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God's Crime Scene: A Cold-Case Detective Examines the Evidence for a Divinely Created Universe
There are four ways to die, and only one of them requires an intruder. Suicides, accidental, and natural deaths can occur without any evidence from outside the room. But murders typically involve suspects external to the crime scene. If there's evidence of an outside intruder, homicide detectives have to prepare for a chase. Intruders turn death scenes into crime scenes.
Join J. Warner Wallace, former atheist, seasoned cold-case detective, and popular national speaker as he tackles his most important case ... with you on the jury!
With the expertise of a cold-case detective, J. Warner examines eight critical pieces of evidence in the "crime scene" of the universe to determine if they point to a Divine Intruder. If you have ever wondered if something (or someone) outside the natural realm created the universe and everything in it, this is the case for you.
Join J. Warner Wallace, former atheist, seasoned cold-case detective, and popular national speaker as he tackles his most important case ... with you on the jury!
With the expertise of a cold-case detective, J. Warner examines eight critical pieces of evidence in the "crime scene" of the universe to determine if they point to a Divine Intruder. If you have ever wondered if something (or someone) outside the natural realm created the universe and everything in it, this is the case for you.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
746 people are currently reading
1977 people want to read
About the author
J. Warner Wallace
34 books689 followersJ. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker and best-selling author. He continues to consult on cold-case investigations while serving as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He is also an adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) and Southern Evangelical Seminary, and a faculty member at Summit Ministries. J. Warner became a Christ-follower at the age of thirty-five after investigating the claims of the New Testament gospels using his skill set as a detective. He eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Gateway Seminary.
J. Warner has appeared on television and radio, explaining the role that evidence plays in the Christian definition of “faith” and defending the historicity of Jesus, the reliability of the Bible and the truth of the Christian worldview. Jim also speaks at churches, retreats and camps as he seeks to help people become confident Christian case makers. J. Warner’s book, Cold-Case Christianity, provides readers with ten principles of cold case investigations and utilizes these principles to examine the reliability of the gospel eyewitness accounts. In God’s Crime Scene, he investigates eight pieces of evidence in the universe to make the case for God’s existence. In Forensic Faith, J. Warner makes the case for a more reasonable, evidential Christian faith.
J. Warner’s professional investigative work has received national recognition; his cases have been featured more than any other detective on NBC’s Dateline, and his work has also appeared on CourtTV and Fox News. He also appears on television as an investigative consultant (most recently on truTV) and had a role in God’s Not Dead 2, making the case for the historicity of Jesus. J. Warner was awarded the Police and Fire Medal of Valor “Sustained Superiority” Award for his continuing work on cold-case homicides, and the CopsWest Award after solving a 1979 murder. Relying on over two decades of investigative experience, J. Warner provides his readers and audiences with the tools they will need to investigate the claims of Christianity and make a convincing case for the truth of the Christian worldview.
J. Warner has appeared on television and radio, explaining the role that evidence plays in the Christian definition of “faith” and defending the historicity of Jesus, the reliability of the Bible and the truth of the Christian worldview. Jim also speaks at churches, retreats and camps as he seeks to help people become confident Christian case makers. J. Warner’s book, Cold-Case Christianity, provides readers with ten principles of cold case investigations and utilizes these principles to examine the reliability of the gospel eyewitness accounts. In God’s Crime Scene, he investigates eight pieces of evidence in the universe to make the case for God’s existence. In Forensic Faith, J. Warner makes the case for a more reasonable, evidential Christian faith.
J. Warner’s professional investigative work has received national recognition; his cases have been featured more than any other detective on NBC’s Dateline, and his work has also appeared on CourtTV and Fox News. He also appears on television as an investigative consultant (most recently on truTV) and had a role in God’s Not Dead 2, making the case for the historicity of Jesus. J. Warner was awarded the Police and Fire Medal of Valor “Sustained Superiority” Award for his continuing work on cold-case homicides, and the CopsWest Award after solving a 1979 murder. Relying on over two decades of investigative experience, J. Warner provides his readers and audiences with the tools they will need to investigate the claims of Christianity and make a convincing case for the truth of the Christian worldview.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 117 reviews
August 4, 2016
Embarrassingly inept. Embarrassing to investigation as a profession.
I am a former Military Police Investigator. MPI fills the same role in the military police world as detectives do in the civilian realm. As such, and as someone interested in this subject, I had to get this book. But wow. Wow is it bad. Amateur hour throughout. Any prosecutor worth his salt would laugh Wallace and his “case” out of the room.
Wallace’s theme is “in the room” vs. “out of the room” explanations. His example is a death scene—a victim with a gunshot wound under the chin. There are some apparent evidences pointing to suicide but others pointing to homicide. Wallace uses this as a framing device to drive the book: in his view, naturalists are the ones saying it’s suicide while supernaturalist theists are the ones saying it’s homicide. The naturalists are using “in the universe/in the room” explanations while the theists are using “outside the universe/ out of the room” explanations.
It’s a contrivance and inapt analogy. All of the evidences that Wallace brings to bear to support his “out of the room” explanations are the same tired old creationist and “intelligent design” canards: “vestigial organs are not really vestigial,” or “OOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhh! Look at the flagellum! It must be designed!” Has no one ever explained to him that an organ can still have function and be vestigial? Ostrich wings are probably the best example. They still function in the sense that they help the ostrich balance and move but they no longer function as wings and as such are vestigial. Has no one ever explained to him that structures like the flagellum can have other functions prior to the current one? Elementary points like this apparently escape Wallace. Either that or he purposely ignores them in order to accomplish his apologetic mission. In any case, he comes across as a severely ignorant amateur.
Then there is the fine-tuning of Earth for life argument and it’s the same misunderstanding that misinforms that entire field of thought. Fine-tunists are like those that look at a tree in the forest and say, “Wow! The chance that this exact tree, of this exact age, with this exact branch pattern, in this exact place is so improbable!” The actual question to ask is: “What are the chances of a fairly unique tree being in a forest?” Pretty good, actually. In a universe with billions of galaxies with billions of stars each the chances of NOT getting a planet that suits life is rather the larger improbability.
