But he maintains a level of readability such that any student of Christianity and its leader will benefit from Overman’s thorough examination."

Publishers Weekly, November 17, 2009

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In A Case for the Existence of God, Dean Overman explores some of the most fundamental questions about why our world exists and how it functions, using principles of logic, physics, and theology in a search for ultimate meaning. He argues that both theism and atheism require leaps of faith to understand the world, but that theism ultimately explains more about how our world works. Well-researched and well-reasoned, Overman presents a compelling case for the existence of God and his role in our world.

review for "a Case for the Existence of God":

"Why is there something rather than nothing? Why is the universe deeply and beautifully transparent to scientific enquiry? Dean L. Overman argues with clarity and care that theism offers the most illuminating response to such profound questions. His book will be found helpful by many thoughtful seekers after truthful understanding."

Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne, Quantum Physicist and Anglican Theologian, Cambridge University, author of Belief in God in an Age of Science, Templeton Prize recipient

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In this illuminating book, Dean L. Overman uses logical principles and mathematical calculations to answer the questions that have long perplexed biologists and astrophysicists:

Is it mathematically possible that accidental processes caused the formation of the first form of living matter from non-living matter? Could accidental processes have caused the formation of a universe compatible with life? Are current self-organization scenarios for the formation of the first living matter plausible? Overman reviews the influence of metaphysical assumptions in logical analysis, and discusses the principles of logic applicable to these questions, examining the limitations of verbal and mathematical logic. He proceeds to demonstrate that it is mathematically impossible that accidental processes produced the first living matter. The author also examines other issues related to the creation of the universe, including Stephen Hawking's no boundary proposal, the need for a Creator as the preserving cause of the universe, and the explanations offered by the weak and strong anthropic principles. Acclaimed by theologians and scientists alike as well-argued, coherent, and persuasive, A Case Against Accicdent and Self-Organization is a fascinating study of the origins of life and our universe.

review for "a Case against accident and self-organization":

"A valuable contribution to the discussion about the relationship between natural science and theology."

Wolfhart Pannenberg, University of Munich

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