You Tube Theology

This panel discussion was part of a Lanier Library Seminar Series held on Friday August 1, 2014. Panel Members are: Dr. David Fleming (Senior Pastor, Champion Forest Baptist Church) Dr. Randy Richards (Dean of the School of Ministry, Palm Beach Atlantic University) Dr. Tremper Longman III (Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College) Mark Lanier (Moderator) Mark Lanier poses questions to the panel about typical challenges to the Christian faith. He asks how they each would answer a youth, or young adult who questions the Bible, belief in God and other issues. The Seminar was held the day before his lecture. Title of lecture: "Christianity on Trial" Mark Lanier's lecture on August 2 shared the title and subject matter of his new book. Does the Christian faith hold up under scrutiny? What does science tell us about the plausibility of a god? Can we trust the alleged eyewitness testimony of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus? These questions are worth investigating in order to find an answer solidified in fact and evidence. Mark Lanier, one of America's top trial lawyers, uses his experienced legal eye to examine the plausibility of the Christian faith. Bringing science, current knowledge, and common sense together in a courtroom approach, this "trial" will elucidate a rich understanding of God and a strong foundation for Christian faith. Mark is not afraid to investigate the sticky subjects of the Christian worldview that are commonly scrutinized by skeptics or overlooked by marginal believers. Lanier hopes to present a persuasive case for the Christian faith and leaves it up to us to choose what is worthy of belief and what is not. Mark Lanier is the founder of the Lanier Theological Library, one of the nation's largest private theological collections. The library opened its doors in October 2010 and has a collection of over 85,000 books. Also, Mark teaches a weekly, 750-member Sunday school class focusing on Biblical Literacy at Champion Forest Baptist Church. You can see his lessons on the class website, http://biblical-literacy.org/. He also serves on the boards of the American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR) and the Albright Institute. Before Mark decided to be a lawyer, he attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. He received a B.A. in Biblical Languages with a minor in Economics in 1981. He earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1984. He serves on the Law School's Foundation Board and was selected as their Distinguished Alumnus for 2005. He is the founder of the Christian Trial Lawyers Association, a non-profit organization whose goal is to exemplify Christ-like character, to advance Christian principles and to demonstrate professional excellence to honor Christ. Mark founded The Lanier Law Firm in 1990. Since then, Lanier has earned widespread recognition as one of the top trial lawyers in the United States. His work for clients across the country is supported by offices in Houston, New York and Los Angeles,. He recently won a verdict of $9 billion which is the largest amount ever awarded in an American personal injury lawsuit. Mark is enthusiastically involved in government and community activities. Leaders of major American corporations, universities and TV news programs often call on him for his respected views on various legal issues. In 2011, Mark was also bestowed the distinguished Ambassador of Peace award by the Guatemalan government. Mark is the father of five children and lives in Houston with his wife, Becky.