Cross Examined: Putting Christianity on Trial

by John W. Campbell

Christianity is more than just a religion. It is a social organism that affects the lives of every person on earth in significant ways, even if they are not Christians themselves. In the United States its influence is pervasive with often profound influence on public policies, but it is largely unchallenged as a belief system, relegated to that quarantined area outside the zone of polite conversation. Despite much academic ink being allotted to the weaknesses of Christianity as a valid belief system, the general public remains unaware of these flaws. In Cross Examined, John Campbell applies his almost thirty years of experience as a trial lawyer to dissecting Christianity and the case of apologists for the Christian God. He addresses the best arguments for Christianity, those against it, and the reasons people should care about these questions. His purpose is to fill a void in books on atheism and Christianity by systematically taking Christian claims to task and making a full-throated argument for atheism from the perspective of a trial lawyer making a case.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy

624 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2021

Reviews

[Jc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable book. In order to completely put “[c]hristianity on trial,” Mr. Campbell essentially presents us with a 400-level two-semester course in legal, scientific, philosophical and logical, literary, historical, and critical exegesis. The basic arguments for and against christianity are discussed in detail, siting many important apologists and critics. Additional chapters explore what might be the “harm of christianity,” as well as the problems with so-called liberal christianity. If that isn’t enough, a detailed appendix is included that presents the major philosophical “logical fallacies” which are often employed in defending christian belief. If you have any desire at all to seriously examine your beliefs, or lack of such, this is a must read – but be prepared to take notes.

NOTE: The author does state that most of his arguments could be applied to any other theism, or even any other religion, but that he was focusing on christianity due to its prevalence and the fact that 600 pages is probably enough of a challenge.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Examined is now one of my top 5 books written by an atheist.
It's excellent and I would have given it a Galaxy of Stars as a rating if Goodreads allowed more.
Campbell's well written book immediately has gone on my To Be Read Again pile.
This would be an excellent gift to present to the atheist you know, on any day, but... in particular on December 25th, Rod Serling's birthday.
(I'll write a proper review when I have more time.)

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Cross Examined, John W. Campbell thoroughly inspects the claims of Christianity in order to assess their veracity. Campbell, a lawyer for nearly three decades, approaches the subject systematically. The opening sections ground the reader in legal, scientific, and historical standards of evidence. Without condescension, Campbell walks the reader through these standards in clear prose.
With the foundation of evidential standards built, Campbell examines seemingly every major tenet of the Christian faith. He looks at each claim, weighs the evidence of the claim, and provides counter arguments and rational explanations. The book cites popular religious skeptics and apologists alike, giving the reader a full picture of the arguments for and against Christianity.
Atheist heavyweights Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens also wrote books sharply criticizing religion and belief in a divine creator. Those books, though, left a lot to be desired. Campbell’s work, while referencing those authors at times, is superior in almost every way. Cross Examined is wonderfully organized, intelligent, and entertaining. Though it is nearly 550 pages, (not counting the notes section) it is compelling throughout.
This is an incredible book on an endlessly interesting subject.

[Kimbell Fenske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campbell hits Christianity from all angles. Very comprehensive. Very good. You want religion (Christianity) in your life then that is your choice. It's all faith. That is all you have unfortunately. If religion wasn't so corrosive to understanding and progress I would not be so against it. Keep it to yourself!

[Kyle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on religious skepticism that I've ever read.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Examined is now one of my top 5 books written by an atheist.
It's excellent and I would have given it a Galaxy of Stars as a rating if Goodreads allowed more.
Campbell's well written book immediately has gone on my To Be Read Again pile.
This would be an excellent gift to present to the atheist you know, on any day, but... in particular on December 25th, Rod Serling's birthday.
YOU really should read his book as it is one of the most complete and thorough deconstructions of delusion on this side of the Abrahamic Toxic Divide.
(I'll write a proper review when I have more time.)

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tremendous book, fully-explicated and well-written, arguing that Christianity is illogical.

I disagreed with three things:
1) page 61: Christianity does inspire great music and art.

2) page 520 note: a comedian also takes the role of jester, child, etc.

3) about page 175: we do, actually, torture infants in Newborn Intensive Care Units, even if not wanting to do so