When Wallace gets done with his “intelligent design” and “fine-tuning” bunkum, he moves on to the “you can’t have ‘objective’ morals without God” shtick. There is actually a graphic in the book: Mother Teresa = Hitler with the caption “Neither holds a superior position if there is no transcendent standard by which we can measure either of them” (p. 167). Transcendentalists of the moral kind apparently don’t understand that morality is contextualized. Saying that morality has no standard without the “transcendent” is like saying language is meaningless without a Meriam-Webster’s dictionary carved in stone on the moon by which all words are judged. Even without that hypothetical “transcendent” dictionary we can, and do, make meaningful judgments about language. The same goes for morality. Wallace’s argument is silly and only mounted by those looking to prop up their holy book as a source of morality “because it’s transcendent.”
There are other arguments in the book but I won’t mention them. They’re the same old nonsense rehashed just with his inapt investigation theme applied. If you have read much at all on this topic, you’ve seen everything here before. I suppose someone might find value in this book if they are looking for a primer on bad theist arguments as they seem to be mostly all here. Other than that, this book is simply a marketing gimmick: “Gee willikers Johnny! A detective investigated and found God! I can feel that my belief is intellectually supported now!”
I am a former Military Police Investigator. MPI fills the same role in the military police world as detectives do in the civilian realm. As such, and as someone interested in this subject, I had to get this book. But wow. Wow is it bad. Amateur hour throughout. Any prosecutor worth his salt would laugh Wallace and his “case” out of the room.
Wallace’s theme is “in the room” vs. “out of the room” explanations. His example is a death scene—a victim with a gunshot wound under the chin. There are some apparent evidences pointing to suicide but others pointing to homicide. Wallace uses this as a framing device to drive the book: in his view, naturalists are the ones saying it’s suicide while supernaturalist theists are the ones saying it’s homicide. The naturalists are using “in the universe/in the room” explanations while the theists are using “outside the universe/ out of the room” explanations.
It’s a contrivance and inapt analogy. All of the evidences that Wallace brings to bear to support his “out of the room” explanations are the same tired old creationist and “intelligent design” canards: “vestigial organs are not really vestigial,” or “OOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhh! Look at the flagellum! It must be designed!” Has no one ever explained to him that an organ can still have function and be vestigial? Ostrich wings are probably the best example. They still function in the sense that they help the ostrich balance and move but they no longer function as wings and as such are vestigial. Has no one ever explained to him that structures like the flagellum can have other functions prior to the current one? Elementary points like this apparently escape Wallace. Either that or he purposely ignores them in order to accomplish his apologetic mission. In any case, he comes across as a severely ignorant amateur.
Then there is the fine-tuning of Earth for life argument and it’s the same misunderstanding that misinforms that entire field of thought. Fine-tunists are like those that look at a tree in the forest and say, “Wow! The chance that this exact tree, of this exact age, with this exact branch pattern, in this exact place is so improbable!” The actual question to ask is: “What are the chances of a fairly unique tree being in a forest?” Pretty good, actually. In a universe with billions of galaxies with billions of stars each the chances of NOT getting a planet that suits life is rather the larger improbability.
When Wallace gets done with his “intelligent design” and “fine-tuning” bunkum, he moves on to the “you can’t have ‘objective’ morals without God” shtick. There is actually a graphic in the book: Mother Teresa = Hitler with the caption “Neither holds a superior position if there is no transcendent standard by which we can measure either of them” (p. 167). Transcendentalists of the moral kind apparently don’t understand that morality is contextualized. Saying that morality has no standard without the “transcendent” is like saying language is meaningless without a Meriam-Webster’s dictionary carved in stone on the moon by which all words are judged. Even without that hypothetical “transcendent” dictionary we can, and do, make meaningful judgments about language. The same goes for morality. Wallace’s argument is silly and only mounted by those looking to prop up their holy book as a source of morality “because it’s transcendent.”
There are other arguments in the book but I won’t mention them. They’re the same old nonsense rehashed just with his inapt investigation theme applied. If you have read much at all on this topic, you’ve seen everything here before. I suppose someone might find value in this book if they are looking for a primer on bad theist arguments as they seem to be mostly all here. Other than that, this book is simply a marketing gimmick: “Gee willikers Johnny! A detective investigated and found God! I can feel that my belief is intellectually supported now!”
May 4, 2015
This book won't hit the shelves until August 2015, but I read an ARC, and am quite impressed. The perspective is unique, from the point of view of a homicide detective. Looking for all kinds of clues relating to why God is, and why only God could create the universe. If you have ANYone in your family that is agnostic or atheistic, if you have anyone that believes science is above all and end all, then you must get them to read this book.
Wallace presents a wall of evidence that cannot be denied. Step by step, or maybe I should say, brick by brick he builds a solid case for the Intelligent designed, and God-created universe. Everything leads to Christ. You can't go wrong with this book.
Wallace presents a wall of evidence that cannot be denied. Step by step, or maybe I should say, brick by brick he builds a solid case for the Intelligent designed, and God-created universe. Everything leads to Christ. You can't go wrong with this book.
August 11, 2015
Presenting the Evidence
Judge: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we have before us on the witness stand of this court a seasoned, cold-case detective, J. Warner Wallace. He will testify to the veracity of his claims, set forth in God’s Crime Scene, that there is, indeed, a Divine Creator. Since the only charge against you, Mr. Wallace, is faulty and illogical thinking, there are no lawyers present, and I will proceed with the questioning myself. Now, having sworn to tell the truth, surely you must confess that this outdated notion of a Creator is something you grew up with, a childhood myth that you cling to for sentimental reasons.
