Christianity on Trial: A Lawyer Examines the Christian Faith
"Mark Lanier, with his remarkable skills as a trial lawyer and expert communicator, offers an engaging reasoned defense of the Christian faith. Particularly helpful is Lanier's demonstration that many presumed objections to Christianity are based on limited and unbiblical conceptions of what we mean when we say 'God.' Lanier's arguments will unsettle the unexamined assumptions of many skeptics and clear a space for honest reflection about the truth of the story that the Bible tells." (Richard B. Hays, dean, Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina)"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)"Authored by one of the nation's leading trial lawyers,Christianity on Trialbrilliantly 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 ofMere 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, a noted lawyer and Bible scholar, deftly takes the reader through a carefully argued case for Christianity. Presenting testimony of key witnesses for and cross-examining opponents of the Christian faith, he makes a compelling case. The fair-minded reader will be persuaded that the preponderance of evidence supports the claims of the New Testament about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth." (James K. Hoffmeier, professor of Old Testament and Near Eastern archaeology, Trinity International University)"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)"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)"Mark Lanier is uniquely qualified to give God a fair hearing today. His skills as a trial lawyer are renowned. So too is his apologetical persuasiveness and winsome delivery. When you combine these gifts you hear a lawyer's examination of the claims of Christianity and an evangelist's appeal for a decision.Christianity on Trialis a great read for any wishing to examine the compelling evidence about Jesus Christ and reach a verdict about his claim on people's lives." (Simon Vibert, vice principal, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford)"In his first major Christian book, Mark Lanier brings to Christian publishing the same expertise, communication skills and pure, enthusiastic joy for the subject that he has brought to courtrooms and TV-network interviews across America for decades. But most folks don't know that Mark is as good a theologian and Christian communicator as he is a trial attorney. In some ways this book is a modernEvidence That Demands a Verdict.It is an excellent read for anyone who wants to see the evidence for the basic objective truths of Christian faith." (John Michael Talbot, author of The Jesus Prayer)"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 inChristianity 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)"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 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)