The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Colleen H. during the 2007-2008 League.
Book Report on "What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?"
Doctor James Kennedy worked together with Jerry Newcombe to write the confusing book, "What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?" This book's purpose was to prove that our society's foundation is the life of Jesus Christ. Prejudice against certain races has decreased, if not ceased, to exist, but the Christians in the world continue to be ridiculed. What people don't realize is that the world as we know it would be drastically different if Jesus did not come to this world.
This book went through twelve different major parts of our world, and showed the direct effect that Jesus' life had on them.
First, two basic things drastically changed because of Jesus are time itself and also, Christmas. Christmas if Jesus' birthday. Almost everyone celebrates this in one way or another. The sad thing is is that most of these people don't even realize what they are celebrating. And many of those who do forget all about it on Christmas Day. The way the world counts time is in BC and AD. BC stands for Before Christ, and AD means "Anno Damini" which translates to "the year of the Lord." These two basic things in our society are based solely on the fact that Jesus was born.
Second, it changed the way we as humans view birth. In the ancient world, child sacrifice was normal. It was also common for parents who did not want to raise their child for one reason or another to simply abandon them into the woods or river. But when Jesus was born to Mary, people's view of a baby's life changed. They began to see them as a gift, not a burden.
Third, Christ's coming had a huge impact on compassion and mercy. Simply, the way the common person helps the poor. Before Christianity, the world was cold in inhospitable. Christ changed that. He set the ultimate example for us. "Whatever you do unto the least of these, you do unto Me." These words radically changed the kindness we show to those less fortunate than us.
Fourth, Christianity played a major role in education. Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Princeton, and Harvard were just some of the universities that were founded on the basis of the Christian faith. Also, Christianity gave rise to the concept of education for everybody - not just the elite group.
Fifth, and perhaps the most important for us Americans, was the impact Christianity had on the founding of the United States of America. Earl Warren, the late governor of California and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court said, "no one can read the history of our country without realizing that the Good Book and the Spirit of the Savior have, from the beginning, been our guiding geniuses.
Sixth, Christianity changed the civil liberties we have. The tremendous liberties and freedoms we have in this country, we owe primarily to the Word of God. All through the Bible, liberty and freedom is a huge theme. Jesus came to set free the people in bondage and give them the liberty to choose for themselves how they want to live.
Seventh, God sacrificing His Son for us drastically transformed science. The writers of this book believe that prior to Christ's coming, the science industry was very slow - no real progress was made. But since He was born, scientists have made, and continue to make, amazing discoveries.
Eighth, Jesus coming down from heaven impacted the economics of our world. Before He came, there was little to no economy - people owned what they owned, and lived a very modest life. But now, we have a huge economic system in our country and all over the world.
Ninth, Christianity impacted sex. Some say it had a positive affect, and others say it was negative. Before Christianity, many people used the gift of sex in the wrong way. After Christ, yes, there are many people who still do the wrong thing, but countless others have saved themselves for marriage. And because these people are following Christ's plan, He is blessing them for it.
Tenth, Jesus' coming has transformed the medical field. Christianity had a huge role in the establishment of hospitals. Also, organizations like the Red Cross were founded by Christians.
Eleventh, the morality of people changed after the establishment of Christianity. The Christian faith transformed the minds and attitudes of people who used to live uncivilized from different tribes and nations. This is just one more things that Jesus' birth had an affect on.
Lastly, the final thing the birth of Jesus changed was the entertainment industry. Many books, movies, pieces of art, and songs were inspired by Christ. Our world would be drastically different without Christianity.
This book made the readers realize that Jesus coming to the earth really did have an affect on EVERY aspect of life. While it was a little confusing at parts, overall, this was a very good book that encouraged a lot of thinking.
