Book Review: The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney by Randy Singer

Title: The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney
Author: Randy Singer
Publisher: WaterBrook Press, Colorado Springs
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 422
ISBN: 1-4000-7166-6
Genre: Christian legal fiction/suspense

A terminally ill judge faces his last few months. In an effort to make those months really count and reach the next generation, Judge Finney turns to TV. A new reality show proposes putting members of various major faiths on trial. The show accepts Finney as the contestant to represent Christianity. The show's judge and the viewers will cast their votes based on how well contestants defend their faith in the show's court and how well the contestants live out their faiths.

But then another contestant claims she's overheard a conversation between two members of the production team. She tells Finney that they are planning some "surprises" for the show that could prove disastrous for the contestants. Finney must decide if this is typical reality-show drama or if something's really amiss. Because he's not supposed to communicate with the outside world during the show's filming, he sends coded messages to his law clerk. But Finney's clerk isn't very good at breaking codes and solving puzzles.

Themes in The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney: Faith doesn't exclude reason.

Though I have read several nonfiction books about apologetics, I have never encountered a novel that deals with the subject. Singer shares a story about a judge who becomes a Christian fairly late in life. From his work with devising codes and LSAT puzzles, we see that Finney is an intelligent man. From his performance in the reality show's court, we see that Finney has thought through the evidence for Christianity. His beliefs that Christianity makes sense and that the Bible is true form the foundation for his choice to follow the Bible's teachings.

Like anyone else, Finney has his weak spots and struggles. But he tries to represent Christ well, and he earnestly desires to share the hope of Christ's gospel with others.

In a world that often casts faith at odds with reason, The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney reminds us that faith works alongside reason to produce changed lives.

Themes in The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney: Living well requires finishing well.

Another theme Singer picks up in The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney is the idea that living well requires finishing well. Some believers are cashing in upon retirement and checking out of service. Contrast what's happening in the real world with what happens in Singer's fictional world.

Although Finney's health continues to worsen even in the course of a few weeks, he's determined not to waste his remaining months. Instead of giving up and taking to the sidelines, he presses forward and does what he can to share the message of Jesus with others.

Why I Would Recommend The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney

The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney definitely makes my list of recommended books. For one thing, it presents a unique and fun approach to the subject of apologetics. Secondly, Singer's good at suspense. The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney kept me guessing until the end. And finally, Finney is interesting. I'd dare to say he probably makes the two or three most intriguing characters I've encountered in at least the last couple years of reading. It's a rare book that can offer strong suspense, a fascinating main character, and a good message.