J. Warner Wallace (JWW): Actually, that couldn’t be more incorrect. As an atheist, I was very comfortable as the captain of my own ship. My life was fulfilling and rewarding. I had been a police officer for nearly ten years and was used to being in charge in difficult situations. I didn’t like intrusions, and there was no room for God in my life. I am not a theist today because I was raised by believers — I wasn’t. I am not a believer because I was hoping for heaven or afraid of hell — I had no sense of value for either. I am not a theist because I was trying to fill a “void” or satisfy a “need” — I felt none. I believe God exists because the evidence leaves me no reasonable alternative.
Judge: Strong words indeed. Your book is set up around the notion that there is evidence for God’s involvement in creation. For those on the jury who need a refresher, give us a quick summary of your main argument.
JWW: I’d be happy to. There are four possible explanations at any death scene. Did the deceased die naturally? Did he suffer some kind of accident? Did he commit suicide? Was he murdered? One simple strategy, therefore, is to ask a foundational question: “Can I account for all the evidence in this room by staying in the room?” Thinking of the universe as a “room,” I didn’t believer there was any evidence pointing to anyone outside. But I hadn’t looked at the evidence carefully. My investigation of the natural universe required me to look at the characteristics of the “room” and determine if they could be explained fully by what already existed within the “four walls.” The book is my attempt to help you look at the nature of the universe — my effort to share a personal investigation of God’s existence.
Judge: OK, that’s enough. I’m not ready to throw hundreds of years of science out the window based on your research and your “room” theory.
JWW: That’s the problem, Judge. Attempts to stay “inside the room” of the universe to explain its beginning are inadequate because they either lack evidential support or must redefine critical aspects of the evidence to make their case. Here’s an example: The foundational laws of physics, the regional properties of our solar system, and the locational conditions of our planet resulted in our existence. But did this have to be the case? The conditions had to be just so for the outcome to be life. The “just-so” appearance of “fine-tuning” in our universe is rather uncontroversial among scientists and cosmologists. Even Paul Davies (who is agnostic when it comes to the notion of a Divine Designer) readily stipulated, “Everyone agrees that he universe looks as if it was designed for life.”
Judge: I call that a lucky break for your side. You know as well as I do that you Christians can’t explain all the evil in the world — all the bad things that happen to innocent people. If God made this world, what do you have to say about tsunamis and earthquakes and senseless killings?
JWW: Whatever explanation we consider, it must account for the existence of moral evil (like the evil cased by humans), natural evil (like the hardship we see resulting from earthquakes and tsunamis), and pain and suffering (like the anguish experienced by disease). I believe that evil can be reconciled if we have an accurate view of the universe from God’s perspective. For example, if we have been fashioned by a Divine Creator who offers us life beyond the limits of our short, material existence, this would surely change the way we look at pain and suffering on this side of the grave, wouldn’t it? If the Divine Creator of the universe respects freedom as much as we do, we should expect a beautiful universe where love and reason are possible, even though hate and irrationality must also be tolerated and allowed. Freedom in all its beauty, does not come without associated dangers. We typically view evil as the antithesis of love. But our definition of love has been deeply compromised. There are times when the deepest, truest expression of love is some form of discipline or correction. Character is developed more through adversity than advantage. Sometimes our suffering is simply the result of bad choices on our part, but even with these explanations in mind, there are times when suffering seems entirely inexplicable. I guess you could say that we’re all still in the evidence gathering phase on this aspect of my case.
Judge: You’ve made some good points, but it’s the jury you have to convince. Do you have any closing remarks?
JWW: For some who read my book, the evidence couldn’t be clearer. For others, the case for a Divine Intruder is still lacking. Who, after all, wants to be intruded upon? If you feel this way, you might want to rethink any resistance you still have to the evidence for such an intruder in our universe. Is your resistance a matter of evidential insufficiency or simply a matter of intruder discomfort?
Notes from the Court Clerk: All of the author’s responses in this drama were taken directly from his book, God’s Crime Scene, with the exception of transitional phrases inserted to facilitate a conversational style. These have been recorded in italics. Each chapter of the book has an additional section of supplementary material for those who are interested in further information along a more academic line of thinking. The author also provides access to a panel of expert witnesses through a bibliography that includes testimonies from “inside the room” as well as “outside the room.” Well-researched and presented in an accessible and logical manner, God’s Crime Scene is an excellent addition to a homeschool curriculum and a stimulating read that lifts a heated and emotional topic above the rant and rhetoric and calls God Himself to take the witness stand.
This book was provided by David C. Cook in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Judge: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we have before us on the witness stand of this court a seasoned, cold-case detective, J. Warner Wallace. He will testify to the veracity of his claims, set forth in God’s Crime Scene, that there is, indeed, a Divine Creator. Since the only charge against you, Mr. Wallace, is faulty and illogical thinking, there are no lawyers present, and I will proceed with the questioning myself. Now, having sworn to tell the truth, surely you must confess that this outdated notion of a Creator is something you grew up with, a childhood myth that you cling to for sentimental reasons.
J. Warner Wallace (JWW): Actually, that couldn’t be more incorrect. As an atheist, I was very comfortable as the captain of my own ship. My life was fulfilling and rewarding. I had been a police officer for nearly ten years and was used to being in charge in difficult situations. I didn’t like intrusions, and there was no room for God in my life. I am not a theist today because I was raised by believers — I wasn’t. I am not a believer because I was hoping for heaven or afraid of hell — I had no sense of value for either. I am not a theist because I was trying to fill a “void” or satisfy a “need” — I felt none. I believe God exists because the evidence leaves me no reasonable alternative.
Judge: Strong words indeed. Your book is set up around the notion that there is evidence for God’s involvement in creation. For those on the jury who need a refresher, give us a quick summary of your main argument.
