Josh McDowell was born in Union City, Michigan, in 1939 and grew up in a challenging environment. With an alcoholic and abusive father and suffering sexual abuse from a farmhand, McDowell's early years were marked by low self-esteem and a search for meaning. As a young man, he considered himself an agnostic, viewing Christianity as worthless. Despite this belief, he was restless, searching for answers to life's profound questions.
Skeptic Researches Christianity's Evidence
His search for meaning led him to university, where he encountered Christian friends who challenged him to examine the historical evidence for Christianity. With the intention of disproving it, McDowell delved into an in-depth study of the Bible, spending months researching in libraries across Europe. However, instead of debunking the faith, he found overwhelming evidence supporting its claims. He realized that the Old and New Testament documents were among the most reliable writings of antiquity.
From Mind to Heart
Faced with this evidence, McDowell admitted, 'I had to admit that Jesus Christ was more than a carpenter. He was all He claimed to be.' Despite this intellectual acceptance, he struggled with pride and the fear of losing control of his life. 'My mind was telling me that Christianity was true, but my will was resisting it with all the energy it could muster,' he confessed.
In his second year at university, McDowell prayed, inviting Jesus into his life. 'Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me... Right now, in the best way I know how, I open the door of my heart and life and trust you as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Change me from the inside out.' His faith was grounded in evidence and God's Word.
Life Transformed Through Faith
After his conversion, McDowell experienced a transformation. He found relief from restlessness and a reduction in his bad temper. His plans shifted from law school to sharing the truth about Jesus. He joined Campus Crusade for Christ in 1963, eventually addressing millions worldwide and writing extensively on apologetics.
McDowell's personal life also reflected his faith. He forgave his father and the farmhand who abused him, leading his father to faith in Christ. McDowell's journey from skepticism to belief highlights the power of evidence and the profound change that Jesus can bring.
