The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ [Hardcover]

Randy D. Singer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 2006

Sit in the Courtroom as the Savior Testifies.

Witness the disturbing display of events as Jesus stands against His detractors and the unbridled might of the Roman Empire. In this unsparing up-close account, you will experience the greatest injustice in history — the trial and punishment of Jesus of Nazareth — and gain a fresh appreciation for the enormity of the stakes.

His innocence convicted Him.

But you will also travel with Jesus in the years leading up to His final trial as He reveals eternity’s greatest truths in response to hostile questions from the religious leaders of His day.

·Can you prove that you’re the Messiah?
·How can you defend a woman caught in adultery?
·What does it take to reach heaven?
·How can we know God?
·What is truth?

Whether you embrace the claims of Christ or your verdict is still out, you’ll gain provocative insight into the driving passion behind the carpenter from Nazareth. As you take a juror’s seat in this monumental case, you’ll realize that as Jesus answers His accusers, He’s not just talking to them, He’s talking to you.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A skilled novelist (The Judge Who Stole Christmas) and former trial lawyer, Singer offers a lawyer's apologetic in a fiction/nonfiction blend that doesn't quite work. It's an interesting idea, however. The first and last chapters are a fictionalized account of the trial of Jesus, which Singer calls "the greatest miscarriage of justice ever," told from the rather unusual point of view of Pilate's primary legal adviser. The middle eight nonfiction chapters explore interactions between Jesus and his critics as found in the Gospels. Singer narrates scripture in his own words, then adds commentary, observations and personal anecdotes. The nonfiction apologetic portion should pass muster with evangelicals (including a moving anecdote about a public defender and another about the death of a college friend), and there's an intriguing section on politics. But the integration of fiction is largely unsuccessful, Singer's "note to self" asides quickly get old and a strident tone creeps into some exhortations ("Have you counted the cost? Are you truly repentant?"). This book should appeal to readers who found Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ and Josh McDowell's Evidence That Demands a Verdict compelling. As an added attraction, this book contains the clues to help readers solve Singer's simultaneous-release fictional legal thriller, The Cross Examination of Oliver Finny. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Randy Singer is the critically acclaimed author of two nonfiction books and five legal thrillers, including The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney, a novel in which this book plays a key role. A veteran trial lawyer, he teaches at Regent Law School and serves as Chief Counsel for the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is also legal advisor for the American Center for Law and Justice, a public interest law firm specializing in religious liberties. He and his wife, Rhonda, and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; First Edition edition (March 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400071674
• ISBN-13: 978-1400071678
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,026 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Randy Singer is a critically acclaimed author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned nine legal thrillers, including his award-winning debut novel "Directed Verdict." In addition to his law practice and writing, Randy serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He calls it his "Jekyll and Hyde thing"--part lawyer, part pastor. He also teaches classes in advocacy and ethics at Regent Law School and serves on the school's Board of Visitors. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach. They have two grown children. Visit his Web site at www.randysinger.net.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtroom Gimmick? Or Genuine Evidence?, May 9, 2006

By 

Eric Wilson "novelist" (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ (Hardcover)

Randy Singer has seen the inside of many a courtroom as a trial lawyer. In fact, over the last few years, he's translated that experience into some of the best legal thrillers around. This time, he pulls out all the stops and delivers a novel and a nonfiction work that go hand-in-hand, providing evidence of Jesus for his jury, the readers. Although the books can be read independently, they are connected by a set of codes and ciphers which, if broken, can lead the codebreaker on a free trip for two to sunny shores. No joke. See details in the back of the books.

Sounds like a gimmick, right? A clever one. A wish-I'd-thought-of-that premise. But a gimmick nonetheless, sure to draw many, and dissuade a few, from reading the book(s).

Let me put your mind at ease. These books are worth reading, each on their own. "The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney" is entertaining, thought-provoking, and brilliant in its use of the codes. It deals with contestants on a reality TV series, representatives of major religions who must prove the validity of their faith through a number of tests. But not everything is as it seems, and one of them may end up being a martyr for the cause.

As for "The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ," does it stand on its own? Does it give courtroom-type evidence of Jesus' claims and resurrection?

I cannot tell you, a fellow juror, what to think. In my own careful deliberation, I found this to be Singer's tightest, most passionate prose yet. He uses facts and logic, Scripture and history, to guide us toward a desired verdict. He plays on our intellects, while also pulling at our emotions with personal confessions and moments of humor. Most stirringly, he strips away the religious veneer and reveals the true heart of Jesus.

While this book may not sway every staunch nonbeliever, it will certainly raise questions in many minds. In the end, faith is still based on things not seen. And, as in the courtroom, a juror might cast a vote on the trustworthiness of the primary witness. In this particular trial, Jesus Christ is as trustworthy as they come.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An impressive defense, May 28, 2006

By 

Barbara L. Lemaster "Bibliophile" (Pompano Beach, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ (Hardcover)

As a long-time student of the Bible, I was impressed by Singer's ability to demonstrate the astute logic Jesus used in quieting his most vociferous and vocal critics, the Pharisees. The chapter "What's Your Sign?" in which the author presents a sterling defense for the resurrection of Christ as historical fact (and as documented in Scripture) is worth the price of the book alone.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Concept, July 6, 2010

By 

Ky. Col. - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ (Hardcover)

This was my first book by Randy Singer and I must say that I found it a very good read and an interesting concept. Singer, a lawyer, combines legal fiction with apologetics. The first and last chapters are a skillfully crafted story of a fictional legal advisor to Pontius Pilate on the day of Christ's crucifixion. The chapters in between analyze several of Jesus's gospel confrontations with scribes and Pharisees. This is meshed with personal experiences, facts, and apologetics with just a little satire thrown in at least one scene. The writing is good and the book is a fast read. It should be noted that many scholars feel the story of the woman caught in audeltry was not in the original gospel although it has been considered that the story may have been an early Christian tradition which was added to the gospel at a later date. Generally otherwise though the book is a very good read and I recommend it. I enjoyed it considerably.