JWW: I’d be happy to. There are four possible explanations at any death scene. Did the deceased die naturally? Did he suffer some kind of accident? Did he commit suicide? Was he murdered? One simple strategy, therefore, is to ask a foundational question: “Can I account for all the evidence in this room by staying in the room?” Thinking of the universe as a “room,” I didn’t believer there was any evidence pointing to anyone outside. But I hadn’t looked at the evidence carefully. My investigation of the natural universe required me to look at the characteristics of the “room” and determine if they could be explained fully by what already existed within the “four walls.” The book is my attempt to help you look at the nature of the universe — my effort to share a personal investigation of God’s existence.
Judge: OK, that’s enough. I’m not ready to throw hundreds of years of science out the window based on your research and your “room” theory.
JWW: That’s the problem, Judge. Attempts to stay “inside the room” of the universe to explain its beginning are inadequate because they either lack evidential support or must redefine critical aspects of the evidence to make their case. Here’s an example: The foundational laws of physics, the regional properties of our solar system, and the locational conditions of our planet resulted in our existence. But did this have to be the case? The conditions had to be just so for the outcome to be life. The “just-so” appearance of “fine-tuning” in our universe is rather uncontroversial among scientists and cosmologists. Even Paul Davies (who is agnostic when it comes to the notion of a Divine Designer) readily stipulated, “Everyone agrees that he universe looks as if it was designed for life.”
Judge: I call that a lucky break for your side. You know as well as I do that you Christians can’t explain all the evil in the world — all the bad things that happen to innocent people. If God made this world, what do you have to say about tsunamis and earthquakes and senseless killings?
JWW: Whatever explanation we consider, it must account for the existence of moral evil (like the evil cased by humans), natural evil (like the hardship we see resulting from earthquakes and tsunamis), and pain and suffering (like the anguish experienced by disease). I believe that evil can be reconciled if we have an accurate view of the universe from God’s perspective. For example, if we have been fashioned by a Divine Creator who offers us life beyond the limits of our short, material existence, this would surely change the way we look at pain and suffering on this side of the grave, wouldn’t it? If the Divine Creator of the universe respects freedom as much as we do, we should expect a beautiful universe where love and reason are possible, even though hate and irrationality must also be tolerated and allowed. Freedom in all its beauty, does not come without associated dangers. We typically view evil as the antithesis of love. But our definition of love has been deeply compromised. There are times when the deepest, truest expression of love is some form of discipline or correction. Character is developed more through adversity than advantage. Sometimes our suffering is simply the result of bad choices on our part, but even with these explanations in mind, there are times when suffering seems entirely inexplicable. I guess you could say that we’re all still in the evidence gathering phase on this aspect of my case.
Judge: You’ve made some good points, but it’s the jury you have to convince. Do you have any closing remarks?
JWW: For some who read my book, the evidence couldn’t be clearer. For others, the case for a Divine Intruder is still lacking. Who, after all, wants to be intruded upon? If you feel this way, you might want to rethink any resistance you still have to the evidence for such an intruder in our universe. Is your resistance a matter of evidential insufficiency or simply a matter of intruder discomfort?
Notes from the Court Clerk: All of the author’s responses in this drama were taken directly from his book, God’s Crime Scene, with the exception of transitional phrases inserted to facilitate a conversational style. These have been recorded in italics. Each chapter of the book has an additional section of supplementary material for those who are interested in further information along a more academic line of thinking. The author also provides access to a panel of expert witnesses through a bibliography that includes testimonies from “inside the room” as well as “outside the room.” Well-researched and presented in an accessible and logical manner, God’s Crime Scene is an excellent addition to a homeschool curriculum and a stimulating read that lifts a heated and emotional topic above the rant and rhetoric and calls God Himself to take the witness stand.
This book was provided by David C. Cook in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 7, 2015
"God's Crime Scene" is an apologetic book that looks at evidence about the origins of the universe from the point of view of a cold case detective. Does the universe (including the earth, humans, and even their minds) show evidence of outside tampering or can the evidence be explained in purely naturalistic terms?
The author looked at many "lines of evidence" (cosmology, biology, etc.) as he examined the case. I felt he did an excellent job of distilling the arguments down to explanations that non-scientists can understand. He quoted people from all sides of the debate, and he presented a wide range of possible explanations in the process of finding which one best fit the evidence.
He used examples of various cases he's worked on to show how a detective examines evidence to determine if it's from an outside source and who is responsible. He then applied these methods to the evidence found in the universe. This helped to illustrate his points so I could more easily understand his reasoning.
He only examined whether there was a Divine Intruder or not and, if so, what the evidence can tell us about this intruder. He did not attempt to argue who the Divine Intruder might be. He has another book that examines the Christian Bible to see if it's trustworthy evidence, and it's a good companion book with this one. I wouldn't hesitate to give this book to anyone who is uncertain if there is a god or not. It's also a good resource for people who like to debate this sort of thing with atheists and agnostics. This book will especially appeal to those who are interested in detective work.
I received this ebook as a review copy from the publisher through netGalley.
The author looked at many "lines of evidence" (cosmology, biology, etc.) as he examined the case. I felt he did an excellent job of distilling the arguments down to explanations that non-scientists can understand. He quoted people from all sides of the debate, and he presented a wide range of possible explanations in the process of finding which one best fit the evidence.
He used examples of various cases he's worked on to show how a detective examines evidence to determine if it's from an outside source and who is responsible. He then applied these methods to the evidence found in the universe. This helped to illustrate his points so I could more easily understand his reasoning.
He only examined whether there was a Divine Intruder or not and, if so, what the evidence can tell us about this intruder. He did not attempt to argue who the Divine Intruder might be. He has another book that examines the Christian Bible to see if it's trustworthy evidence, and it's a good companion book with this one. I wouldn't hesitate to give this book to anyone who is uncertain if there is a god or not. It's also a good resource for people who like to debate this sort of thing with atheists and agnostics. This book will especially appeal to those who are interested in detective work.
I received this ebook as a review copy from the publisher through netGalley.
July 29, 2022
4.5 stars
A great introduction to Creationism with some of the most common reasons to consider Evolution to be a gravely insufficient answer to the life we see around us, all the way down to the basic level of cellular structure. It also includes a great glossary and quotes from scientists to be able to continue studying the subject.
