What do you think?
Rate this book
Christianity on Trial: A Lawyer Examines the Christian Faith
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 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.
230 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2014
28 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 18, 2021
This was an interesting approach to evaluating the Christian Faith. Like all apologetic works, it is unlikely to sway someone who is determined not to see. After all, the entire universe testifies to God's existence and yet that isn't enough.
Also like all good apologetic works, it can be a source of encouragement to those who already believe.
Also like all good apologetic works, it can be a source of encouragement to those who already believe.
May 27, 2024
AN EMINENT LAWYER EXAMINES AND AFFIRMS THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
W. Mark Lanier is a well-known trial lawyer, who also teaches biblical literacy at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
He wrote in the Preface to this 2014 book how a group of lawyers asked him to explain his Christian faith. “I worked through probing questions about God, faith, science, the Bible, Adam and Eve, creation and evolution, and… the work of Jesus Christ… I told them about this book, which is basically a … hearing on core elements of the Christian faith. Is it reasonable to believe in God? If so, what kind of God is he? What are the implications of such a belief? Does it affect who we are and what we are doing? Does it explain life? Does it give life meaning?... My hope is that [this book] serves as a catalyst for further discussions with them and with others who read it as well.” (Pg. 11-12)
He explains in the Introduction, “This book will proceed with the format of a trial… I will begin with an opening statement that serves as the book’s introduction… I explain where the trial will go. After that I present the evidence… We will consider science documents and the world as well---just like a trial. I will then give a summation or closing argument, where I draw conclusions from al the separate pieces of evidence.” (Pg. 18-19)
He recounts [“Mike” is one of the people in the group he was speaking to], “Here is where Mike’s dilemma lies. Mike wants an objective ethic, he wants his rule of right and wrong to be more than a concoction of his head or noble desire of his heart… Mike has no basis for such an objective view. Without God or some other outside objective source for right and wrong, Mike is stuck with an ethic that is his, but only out of choice---not because of its inherent truth as an ideal or what is truly right.” (Pg. 41)
He asserts, “Many people today consider the God of the Bible one of many excellent choices for finding the divine and for finding meaning in life. yet is that a fair rendition of the God of the Bible? Do many paths lead not only to meaning and purpose but to the truth of what lies beyond? The Bible makes strong claims to a distinctiveness that denies the idea of many roads to God.” (Pg. 62)
He suggests, “Some might argue that looking to Scripture is a denial of logic or a manifestation of circular reasoning. That is not, however, a fair criticism. If our minds are not reliable barometers, and if Scripture offers a reasonable and rational explanation that is consistent with experience, then it makes sense for us to look at those teachings.” (Pg. 136)
He states, “Morality is not some objective right or wrong that God either does or instructs others to do… The Bible sets forward God as a moral being who makes choices consistent with his moral character. The values and acts consistent with God’s essence are what we properly term ‘good,’ ‘right,’ or ‘moral.’ Those values contrary to God’s nature we properly term ‘evil,’ ‘wrong,’ and ‘immoral.’ Thus God neither conforms to nor invents the moral order; rather his very nature is the standard.” (Pg. 163)
He concludes, “We are not just a jury; we are the people in the case. The case is really about each of us. The real question behind this case is, What shall we do in regard to this God? My answer? I accept this God. He has given reason for who... and what I do. He has charged me with a sense of purpose… That is the verdict I have reached. I think it is more reasonable, and I pray you do too.” (Pg. 222-223)
This book will interest those studying Apologetics. (There are, of course, various other Apologetics works written by lawyers: e.g., David Limbaugh’s 'Jesus on Trial: A Lawyer Affirms the Truth of the Gospel,' Norman Anderson’s 'A Lawyer Among the Theologians,' Irwin Linton’s 'A Lawyer Examines the Bible,' 'Edmund Hatch Bennett's 'The Four Gospels from a Lawyer’s Standpoint,' Simon Greenleaf's 'The Testimony of the Evangelists, Examined by the Rules of Evidence Administered in Courts of Justice,' etc.)
