Christianity On Trial:
A Lawyer Examines the Christian Faith

by W. Mark Lanier, IVP Books © 2014,
230 pages, $13.16 (paperback), ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-3667-3

W. Mark Lanier is a trial lawyer with a very high standing in the secular world as one of the top lawyers in America. Ken Starr, the president of Baylor University, calls this book a trial lawyer's version of Mere Christianity (the classic by C. S. Lewis). That is a good description. Each of the 12 chapters has a “Witness List” and examines the witnesses in a legal style. The witnesses include historical figures, atheists, and the authors of various books in the Bible. The legal part of the book is explained by Lanier in simple terms as he goes along, so the book is very understandable and easy to follow.

Lanier has an excellent understanding at a theological level of what and who God is. Three chapters are involved with what and who God is NOT and what and who God IS. The logical approach to the moral issues and free-will is handled very well. The question of how God communicates with humankind is handled in an excellent manner.

In typical legal style, Lanier has an opening statement and a closing argument. We recommend this book highly. It will be especially useful in dealing with people who have an interest in the humanities and in matters related to debate techniques and ethics.