A great introduction to Creationism with some of the most common reasons to consider Evolution to be a gravely insufficient answer to the life we see around us, all the way down to the basic level of cellular structure. It also includes a great glossary and quotes from scientists to be able to continue studying the subject.
August 30, 2015
J. Warner Wallace offers a compelling approach for the existence of God. Wallace, a former Los Angeles cold-case detective who has never lost a case, uses his evidentiary expertise to provide a cumulative case for the existence of a personal, eternal, divine being being the cause of the universe as he demonstrates the best evidence is found "outside the room," that is, beyond the scope of the universe. Wallace tackles the cosmological, biological, teleological, consciousness, free will, and moral arguments for God, and also the inculparory evidence for God despite the problem of evil. This is a must-have book!
February 3, 2016
Excellent book! Check out the full chapter by chapter summary review Faithful Thinkers: http://lukenixblog.blogspot.com/2015/...
November 24, 2015
My first non-coerced theological novel, GOD'S CRIME SCENE is a blessing for all those who are seeking God—even if they do not realize they are searching for Him.
Man, Wallace is intelligent. Not only is he humanly intelligent, but is smart enough to agree that God holds he answers, not humanity.
I encourage all people to read this book, as it makes the case for God's existence not just in a Christian sphere, but in all theistic belief systems.
Man, Wallace is intelligent. Not only is he humanly intelligent, but is smart enough to agree that God holds he answers, not humanity.
I encourage all people to read this book, as it makes the case for God's existence not just in a Christian sphere, but in all theistic belief systems.
September 10, 2015
One of the best
I have ever read at clarifying the discussion. By the end of it I realised just how disjointed and ridiculous the arguments for inside the room really are.
I have ever read at clarifying the discussion. By the end of it I realised just how disjointed and ridiculous the arguments for inside the room really are.
March 17, 2024
I waffled between 3 and 4 stars on this book, not because there was anything wrong with it but because I’m not certain it serves the intended purpose. Homicide detective and former atheist uses the methods for searching for suspects to question the existence of God. Lots of great points, logical almost to a fault, but ultimately we can’t convince someone of the existence of God or His involvement in our lives by conventional methods. There will always be an element of faith, and that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. Good book, but more as support for people who are already believers.
May 12, 2024
“All science, even the divine science, is a sublime detective story. Only it is not set to detect why a man is dead; but the darker secret of why he is alive.”
“I believe God exists because the evidence leaves me no reasonable alternative.”
“Scientists and physicists have been searching for a “Theory of Everything” for decades. They’d like to unify theories of quantum mechanics (explaining physical interactions at the quantum level) and the theory of general relativity (explaining physical interactions at the macro level). They’re looking for a single theory, a single explanation. It turns out there is a unified explanation for everything we see (and don’t see) in our universe. It’s not an impersonal set of physical properties or laws, however. It’s a personal, all-powerful Divine Being.”
Former homicide and cold case detective J. Warner Wallace does an excellent job presenting the case towards God, the divine creator. Like Lee Strobel’s Case For… books, Wallace presents various theories and brings forth evidence to debunk or support. What makes this book unusual and stand out, however, is that he does it in a format of investigating a case with his detective skills. I really liked reading about his former cases (would love to read a book just about his cases and life as a detective!). There was a lot (and I mean A LOT!!!) of science in this book. Some of it was way over my head, admittedly, but a good portion of it was great and informative; and the best part about it was that the complexity of this world, the universe, and everything in it including humans, points towards a divine creator and points away from many of the scientific theories. After reading this book, it definitely strengthens my belief that God is the creator and that God is in control!
“I believe God exists because the evidence leaves me no reasonable alternative.”
“Scientists and physicists have been searching for a “Theory of Everything” for decades. They’d like to unify theories of quantum mechanics (explaining physical interactions at the quantum level) and the theory of general relativity (explaining physical interactions at the macro level). They’re looking for a single theory, a single explanation. It turns out there is a unified explanation for everything we see (and don’t see) in our universe. It’s not an impersonal set of physical properties or laws, however. It’s a personal, all-powerful Divine Being.”
Former homicide and cold case detective J. Warner Wallace does an excellent job presenting the case towards God, the divine creator. Like Lee Strobel’s Case For… books, Wallace presents various theories and brings forth evidence to debunk or support. What makes this book unusual and stand out, however, is that he does it in a format of investigating a case with his detective skills. I really liked reading about his former cases (would love to read a book just about his cases and life as a detective!). There was a lot (and I mean A LOT!!!) of science in this book. Some of it was way over my head, admittedly, but a good portion of it was great and informative; and the best part about it was that the complexity of this world, the universe, and everything in it including humans, points towards a divine creator and points away from many of the scientific theories. After reading this book, it definitely strengthens my belief that God is the creator and that God is in control!
December 23, 2015
Oh man. Where to start with this monstrosity? Should I start with the irritating and altogether unnecessary 'crime stories' that are injected into each chapter? No? Okay. So. Intelligent design is flawed (it is not scientific in that it arrives at a pre-determined result), the logic in this book is flawed or plain false (no mention of fMRI scans? Or that flagellum could have evolved? Or that there are other theories for explaining the universe? Or that maybe accepting God is intellectually lazy and ignores the prospect of future scientific discovery by forcing the idea of a Being simply because there aren't immediate solutions?). Meh, I dunno. To be honest, theology and Christian apologetics don't interest me at all. Kudos to a decent attempt though -- the book is well-researched on one side and the author seems to be a really smart guy -- so that at least warrants an extra star above a 'one'. I just don't give a damn.
August 2, 2015
Wallace uses his experience as a homicide investigator to explain the kind of evidence and how conclusions are drawn from it. He tells some of his police investigation stories and uses them as spring boards to writing about evidence for an outside agent in the origin of the universe. This is a very clear and well presented book. He has an extensive section near the end for those who want to go deeper into the issues he covers. I recommend this book to anyone interested in origins.