W. Mark Lanier is a well-known trial lawyer, who also teaches biblical literacy at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
He wrote in the Preface to this 2014 book how a group of lawyers asked him to explain his Christian faith. “I worked through probing questions about God, faith, science, the Bible, Adam and Eve, creation and evolution, and… the work of Jesus Christ… I told them about this book, which is basically a … hearing on core elements of the Christian faith. Is it reasonable to believe in God? If so, what kind of God is he? What are the implications of such a belief? Does it affect who we are and what we are doing? Does it explain life? Does it give life meaning?... My hope is that [this book] serves as a catalyst for further discussions with them and with others who read it as well.” (Pg. 11-12)
He explains in the Introduction, “This book will proceed with the format of a trial… I will begin with an opening statement that serves as the book’s introduction… I explain where the trial will go. After that I present the evidence… We will consider science documents and the world as well---just like a trial. I will then give a summation or closing argument, where I draw conclusions from al the separate pieces of evidence.” (Pg. 18-19)
He recounts [“Mike” is one of the people in the group he was speaking to], “Here is where Mike’s dilemma lies. Mike wants an objective ethic, he wants his rule of right and wrong to be more than a concoction of his head or noble desire of his heart… Mike has no basis for such an objective view. Without God or some other outside objective source for right and wrong, Mike is stuck with an ethic that is his, but only out of choice---not because of its inherent truth as an ideal or what is truly right.” (Pg. 41)
He asserts, “Many people today consider the God of the Bible one of many excellent choices for finding the divine and for finding meaning in life. yet is that a fair rendition of the God of the Bible? Do many paths lead not only to meaning and purpose but to the truth of what lies beyond? The Bible makes strong claims to a distinctiveness that denies the idea of many roads to God.” (Pg. 62)
He suggests, “Some might argue that looking to Scripture is a denial of logic or a manifestation of circular reasoning. That is not, however, a fair criticism. If our minds are not reliable barometers, and if Scripture offers a reasonable and rational explanation that is consistent with experience, then it makes sense for us to look at those teachings.” (Pg. 136)
He states, “Morality is not some objective right or wrong that God either does or instructs others to do… The Bible sets forward God as a moral being who makes choices consistent with his moral character. The values and acts consistent with God’s essence are what we properly term ‘good,’ ‘right,’ or ‘moral.’ Those values contrary to God’s nature we properly term ‘evil,’ ‘wrong,’ and ‘immoral.’ Thus God neither conforms to nor invents the moral order; rather his very nature is the standard.” (Pg. 163)
He concludes, “We are not just a jury; we are the people in the case. The case is really about each of us. The real question behind this case is, What shall we do in regard to this God? My answer? I accept this God. He has given reason for who... and what I do. He has charged me with a sense of purpose… That is the verdict I have reached. I think it is more reasonable, and I pray you do too.” (Pg. 222-223)
This book will interest those studying Apologetics. (There are, of course, various other Apologetics works written by lawyers: e.g., David Limbaugh’s 'Jesus on Trial: A Lawyer Affirms the Truth of the Gospel,' Norman Anderson’s 'A Lawyer Among the Theologians,' Irwin Linton’s 'A Lawyer Examines the Bible,' 'Edmund Hatch Bennett's 'The Four Gospels from a Lawyer’s Standpoint,' Simon Greenleaf's 'The Testimony of the Evangelists, Examined by the Rules of Evidence Administered in Courts of Justice,' etc.)
February 28, 2021
Wasn't a fan. I think Cold-Case Christianity is a better, sharper examination.
December 23, 2021
Apologetics by a lawyer, as if Christianity was a case being tried. I really appreciated that he considered many questions from numerous points of view, but it was a bit too philosophical at times.
February 13, 2022
The author shares his detailed cultural & biblical knowledge in normal lay words that connect dots, and it is easily followed.
