Editing Simon Greenleaf (section)

==Contributions to Christian apologetics==
Greenleaf is an important figure in the development of that [[Christianity|Christian]] school of thought known as legal or juridical [[apologetics]]. This school of thought is typified by legally trained scholars applying the canons of legal proof and judicial argument to the defense of Christian belief. Greenleaf's ''[[Testimony of the Evangelists]]'' (1846) set the model for many subsequent works by legal apologists. He is distinguished{{by whom|date=December 2021}} as one who applied the canons of the [[ancient document]] rule to establish the authenticity of the [[Gospel| gospel accounts]], as well as [[cross-examination]] principles in assessing the testimony of those who bore witness to the [[crucifixion]] and [[resurrection of Jesus Christ|resurrection]] of [[Jesus Christ|Christ]]. His style of reasoning is reflected in the [[Christian apologetics|apologetic]] works by [[John Warwick Montgomery]] (1931-2024), [[Josh McDowell]] (1939- ), and [[Ross Clifford]] (1951- ).

Several evangelical books and websites portray Greenleaf as an atheist who set out to disprove the Gospels, and claim that instead the evidence for Jesus' resurrection convinced him to become a Christian. Greenleaf was a devout evangelical [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]], and no evidence exists that he ever doubted the truth of the Gospels.<ref>
Daniel D. Blinka, "The Roots of the Modern Trial, Greenleaf's Testimony to the Harmony of Christianity, Science, and a law In Antebellum America", 27 ''Journal of the Early Republic'' 293 (Summer 2007).
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