Cold-Case Christianity

1. Investigate Christianity Like a Cold Case Detective

"If the evidence for Ron's guilt is compelling enough to reasonably conclude that he is guilty, the evidence for God's existence is compelling enough to reasonably conclude that He exists."

Detective's Approach to Faith. The book applies cold-case investigative techniques to examining the claims of Christianity. Just as detectives meticulously piece together evidence in unsolved crimes, the author approaches religious claims with a systematic, evidence-based methodology. This approach transforms religious investigation from a matter of blind faith to a rational, investigative process.

Key Investigative Principles:

• Gather and analyze all available evidence
• Remain objective and avoid preconceived conclusions
• Look for cumulative circumstantial evidence
• Evaluate witnesses and their testimonies
• Draw reasonable inferences from the available information

Forensic Mindset. The investigative approach emphasizes treating biblical claims like any other historical testimony, subjecting them to the same rigorous scrutiny used in criminal investigations. This method allows for a more objective examination of religious claims, removing emotional or purely faith-based reasoning.

2. Overcome Naturalistic Presuppositions

"If we can overcome our bias against descriptions of the supernatural, the claims of the gospel accounts are convincingly corroborated."

Philosophical Naturalism Challenge. Many skeptics approach religious claims with a predetermined commitment to naturalism - the belief that only natural explanations can exist. This presupposition prevents a fair examination of supernatural possibilities before evaluating the evidence.

Bias Recognition:

• Acknowledge personal philosophical assumptions
• Be open to evidence beyond naturalistic explanations
• Recognize that scientific naturalism can be its own form of bias
• Evaluate claims based on evidence, not preconceived worldviews

Scientific Openness. The approach encourages intellectual honesty by challenging individuals to suspend their naturalistic assumptions and genuinely examine the evidence without predetermined limitations. This allows for a more comprehensive and fair investigation of religious claims.

3. Challenge Claims with Rational Skepticism

"Possible alternatives are not reasonable refutations."

Intellectual Integrity. True skepticism involves carefully examining claims through rational analysis, not simply dismissing them. The book advocates for a methodical approach to challenging religious claims that goes beyond surface-level objections.

Skeptical Investigation Principles:

• Demand evidence, not just emotional arguments
• Distinguish between possible and probable explanations
• Examine the cumulative weight of evidence
• Avoid logical fallacies and ad hominem attacks
• Be willing to follow evidence to unexpected conclusions

Balanced Critique. Rational skepticism requires intellectual humility - being willing to change one's mind when presented with compelling evidence. It's about pursuing truth through rigorous investigation rather than maintaining a predetermined position.

4. Evaluate Eyewitness Testimony Systematically

"Unlike other crime scenes, every historical investigation requires examining testimony from those who are no longer living."

Forensic Witness Evaluation. The book provides a systematic approach to assessing eyewitness accounts, similar to how detectives and court systems evaluate testimony. This method involves examining multiple factors to determine reliability.

Witness Credibility Criteria:

• Verify presence at the event
• Check historical and personal context
• Look for internal consistency
• Seek external corroboration
• Examine potential biases or motivations

Historical Investigation. By applying forensic techniques to historical documents, investigators can more confidently assess the reliability of ancient testimonies, particularly those related to religious claims.

5. Trace the Chain of Custody for Biblical Documents

"Long before the Codex Sinaiticus was first penned or the Council of Laodicea formalized the canon, the New Testament was established as a reliable eyewitness account."

Documentary Preservation. The book emphasizes the importance of tracing how biblical documents were transmitted and preserved through generations, similar to how detectives track evidence through a criminal investigation.

Transmission Process:

• Identify original eyewitnesses
• Track subsequent generations of document custodians
• Examine early Christian leadership
• Compare multiple manuscript sources
• Assess copying and preservation techniques

Historical Continuity. By meticulously documenting the transmission of biblical texts, the investigation demonstrates the remarkable consistency of early Christian writings.

6. Understand the Motives of Gospel Writers

"If a defense attorney were representing any of the apostles, defending them against the accusation that they lied about their testimony, the attorney could fairly ask the question 'Why would my client have done such a thing when it would not benefit him in any way?'"

Motive Analysis. The book examines the potential motivations behind the gospel writers, considering whether they were driven by financial gain, power, or other self-serving interests.

Motivation Investigation:

• Analyze potential personal benefits
• Examine historical context of persecution
• Consider personal sacrifices made
• Look at consistency of testimony
• Evaluate risk versus potential reward

Character Assessment. By understanding the challenging circumstances faced by early Christian leaders, the investigation provides insight into their credibility and commitment.

7. Corroborate Biblical Claims with External Evidence

"Even if, as skeptics, we had some doubt about the minute details that exist in each eyewitness account, there can be no doubt about the major themes and claims of the Gospels."

External Verification. The book demonstrates how biblical claims can be corroborated through archaeological evidence, non-Christian historical sources, and external historical records.

Corroboration Methods:

• Compare biblical accounts with archaeological findings
• Examine non-Christian historical writings
• Verify geographical and cultural details
• Cross-reference multiple historical sources
• Consider contemporary scholarly research

Evidential Integrity. By showing multiple lines of external support, the investigation strengthens the case for biblical reliability beyond purely religious sources.

8. Recognize the Importance of Early Manuscript Preservation

"The first-century Christian scribes didn't have access to photocopiers, microfiche, or digital imaging like modern police-department records divisions do, but they understood the importance of divine record keeping."

Manuscript Transmission. The book explores the meticulous methods used by early scribes to preserve and accurately copy biblical documents.

Preservation Techniques:

• Develop strict copying guidelines
• Maintain statistical tracking of text
• Create multiple manuscript copies
• Implement rigorous verification processes
• Treat documents as sacred texts

Textual Reliability. By examining the careful transmission of ancient manuscripts, the investigation demonstrates the remarkable accuracy of early biblical texts.

9. Apply Forensic Statement Analysis to Biblical Texts

"All of us choose the words we use, and we've got lots of words to choose from. Our words eventually give us away."

Linguistic Investigation. The book applies forensic statement analysis techniques to examine the language and word choices in biblical texts.

Linguistic Analysis Principles:

• Examine word selection carefully
• Look for subtle linguistic patterns
• Consider perspective and context
• Identify unintentional revealing details
• Compare multiple accounts

Textual Insights. By applying forensic linguistic techniques, the investigation reveals nuanced insights into the authenticity and reliability of biblical writings.

10. Assess the Reliability of Gospel Accounts

"Either the evidence is sufficient or it is not. Juries cannot assume there is a better explanation simply because there were imperfections in the case."

Comprehensive Evidence Evaluation. The book provides a systematic approach to assessing the overall reliability of gospel accounts by examining multiple lines of evidence.

Reliability Assessment Criteria:

• Early manuscript dating
• External corroboration
• Manuscript preservation
• Eyewitness credibility
• Absence of contradictory evidence
• Consistency of core claims

Evidential Reasoning. By applying rigorous investigative techniques, the investigation offers a comprehensive method for evaluating the reliability of historical religious texts.

Last updated: January 23, 2025