December 18, 2022
A very well handled case with valuable witnesses showing without a doubt that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.
April 8, 2025
Love the book but the proofs are not 100% easy for me to really follow. Other books by Keller and Strobel hit harder for me. Definitely check out Lanier’s second book though!
June 20, 2014
It seems like our culture is obsessed with the legal process – whether its Lindsay Lohan’s latest exploits, arrest, and trial; Oscar Pistorius trial for killing his girlfriend; Amanda Knox on trial in Italy; or the scandalous O.J. Simpson Trial. We Americans love trials (or maybe we just love seeing people get punished…), now W. Mark Lanier a world-class trial lawyers with many accolades capitalizes on our “enjoyment” of trials and the legal process and puts Christianity on trial.
What is this book about?
In Christianity on Trial, W. Mark Lanier follows the format of a legal trial, beginning the book with an “opening statement,” then calling witnesses like Albert Einstein, John Polkinghore, Charles Darwin, Noam Chomsky, and B.F. Skinner among others, and finishing up with a closing statement.
Throughout the book Lanier makes a case for the rationality and reasonableness of the Christian faith. He tackles difficult questions like:
Can God be infinite, personal, and moral?
Do people have an ability to make real choices, or are we simply products of our DNA in combination with out environment?
Is it intellectually honest to believe that the Bible is God’s revelation?
Does the physical resurrection of Jesus make sense?
He answers all of these questions and more, and comes to the conclusion that the biblical worldview makes sense of everyday life; in fact it makes more sense of everyday life than competing worldviews do.
Why Should You Get This Book?
W. Mark Lanier has written a persuasive and engaging account of why we ought to believe that Christianity makes sense. Its full of stories from major trials that Lanier has participated in, its full of fun historical anecdotes, and its full of thorough engagement with philosophical/theological sources. In other words, the book is comprehensive – Lanier leaves no stone unturned in his examination Christianity’s plausibility.
One aspect of the book that I really enjoyed was how nuanced his argument really was. His argument for the plausibility of Christianity relies upon the foundational distinction between direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. I appreciated the fact that Lanier plat out says that there is not much direct evidence for the truth of Christianity, most of the evidence is circumstantial. This distinction is important because many people have (rightly in my opinion) challenged the possibility of making a water tight-knock down flat out argument for the truth of Christianity. Christianity cannot be proved in the sense that the Pythagorean theorem can be proved. The “proof” of Christianity relies upon historical witnesses and the power of testimony. All this to say, I am glad that Lanier recognizes the fact that the case for Christianity cannot be made by purely philosophical arguments.
Who Should Get this Book?
If you are interested in apologetics, haven’t given much thought to why you believe what you believe about Christianity, or are a skeptic I recommend this book to you. If you are in an apologetics small group, or are looking for material to use in an apologetics Sunday School class this book is for you! Lanier’s writing is accessible and entertaining but more importantly his argument persuasive. So if you get a chance pick up this book!
(Note: I received this book free of charge from IVP in exchange for an impartial review.)
What is this book about?
In Christianity on Trial, W. Mark Lanier follows the format of a legal trial, beginning the book with an “opening statement,” then calling witnesses like Albert Einstein, John Polkinghore, Charles Darwin, Noam Chomsky, and B.F. Skinner among others, and finishing up with a closing statement.
Throughout the book Lanier makes a case for the rationality and reasonableness of the Christian faith. He tackles difficult questions like:
Can God be infinite, personal, and moral?
Do people have an ability to make real choices, or are we simply products of our DNA in combination with out environment?
Is it intellectually honest to believe that the Bible is God’s revelation?
Does the physical resurrection of Jesus make sense?
He answers all of these questions and more, and comes to the conclusion that the biblical worldview makes sense of everyday life; in fact it makes more sense of everyday life than competing worldviews do.
Why Should You Get This Book?