You can read my complete review here http://bit.ly/1DjqSSp.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
You can read my complete review here http://bit.ly/1DjqSSp.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
May 21, 2022
This is a fun and most informative apologetics book that builds on the author's strengths as a cold-case detective. I loved hearing Jim's story and and about his experiences as a detective. I also learned more about different arguments for and against God, about the nature of consciousness, different strands of dualism, trends in neuroscience, quantum theory, relativity, etc.
All told with wonderfully cogent prose and emotional intelligence. I was engaged throughout and impressed with the clarity of his thoughts and arguments.
All told with wonderfully cogent prose and emotional intelligence. I was engaged throughout and impressed with the clarity of his thoughts and arguments.
September 6, 2015
Four and a half stars. A very well done book. While I lean (currently) toward a presuppositionalist view of apologetics I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Especially love the drawings by the author. These drawings are worth the price of the book themselves. Highly recommend now I will have to go read his first book.
December 26, 2015
Would give 5 stars for such an in depth investigation, but just giving 3 stars for the fact that some stuff made my head spin due to sooo much detail. Very impressive read other than that. Can't say I completely understood 100% of it though. Haha
April 28, 2016
Very well written. I liked the fact he wrote it as a detective. Mr. Wallace laid out all the evidence for and against a divinely created universe.
I already knew and believed God created our universe but it was great to read all the evidence.
I already knew and believed God created our universe but it was great to read all the evidence.
October 18, 2015
Excellent book. More detailed review to follow.
April 9, 2022
J. Warner Wallace brings the case of the universe's existence and, step-by-step, offers his arguments that point to a 'suspect' that is:
1. External to the Universe.
2. Nonspatial, Atemporal, and Nonmaterial.
3. Uncaused.
4. Powerful enough to create everything that we see in the universe.
5. Specifically purposeful enough to produce a Universe fine-tuned for life.
6. Intelligent and Communicative.
7. Creative and Resourceful.
8. A conscious Mind.
9. Free to choose (and create) personally.
10. The personal source of Moral Truth and obligation.
11. The standard for Good by which we define Evil.1.
The pieces of evidence that Mr. Wallace gives in the Eight main chapters are clear and concise enough that anyone can understand them. On top of that, he provides a 'Closing Argument' section that provides more in-depth information that, in its very nature, requires a bit of advanced knowledge. While the main eight chapters are for anyone, I would say that the 'Closing Arguments' section is for people wanting a more in-depth perception.
I found this book extremely helpful in providing ample evidence for God's existence. While none of the individual points can prove God's existence, the grand total of the circumstantial evidence goes a long way. Each successive point narrows down the suspect list until only one possible 'suspect' is available.
The 'Closing Arguments' section showcases the brilliant mind of J. Warner Wallace in that he is capable of deep philosophical insight. He uses his expertise as a Cold-Case detective to outline points for God's existence so that anyone can understand, and this helps to make him a great Christian Apologist.
1. From page 193.
1. External to the Universe.
2. Nonspatial, Atemporal, and Nonmaterial.
3. Uncaused.
4. Powerful enough to create everything that we see in the universe.
5. Specifically purposeful enough to produce a Universe fine-tuned for life.
6. Intelligent and Communicative.
7. Creative and Resourceful.
8. A conscious Mind.
9. Free to choose (and create) personally.
10. The personal source of Moral Truth and obligation.
11. The standard for Good by which we define Evil.1.
The pieces of evidence that Mr. Wallace gives in the Eight main chapters are clear and concise enough that anyone can understand them. On top of that, he provides a 'Closing Argument' section that provides more in-depth information that, in its very nature, requires a bit of advanced knowledge. While the main eight chapters are for anyone, I would say that the 'Closing Arguments' section is for people wanting a more in-depth perception.
I found this book extremely helpful in providing ample evidence for God's existence. While none of the individual points can prove God's existence, the grand total of the circumstantial evidence goes a long way. Each successive point narrows down the suspect list until only one possible 'suspect' is available.
The 'Closing Arguments' section showcases the brilliant mind of J. Warner Wallace in that he is capable of deep philosophical insight. He uses his expertise as a Cold-Case detective to outline points for God's existence so that anyone can understand, and this helps to make him a great Christian Apologist.
1. From page 193.
September 9, 2024
J. Wallace takes you through an investigative study about evidence on creation and uses an “inside the room” or “outside the room” approach in his examination of the material universe to see if the arguments against God can be substantiated with the evidence “inside the room” or “outside the room”. In this study, Jim provides stories about work he has done as a cold case homicide detective to set the scene of the investigation. He draws from the comparisons of various crime scenes using an “inside or outside of the room” approach to conclude if the evidence is in favour of an “outside the room” suspect or an “inside of the room” suspect. Jim concludes that based on the evidence inside the room, the only suspect could be someone from outside of the room of the material universe.
These apologetic books are information heavy and are something I can only read in bite size chunks.
Over all it was a good refresher on apologetics.
These apologetic books are information heavy and are something I can only read in bite size chunks.
Over all it was a good refresher on apologetics.
October 10, 2019
I don't think you will get a more to the point simple to read explanation of the arguments that people attempt to use to excuse themselves for not believing in the evidence that points to the existence of a Creator God. I have not been reading these as a skeptic, but as one who wants to know better how to think about the evidence and how to present it to those who have never thought deeply about the facts. He was an atheist till his 30's so it's good to hear the things that he thinks makes the best points. He's not lazy in his daily life and explores the current events and science daily and posts online his views in light of the evidence and goes to universities answering the most difficult questions publically. All his books are worth a read as is his website https://coldcasechristianity.com/
January 27, 2022
Exelente libro!
Muchas cosas que procesar, es un libro que no se puede leer muy rápido, ya que es mucha información; además es un libro que debe leerse más de una vez para poder captar todo lo que el autor intenta decir.
