Christianity on Trial

W. Mark Lanier has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News and World Report. He has also assembled a remarkable library of religious and theological books.  Now he has written his own book: Christianity on Trial: A Lawyer Examines the Christian Faith. Simon Vibert, Vice Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, said, “Christianity on Trial is a great read for any wishing to examine the compelling evidence about Jesus Christ and reach a verdict about his cliam on people’s lives.” In a court, evidence is presented and the goal is to to discover the truth.  Lanier says, “Let’s use the basic approach of  a court, along with the practical judgments from decades of work.  Let’s put these tools to work on questioning core Christian beliefs. Then you can be the jury and cast your vote. You can decide what is reasonable and what is not (18).”  The book deals with the questions of who God is not and who God is, questions of truth, morality, and free will, and questions of death, eternity, and resurrection. In some chapters various historical persons are presented as witnesses.  “Lanier’s closing statement includes, ” God’s existence makes sence in the world we live in. It explains why we sense right and wrong. It explains why we value human life. It explains why we are disturbed by injustice (221).”