W. Mark Lanier has written a persuasive and engaging account of why we ought to believe that Christianity makes sense. Its full of stories from major trials that Lanier has participated in, its full of fun historical anecdotes, and its full of thorough engagement with philosophical/theological sources. In other words, the book is comprehensive – Lanier leaves no stone unturned in his examination Christianity’s plausibility.
One aspect of the book that I really enjoyed was how nuanced his argument really was. His argument for the plausibility of Christianity relies upon the foundational distinction between direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. I appreciated the fact that Lanier plat out says that there is not much direct evidence for the truth of Christianity, most of the evidence is circumstantial. This distinction is important because many people have (rightly in my opinion) challenged the possibility of making a water tight-knock down flat out argument for the truth of Christianity. Christianity cannot be proved in the sense that the Pythagorean theorem can be proved. The “proof” of Christianity relies upon historical witnesses and the power of testimony. All this to say, I am glad that Lanier recognizes the fact that the case for Christianity cannot be made by purely philosophical arguments.
Who Should Get this Book?
If you are interested in apologetics, haven’t given much thought to why you believe what you believe about Christianity, or are a skeptic I recommend this book to you. If you are in an apologetics small group, or are looking for material to use in an apologetics Sunday School class this book is for you! Lanier’s writing is accessible and entertaining but more importantly his argument persuasive. So if you get a chance pick up this book!
(Note: I received this book free of charge from IVP in exchange for an impartial review.)
April 27, 2014
CHRISTIANITY ON TRIAL
Imagine for a moment that someone was able to locate, juggle schedules, arrange transportation, and bring together into one room all the following:
* a high school prodigy whose minister sometimes invited him to preach in the largest congregation of their association;
* a biblical languages major and avid Bible student;
* a national debate champion in university competition;
* a Sunday-school teacher with a class approaching 1,000, whose videotaped lessons are viewed around the world;
* a Christian apologist with encyclopedic interests and a memory to match;
* a theological researcher with access to any material desired;
* a gifted communicator and frequent guest on national television news networks; and
* a legendary trial lawyer ranked by the profession and his peers as one of America's best.
Now stretch your imagination to suppose that all these experiences, gifts, qualities and traits describe not eight different individuals but one particular man.
Imagine with me that this attorney represents Christianity On Trial, with you in the jury box, where you hear every word of the trial--from opening speech to closing argument. Along the way you hear testimony from the experts, including the scientist, theologian, linguist, humanist, philosopher, and psychologist, plus eyewitness testimony from people who experienced what we read about in the Bible.
The one particular man described as eight different people does not have to be imagined. He is W. Mark Lanier, a very real person, who himself imagined just such a trial as pictured above, and wrote the book that puts you in the jury box.
That book is Christianity on Trial: A Lawyer Examines the Christian Faith (InterVarsity Press, paper, 240 pages, expected release June 2014). Retail$16.00; pre-order price $12.80 from InterVarsity Press.
With the release of this book, I predict that Mark Lanier will soon take his place alongside Francis Schaeffer, Josh McDowell, and Lee Strobel whenever people think of popular apologists and defenders of the Christian faith.
Imagine for a moment that someone was able to locate, juggle schedules, arrange transportation, and bring together into one room all the following:
* a high school prodigy whose minister sometimes invited him to preach in the largest congregation of their association;
* a biblical languages major and avid Bible student;
* a national debate champion in university competition;
* a Sunday-school teacher with a class approaching 1,000, whose videotaped lessons are viewed around the world;
* a Christian apologist with encyclopedic interests and a memory to match;
* a theological researcher with access to any material desired;
* a gifted communicator and frequent guest on national television news networks; and
* a legendary trial lawyer ranked by the profession and his peers as one of America's best.
Now stretch your imagination to suppose that all these experiences, gifts, qualities and traits describe not eight different individuals but one particular man.
Imagine with me that this attorney represents Christianity On Trial, with you in the jury box, where you hear every word of the trial--from opening speech to closing argument. Along the way you hear testimony from the experts, including the scientist, theologian, linguist, humanist, philosopher, and psychologist, plus eyewitness testimony from people who experienced what we read about in the Bible.
