For the defence

CHRISTIANITY ON TRIAL
A top lawyer examines the evidence
By Mark Lanier
IVP. 230 pages. Paperback. £9.99
ISBN 978 1 783 591 466

With a razor-sharp mind, Mark Lanier is included on World Report’s list of the best lawyers in America.

Lanier takes the reader into an imaginary courtroom as he examines the claim that Christianity provides a plausible account of the universe. The book has an opening statement and a closing argument. Central chapters cover topics such as the existence and character of God, revelation, reality, morality, free will, justice, the resurrection, and life after death. At each stage of the argument Lanier summons various witnesses to testify, including Jesus, Paul, Augustine, Anselm, Einstein, Skinner, Chomsky, Chesterton and Lewis. Lanier’s breadth and depth of knowledge of his subject is impressive. He presents his arguments in a way that is clear and accessible and frequently addresses methodological issues, such as burden of proof and reasonable doubt. This book is primarily aimed at the educated inquirer, though it would be equally useful to the apologist or preacher since it is full of great illustrations.