Syllabus Entry 05

Cross Examined: Putting Christianity on Trial

Approaching Christianity through the lens of courtroom analysis rather than theological debate, Cross Examined: Christianity on Trial applies the principles of evidence, burden of proof, witness credibility, and logical consistency to the central claims of the Christian faith. Drawing on the author's experience as a trial lawyer, the book examines the reliability of the Gospels, the resurrection, prophecy, miracles, and other foundational doctrines with the same critical standards used to evaluate evidence in legal proceedings. Rather than appealing to emotion or tradition, it challenges readers to ask whether Christianity's extraordinary claims would withstand rigorous cross-examination in an impartial courtroom. At over 600 pages, it represents the most comprehensive analysis in print of the arguments for and against Christianity and belongs on every atheist’s bookshelf as a definitive reference. For its distinctive legal framework, accessible style, and systematic evaluation of Christianity's core claims, Cross Examined: Christianity on Trial earns its place as the number five atheist book.