The one particular man described as eight different people does not have to be imagined. He is W. Mark Lanier, a very real person, who himself imagined just such a trial as pictured above, and wrote the book that puts you in the jury box.
That book is Christianity on Trial: A Lawyer Examines the Christian Faith (InterVarsity Press, paper, 240 pages, expected release June 2014). Retail$16.00; pre-order price $12.80 from InterVarsity Press.
With the release of this book, I predict that Mark Lanier will soon take his place alongside Francis Schaeffer, Josh McDowell, and Lee Strobel whenever people think of popular apologists and defenders of the Christian faith.
September 28, 2014
I'm wavering between three and four stars here. This is an apologetics book: a defense of (or reasoning for) the Christian faith. I find it necessary and helpful to read these books frequently and I'm always intrigued by new modes of argumentation and persuasion. Lanier, a highly successful trial lawyer, intends to put the Christian faith on trial to see if it is true. In other words, his goal is to use methods of the American judicial system to ascertain whether Christianity is true. This is a promising way of thinking about the truth claims of Christianity. The problem is that Lanier doesn't seem to use this tactic in a consistent way. If he had used it that way, each chapter would state something like this: Christianity claims P; let's see if P is true by calling several witnesses to the stand. (He does use "witnesses," including biblical authors, experts in different fields of study, historical figures, various authors, etc.)
So, the idea is good but the execution felt a little half-baked. On the positive side, the book's language is well-written and easy enough to understand, and the author makes several interesting points about evidence and truth along the way. I suppose I would like to see someone take this approach and refine it.
So, the idea is good but the execution felt a little half-baked. On the positive side, the book's language is well-written and easy enough to understand, and the author makes several interesting points about evidence and truth along the way. I suppose I would like to see someone take this approach and refine it.
January 6, 2015
This is a very good apologetics book similar to The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel yet unique also. Lanier details rules the courts follow and explains there is no scientific proof for or against God but there is a great deal of evidence that God and the Christian faith of the Bible are true.
Throughout the book Lanier “interviews” witnesses from history to build his case for faith in God. He begins with several chapters about God. (God, gods or Nothing, Who God is Not and Who God Is). He covers our common awareness of right and wrong, free will and our moral responsibility, God as a communicator and as just and infinite.
The chapter on the Audacity of the Resurrection gives a wealth of evidence followed by a stunning description of Polycarp’s refusal to renounce his faith in Christ and bow his knee to Caesar. His martyrdom follows and Christianity grows. Lanier notes: “More and more people were inspired and further convinced by a faith that people would gladly die for, than by the paganism that would kill those believers.”
This book will help many Christians know how to defend the faith and will impact many unbelievers who will grapple with the powerful evidence. It takes more faith to not believe in Christ than it does to believe.
Throughout the book Lanier “interviews” witnesses from history to build his case for faith in God. He begins with several chapters about God. (God, gods or Nothing, Who God is Not and Who God Is). He covers our common awareness of right and wrong, free will and our moral responsibility, God as a communicator and as just and infinite.
The chapter on the Audacity of the Resurrection gives a wealth of evidence followed by a stunning description of Polycarp’s refusal to renounce his faith in Christ and bow his knee to Caesar. His martyrdom follows and Christianity grows. Lanier notes: “More and more people were inspired and further convinced by a faith that people would gladly die for, than by the paganism that would kill those believers.”
This book will help many Christians know how to defend the faith and will impact many unbelievers who will grapple with the powerful evidence. It takes more faith to not believe in Christ than it does to believe.
April 2, 2016
That was fun and well worth reading. (Christianity from a courtroom perspective is an exciting platform)
But if I was an atheist it would probably have almost zero effect on me. (Thankfully i'm NOT an atheist.) You gotta hit atheists where it hurts: and i'm not sure any atheists are really hurting in this area. Although Mark does tell some wonderful accounts of adult friends asking for his apologetic advice. So God Bless this book! May it speak to the people it's intended for.