100% RECOMENDADO
Muchas cosas que procesar, es un libro que no se puede leer muy rápido, ya que es mucha información; además es un libro que debe leerse más de una vez para poder captar todo lo que el autor intenta decir.
100% RECOMENDADO
November 11, 2023
4.5 stars
March 3, 2018
Who better to look at evidence than former atheist, and famed cold case detective, J. Warner Wallace. He points out that the interpretation of evidence can be inaccurate because it begins with an incorrect foundational idea. Life appears to be fine-tuned for life. The most reasonable cause is that God did it.
"If the fine-tuning we observe in the universe is not the result of chance, necessity, observational phenomena, or multiverse theories, what is left to consider?" Wallace, J. Warner. God's Crime Scene: A Cold-Case Detective Examines the Evidence for a Divinely Created Universe (p. 65). David C. Cook. Kindle Edition.
Wallace points out that the secret of life lies, not in its chemical basis, but in the logical and informational rules it exploits. The odds for the complex relationships between specific proteins and other important elements in cells are about 10 to the 40,000th power to 1.
The investigator looks at the foundational, regional, and local conditions of the universe. He also examines the origin of life, biology, consciousness, free will, law and order, and the existence of evil.
"When multiple divergent lines of evidence all point to the same conclusion, you can trust you’re making a proper inference." Wallace, J. Warner. God's Crime Scene: A Cold-Case Detective Examines the Evidence for a Divinely Created Universe (p. 37). David C. Cook. Kindle Edition.
September 12, 2016
I wanted to give this book 5 stars. I only gave it four because the reading was a little dry at times. That is such a conundrum. I know inevitably antagonists still give it 1 star simply due to it's subject matter. And I would hate for a valuable book such as this to be discounted due to a rating that will be effected by such imbalance. Nevertheless I have to save 5 star ratings for books that rock me. While this book didn't do that, (partially because I am already familiar with the internal content and arguments) it was very very good. This book is a great book for those sitting on the fence and might even be received well by strong agnostics and perhaps some open minded atheists, if there are such. It will take you step-by-step in building the cumulative case for God, but it also highlights objections and their weaknesses in explanatory power. It also does a great job in breaking down what evidence is, how we use it in every day induction and how it's used to solve real cases. It's actually pretty balanced in that it does bring up every reasonable objection to the evidences for God and deals with them as it would any evidence brought up in a court case. What we find at the end of this book is that the case for a creator is a very strong one and indeed beyond reasonable doubt.
November 13, 2017
Fantastic book that every apologist must read
I really enjoyed this book, finishing off his trio of books was a great journey where I was taught the evidence for God in such straight forward and easy manner. It felt more like a conversation, with it's easy flow. It was fascinating, and educational. I like the illustrations to assist me in learning. This one is deep, in that it goes into quite detail about just what there is to inferr given the evidence about God. My life, as an $1 apologist is much better from reading this material. His two others were just as helpful and rewarding to read. When I doubt, I go back to the evidence, and am strengthened. This book helps me do that. From fine tuning to design, from Morality to the problem of evil, it is a very insight book whose writer I now have his whole collection. I am thankful to have read this.
I really enjoyed this book, finishing off his trio of books was a great journey where I was taught the evidence for God in such straight forward and easy manner. It felt more like a conversation, with it's easy flow. It was fascinating, and educational. I like the illustrations to assist me in learning. This one is deep, in that it goes into quite detail about just what there is to inferr given the evidence about God. My life, as an $1 apologist is much better from reading this material. His two others were just as helpful and rewarding to read. When I doubt, I go back to the evidence, and am strengthened. This book helps me do that. From fine tuning to design, from Morality to the problem of evil, it is a very insight book whose writer I now have his whole collection. I am thankful to have read this.
March 25, 2018
With an incredible lack of imagination, Wallace incorporates a litany of unnecessary restrictions into both the definition of life, and the potential origins of life. His only arguments seem to be, "we can't explain how this thing happened, therefore God must've dunnit," and "this unlikely thing happened and only God can make unlikely things happen."
September 2, 2020
Powerful scientific evidence and logical arguments for the universe being created by a supernatural being (God). The book's title is based on the analogy of a detective solving a case; it doesn't accuse God of any crimes. It stops at the concept of a monotheistic God, and leaves you to further investigate Who God is. I skipped the lengthy crime stories; they weren't helpful to me, but may be to others.
The book explains that the cause of universe is:
• External to universe
• Non-spatial, atemporal, non-material
• Uncaused
• Powerful enough to create everything we see in universe
• Specifically purposeful enough to create a universe fine-tuned for life
• Intelligent and communicative
• Creative and resourceful
• A conscious mind
• Free to choose and create personally
• The personal source of moral truth and obligation
• The standard for good, by which we define evil
Notes
In the Beginning: Was the Universe an Inside Job?
All space, time, and matter began with origin of universe, so whatever preceded this universe can't be spatial, temporal, material.
Because universe (space, time, and matter) had a beginning, it's reasonable that existence of universe is due to non-spatial, atemporal, non-material cause outside universe. Universe couldn't have caused itself.
The Origin of Life: Does the Text Require an Author?
If life originated within universe (with no cause outside universe), then proteins, nucleotides, DNA, and cell membranes would all have needed to be available within immediate timeline when life first appeared, simultaneously. If any weren't, life couldn't begin.
Life couldn't have started in atmosphere. Gases used in Miller–Urey experiment didn't accurately represent in quantity or proportion of early Earth atmosphere. Scientists now believe early atmosphere couldn't produce amino acids at any significant or necessary level.
Life couldn't have started in water. We have no physical evidence that "primordial soup" existed, and it's extremely unlikely that proteins and polymer chains (DNA) would simultaneously appear in water. Also, water wouldn't have had significant sources of phosphate for forming DNA, RNA, ATP.
Life couldn't have started on land, because environment is never stable enough to allow formation of cellular components.
Life couldn't have started underground, because underground environments in early earth would've been hostile to proteins, RNA, etc. Also, primitive forms of life couldn't transition to life above ground.
