The Cross Examination of Jesus Christ

As I read Jesus' responses to his critics and Randy's explications of Jesus' words, I had one overwhelming sentiment: look at Jesus go! I've read few books that so humorously and beautifully present the unending utility of Jesus' message. He got right to my core. I'm inspired to be a better Christian now. Thanks Randy.

Randy Singer has written a compelling book on apologetics that both educates and entertains. This book is a worthwhile read for skeptics and believers both. Those who are already followers of Christ will find some interesting perspectives on several issues. Those who are not believers will be challenged in numerous ways. Singer presents lots of evidence in the life and words of Jesus. In chapter four, he makes a very strong case for the resurrection of Christ. He has an absolutely brilliant analysis of Jesus' interactions with the pharisees and scribes and how amazing his responses were. He looks at these from a trial lawyer's perspective. He talks about how the Pharisees 'hurled the most volatile questions possible at the most dangerous witness of all time without knowing what the answer might be.' Like an unskilled attorney who asks a witness questions without knowing the answers, the Pharisees often asked questions that backfired on them. Some of the responses from Christ that are examined by Singer are whether or not it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, who one's neighbor is, and the woman caught in adultery and whether or not she should be stoned. I highly recommend this book and also suggest that readers get the companion book, 'The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney.'

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.

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.

Ok, let's face it. Let's get down to it once and for all. Quit wading through the crap, right? You didn't exactly ask for this, did you? No, but you got it. So deal with it! HUH? You are none other than Octavian, and like everybody else, you have a choice to make about this Jesus. Better yet, "What is Truth?" That isn't too easy to swallow, is it? Take a breath. Now, read on. If you're anything like me, you'll want to see what happens in Randy's other work, "The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney" because this plays a key role in that as well. NOW... read on. If this were to be a boxing ring, your head will be snapped back a few times. Then when you think something so simple as, "That's it?"... Whack whack! BOOM!! You'll be sprawled out on the canvas, slumping to merely get up! What's so funny about that analogy is that Jesus did that to the stinkin' scribes and Pharisees, and He did it in (GULP) LOVE! Yeah! He took their mess, he put up with their crap. Then he gave it back to them with more to think about than just the toilet paper to clean it up with. Randy Singer amazed me once again with some really good stuff. Jesus taking the 5th Amendment? C'mon! Yep, and it makes sense. The insert in this asks if we'd just love to ask Jesus Christ a few questions. And we're not just talking some Fiddler on the Roof (do you love me) questions either. Oh yeah, I've got questions. Then it kills you sometimes when you realize that He doesn't always explain Himself. Is He even obligated? Read this and find out. Look at BOTH sides of the coin. Better yet, look at the way Jesus takes on the Pharisees! This was great. But better yet, look at the way He might take on you. He'll do it in love, don't worry. Think of this as a box seat ticket. Don't expect it to be a parade of roses, but expect to be challenged. WELL, OK! Expect to be challenged if you can step out of your comfort zone. Take off the Dr. Scholls and strap on the Nikes. Even allow yourself to meditate on this. Apply it to your life. Take the teachings of this Galilean, see if they make sense. An awesome challenge that Randy makes is that we should be prepared to engage the skeptics of our age! Can you do that? My verdict is that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!! I'm not exactly one who is worthy to say that, but He's worthy of the praise. I came away from this convicted, because I know I put Him on that cross. But I, like the Apostle Paul, know Who I believe in. I am persuaded that He is able. And if I had the gavel, I'd slam that sucker down in reassurance!! Thank you, Randy Singer!