I think Mark Lanier is really on to something: but i'm not sure this is a perfect finished product. I think if he spent a year or so talking about it and maybe a New edition, he could then expand on some of these great ideas and really get into the heart and needs of his audience.
But:
The Bible says God must start the work first - so, this book would be a good third; after a close friendship with a Christian friend/church and some deep theology from the Bible.
But if I was an atheist it would probably have almost zero effect on me. (Thankfully i'm NOT an atheist.) You gotta hit atheists where it hurts: and i'm not sure any atheists are really hurting in this area. Although Mark does tell some wonderful accounts of adult friends asking for his apologetic advice. So God Bless this book! May it speak to the people it's intended for.
I think Mark Lanier is really on to something: but i'm not sure this is a perfect finished product. I think if he spent a year or so talking about it and maybe a New edition, he could then expand on some of these great ideas and really get into the heart and needs of his audience.
But:
The Bible says God must start the work first - so, this book would be a good third; after a close friendship with a Christian friend/church and some deep theology from the Bible.
May 13, 2015
I have to admit up front that I met Mark on a work trip to his library once, and think he is an awesome, brilliant guy from my one and only impression of him. That said, this book is pretty good.
Having the book set up as "Christianity on trial" was interesting, even though after the introductory parts of the chapter and laying out of the witnesses, it didn't really feel like a trial. It would have been even more interesting to have the "witnesses" talk and debate, that kind of thing.
Parts of it really stood out and kept my interest, especially the parts about behavioralism and the arguments for a creator God, while others were a little harder for me to keep up with. I would recommend this to Christians who want to learn more apologetics, but not necessarily someone who is not a Christian and is checking Christianity out. You might get a little lost if that's you.
Having the book set up as "Christianity on trial" was interesting, even though after the introductory parts of the chapter and laying out of the witnesses, it didn't really feel like a trial. It would have been even more interesting to have the "witnesses" talk and debate, that kind of thing.
Parts of it really stood out and kept my interest, especially the parts about behavioralism and the arguments for a creator God, while others were a little harder for me to keep up with. I would recommend this to Christians who want to learn more apologetics, but not necessarily someone who is not a Christian and is checking Christianity out. You might get a little lost if that's you.
October 31, 2014
Lanier is clearly a brilliant and passionate lawyer. As an "apologetics primer" of sorts, this succeeds quite well. Lanier's ability to synthesize both modern and historical voices, as well as personalities from widely diverse fields of study, shows a significant depth to the argument. The chapter on Biolinguistics is particularly strong. Overall, the reader is introduced to many fascinating arguments, but (at least in my case) is left wanting a bit more at the end. Perhaps this is exactly what the author intended, and therefore I would recommend this for youth/young adult ministry settings with skeptical students. Someone who is well-versed in apologetics and is already familiar with the discourse, however, should probably turn to deeper works.
December 31, 2016
This book will always have a special place in my heart because it is through reading this book in a public place that I was able to engage in evangelism. I really love Lanier's writings. They are quite academic and give the reader a wide range of knowledge on science, philosophy, morality, and ethics. I love the set up and the debates and feel that Lanier offers a very unique perspective as a lawyer (not as a theologian). That being said, I only found this book helpful because I am already a Christian. I have read many other wonderful apologetics books that I would be more likely to recommend to a seeker. Lanier's writings are great for a general background, but do not make any compelling point as to why someone should believe the Gospel.
June 28, 2015
I began this book thinking it would be a rehash of what's been done before. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Mark Lanier has written a fresh, thoughtful approach to the believablity of Christianity. His use of the courtroom as a backdrop provides a clever way to engage his readers in hearing from many "witnesses" who have some testimony worth examining.
January 9, 2015
Some parts of the argument get a bit too difficult to follow...
September 3, 2015
I was a bit disappointed in the book but none the less it is still a good read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews