Book Review: A Higher Court By John L. Betcher

John L. Betcher

CreateSpace (November 3, 2010)

978-1453833254

240 pages

Author John L. Betcher boldly places the existence of God on trial in his extraordinary new book A Higher Court: One Man's Search for the Truth of God's Existence.

We meet William Kensey shortly after his father was struck and killed in a crosswalk by a distracted soccer mom. At his father´s service, William turns down the reverend´s offer of a private time of prayer believing his time is best served with his wife and children.

A few days later, still troubled by his lack of distress over his father´s death, William receives a summons for jury duty. On arrival at court, he quickly realizes this is no ordinary trial. No juror could be excused, nor could any cell phone, time piece, or electronic device be brought into the courtroom. He, along with thirty-five other jurors, must hear evidence offered by witnesses claiming expertise regarding God´s existence or lack thereof. In the end each must render a verdict…God or No God! Handicapped and mysterious Judge Jonathan Cole presides over the case with two lawyers, Counsel for the Repudiation of God and Counsel for the Existence of God.

And so the trial begins with each lawyer calling witnesses including an anthropologist, philosopher, theologian, cosmologist, minister, and an average Joe, to name a few. Each witness gives testimony that proves or disproves the existence of a higher power. Four individual stories of tragic loss and hardship are also heard, both for and against God. These testimonials add a poignant yet disturbing element to the proceedings. Along the way are seven deliberations where the jury is split up into small groups of 4-6 to discuss the previous evidence. William´s group includes a Muslim, Native American, atheist, and a naïve teen, setting off some lively debates.


At first William believes the trial must be a hoax but before long he begins to understand the importance of what is unfolding in front of him. He is face to face with every human´s trial of a lifetime with no choice but to deliver a verdict that will change his life and perhaps the world as well.

This entertaining and thought provoking read will appeal to readers from all denominations, to those unsure of their faith, and even to those who consider themselves atheists. John L. Betcher doesn´t preach or push his own beliefs on his audience. His research is intensive and he presents the facts and his findings for the reader to decide. A Higher Court will definitely have you considering or reconsidering your thoughts on God. This book is well written in every aspect. It caught my interest early, and kept me hooked with insightful information, crisp dialogue, and then finally, an ending I didn´t see coming.

I can´t imagine anyone reading A Higher Court and not feeling moved to recommend it to a friend or family member. I asked my wife to read it.


Rated a Must Read by William Potter for Reader´s Choice Book Reviews

John L. Betcher

The author holds a Bachelor's Degree, cum laude, in English from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis. He has practiced law for more than twenty-five years in the Mississippi River community of Red Wing, Minnesota. He has also been a long-time supporter and coach of youth volleyball there.

Mr. Betcher has published three feature articles in COACHING VOLLEYBALL, the Journal of the American Volleyball Coaches Association. His most recent article was the cover story for the April/May, 2009 Issue. His book on volleyball coaching philosophies entitled THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF VOLLEYBALL COACHING, Insights From the Trenches, has been selling nationwide and is currently available at Amazon.com.

Mr. Betcher has also published a series of "Beck" suspense/thriller novels. The first two are THE 19TH ELEMENT, a James Becker Thriller and THE MISSING ELEMENT, A James Becker Mystery.