Christianity on Trial: A Lawyer Examines the Christian Faith - Softcover

Lanier, W. Mark

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0830836675 ISBN 13: 9780830836673

Publisher: IVP, 2014

Synopsis

Does the Christian faith hold up under scrutiny? What does science tell us about the plausibility of a god? Can we trust the alleged eyewitness testimony of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus? These questions are worth investigating in order to find an answer solidified in fact and evidence. Mark Lanier, one of America's top trial lawyers, uses his experienced legal eye to examine the plausibility of the Christian faith. Bringing science, current knowledge, and common sense together in a courtroom approach, this "trial" elucidates a rich understanding of God and a strong foundation for Christian faith. Following the format of a traditional legal trial, Lanier takes us from opening statement to closing summation by way of testimony from well-known witnesses―the scientist, the theologian, the linguist, the humanist, the philosopher, the psychologist and the ancient biblical eye-witness. These sources and many others investigate the sticky subjects of the Christian worldview that are commonly scrutinized by skeptics or overlooked by marginal believers:

• Who is God in light of astronomical and subatomic science?
• How could divine inspiration of Scripture or Christ?s bodily resurrection be possible?
• How should we see the nature of reality, free will and choice, ethics, morality and the idea of heaven and afterlife?

Lanier presents a persuasive case for the Christian faith and leaves it up to us to choose what is worthy of belief and what is not. Christianity on Trial provides a thought-provoking starting point in the search for truth.

About this title

About the Author

W. Mark Lanier is a trial lawyer and founder of the Lanier Law Firm. U.S. News and World Report's Best Lawyers named him to its Best Lawyers in America list for nine consecutive years and as the 2013 Top Class Action Attorney in America. His courtroom work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, and he is a frequent guest on CNBC and Fox Business News. He is the founder of the Lanier Theological Library and teaches biblical literacy at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.

Review

"It does a respectable job presenting a few fundamental arguments on topics such as the nature of God, prayer, the Bible, morality, truth, free will and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. . . . This book will be of interest to Christians looking for a few basic starting points to explaining and understanding their faith." (Brian Sullivan, Library Journal, June 15, 2014)

"W. Mark Lanier's Christianity on Trial is a good book to give to the lawyer who has everything except the belief that alone makes those things significant." (Marvin Olasky, World Magazine, October 18, 2014)

"Authored by one of the nation's leading trial lawyers, Christianity on Trial brilliantly employs the truth-finding methods of the legal process to produce an eminently readable, highly persuasive work of Christian apologetics. This is an extraordinary trial lawyer's version of Mere Christianity. In his inimitable fashion, Mark Lanier combines his superb expertise as a courtroom lawyer with profound knowledge of biblical scholarship and thoughtful reflection on daily life. Fearless in tackling the most difficult matters of belief, this engaging book speaks to all those interested in seeking truth―whether in the courtroom, in the library or in everyday life." (Ken Starr, president, Baylor University)

"Mark Lanier has probably read more about the Bible than many biblical scholars and combines this with his experience as a leading trial lawyer. The result is a gripping read and a compelling case for Christianity. He touches on so many different kinds of argument that there is something for everyone in this feast." (Peter Williams, warden, Tyndale House, Cambridge, United Kingdom)

"Because Mark Lanier is my Sunday school teacher, I have the joy of following his teaching week by week no matter where I am in the world. I eventually print out every lesson for my own reference because he is the quintessential teacher, using every means to invest his discerning exposition and wonderful insights into those of us who follow his teaching. I look forward to this volume not only for my personal edification but also as a book that I can place in the hands of those seeking to know Christ in a personal way and to grow in the Christian faith." (Dorothy Kelley Patterson, professor of theology in women's studies, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas)

"Mark Lanier has made a successful career at seeking out and defending truth in the arena of the American legal system. Now, serving as biblical legal defense, he methodically presents his case for the fundamental truths of our faith." (Michael Card, award-winning musician and author of Scribbling in the Sand and the Biblical Imagination Series)

"Trial lawyers are often noted for incisive analysis, broad knowledge and the ability to spot the weakness in the opposition's argument. Mark Lanier demonstrates every one of these instincts in Christianity on Trial. His expertise in using the biblical languages uniquely qualifies him to ask―and answer―all the really tough questions. As a fresh assessment of the intellectual validity of the Christian, this book will delight pastors, theologians, church members and even critics." (Paige Patterson, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas)

"A witty, well-paced and thoroughly engaging account of the place of evidence in the courtroom and in life. Mark Lanier makes a powerful case for the trustworthiness and reasonableness of the Christian faith." (Alister McGrath, author of The Passionate Intellect)

"One reviewer termed this book a 'modern-day Evidence that Demands a Verdict.' It was also, in some respects, reminiscent of Strobel's The Case for Christ. The case for having this book on your shelves is quite simply compelling." (Martin Saiter, Evangelicals Now, November 2014)

"Historians, scientists and lawyers are after the same thing: to discover what really happened. Mark Lanier, one of America's best lawyers, introduces us to history's expert witnesses regarding our most profound questions and tells a compelling story sure to convince any jury." (David B. Capes, Thomas Nelson Research Professor, Houston Baptist University)

Edition details

• Publisher: IVP
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0830836675
• ISBN 13: 9780830836673
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 230