Life couldn't have started in space. Even if amino acids were delivered to earth on meteorite, that wouldn't explain how they formed into more complex proteins and nucleic acids. If complex organic elements came from space, how did they originate there?
Every naturalistic theory for origin of life fails to explain information in DNA. If you rule out life's source as outside universe, you must explain how genetic info came from nothing more than matter, chance, and laws of chemistry and physics.
Signs of Design: Is There Evidence of an Artist?
Explanations for alleged imperfections in biological systems
• We don't yet understand the purpose (e.g., "junk" DNA).
• We're not observing the original design; biological systems change over time.
• We don't know enough to define "perfection." Design requires compromise.
Our Experience of Consciousness: Are We More Than Matter?
Brain isn't same as mind. Brain can be publicly assessed; mind can only be privately accessed. Brain is; mind is about. Brain is disputable; mind is indisputable. Brain is impersonal/objective; mind is personal/subjective. Brain is measurable; mind is measureless. Brain is described with physics; mind is indescribable with physics.
If our thoughts are only physical, material states, we wouldn't have freedom to think rationally. Physical brains are subject to laws of physics; mental states are subject to laws of logic. It's logically contradictory to say mental states are subject to laws of physics, because you're not free to think logically about your thoughts if laws of physics and chemistry control your thoughts.
If we're non-material minds, it's reasonable to infer we may be result of a non-material mind, particularly if we bear similarity to this creative force.
The Evidence of Evil: Can God and Evil Coexist?
For there to be evil, there must be a standard of goodness outside the universe. So existence of evil is evidence for God.
The book explains that the cause of universe is:
• External to universe
• Non-spatial, atemporal, non-material
• Uncaused
• Powerful enough to create everything we see in universe
• Specifically purposeful enough to create a universe fine-tuned for life
• Intelligent and communicative
• Creative and resourceful
• A conscious mind
• Free to choose and create personally
• The personal source of moral truth and obligation
• The standard for good, by which we define evil
Notes
In the Beginning: Was the Universe an Inside Job?
All space, time, and matter began with origin of universe, so whatever preceded this universe can't be spatial, temporal, material.
Because universe (space, time, and matter) had a beginning, it's reasonable that existence of universe is due to non-spatial, atemporal, non-material cause outside universe. Universe couldn't have caused itself.
The Origin of Life: Does the Text Require an Author?
If life originated within universe (with no cause outside universe), then proteins, nucleotides, DNA, and cell membranes would all have needed to be available within immediate timeline when life first appeared, simultaneously. If any weren't, life couldn't begin.
Life couldn't have started in atmosphere. Gases used in Miller–Urey experiment didn't accurately represent in quantity or proportion of early Earth atmosphere. Scientists now believe early atmosphere couldn't produce amino acids at any significant or necessary level.
Life couldn't have started in water. We have no physical evidence that "primordial soup" existed, and it's extremely unlikely that proteins and polymer chains (DNA) would simultaneously appear in water. Also, water wouldn't have had significant sources of phosphate for forming DNA, RNA, ATP.
Life couldn't have started on land, because environment is never stable enough to allow formation of cellular components.
Life couldn't have started underground, because underground environments in early earth would've been hostile to proteins, RNA, etc. Also, primitive forms of life couldn't transition to life above ground.
Life couldn't have started in space. Even if amino acids were delivered to earth on meteorite, that wouldn't explain how they formed into more complex proteins and nucleic acids. If complex organic elements came from space, how did they originate there?
Every naturalistic theory for origin of life fails to explain information in DNA. If you rule out life's source as outside universe, you must explain how genetic info came from nothing more than matter, chance, and laws of chemistry and physics.
Signs of Design: Is There Evidence of an Artist?
Explanations for alleged imperfections in biological systems
• We don't yet understand the purpose (e.g., "junk" DNA).
• We're not observing the original design; biological systems change over time.
• We don't know enough to define "perfection." Design requires compromise.
Our Experience of Consciousness: Are We More Than Matter?
Brain isn't same as mind. Brain can be publicly assessed; mind can only be privately accessed. Brain is; mind is about. Brain is disputable; mind is indisputable. Brain is impersonal/objective; mind is personal/subjective. Brain is measurable; mind is measureless. Brain is described with physics; mind is indescribable with physics.
If our thoughts are only physical, material states, we wouldn't have freedom to think rationally. Physical brains are subject to laws of physics; mental states are subject to laws of logic. It's logically contradictory to say mental states are subject to laws of physics, because you're not free to think logically about your thoughts if laws of physics and chemistry control your thoughts.
If we're non-material minds, it's reasonable to infer we may be result of a non-material mind, particularly if we bear similarity to this creative force.
The Evidence of Evil: Can God and Evil Coexist?
For there to be evil, there must be a standard of goodness outside the universe. So existence of evil is evidence for God.
February 4, 2019
God’s Crime Scene provides a solid, logical argument for the case of a Divine Creator. It is not overly biased towards Christian sources but uses a variety of different perspectives to come to a logical, well-researched conclusion. The only reason I’m not giving this five stars is because I think it might be a challenging read for the average reader, as it was in part for me. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad book at all, but just that for me as a reviewer, I can’t give it five stars unless I feel entirely and completely drawn to it as a reader. I did but I also felt that in order to have a deeper understanding of this book, you would need to either have good scientific knowledge or be willing to investigate further, as Wallace suggests we do. As a Christian before reading this book, I didn’t necessarily become more convinced that God as exists as I believe that regardless of the scientific evidence. However, I gained a better understanding of some of the theories and beliefs of atheists; their theories seem to be based upon loose ideas, more explaining the why than the how. Now that I have a better understanding of atheism theories, I can better understand what answers people are seeking and what Christianity ultimately has a more logical answer for outside of the room, than Atheists, who believe by staying inside the room that this world is all we have. But looking beyond the world is where the unanswered questions ultimately lie.
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