A seasoned journalist chases down the biggest story on record in The Case for Christ. Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, former Chicago Tribune legal editor Lee Strobel cross-examines a dozen experts with tough, point-blank questions in search of credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was positively the Son of God. This riveting quest for the truth about history's most compelling figure reads like a captivating, fast-paced novel, yet it's anything but fiction! An ideal paperback for skeptics!
Using the dramatic scenario of an investigative journalist pursuing his story and leads, Lee Strobel uses his experience as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune to interview experts about the evidence for Christ from the fields of science, philosophy, and history. Winner of the Gold Medallion Book Award and twice nominated for the Christian Book of the Year Award.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 25 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
1.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jack (Middleton, WI), April 08, 2009
A very entertaining read, but ultimately lacking in substance for the serious skeptic such as myself.
Strobel pretends to play the "skeptical investigative journalist," but his approach has serious flaws. First of all, Strobel is a believer. Even though he was once a skeptic, he is now a believer, and his aim and intention with this book is to promote his belief. As such, he is going to leave out some of the more ambiguous topics, and focus on the more easily agreeable apologetic views. Some of my more serious questions are left unanswered, or at least very incompletely addressed.
Also, for this book Strobel interviews only "pro-Christ" witnesses. A truly independent investigation would consider witnesses with opposing views, and include such experts in any report or testimony. To extend the legal metaphor, there is no "cross-examination" in this book from "skeptical" experts.
The book is good for believers who want an entertaining "feel good" experience about believing in "The Truth," but the book fails at one of its chief aims--to convince the skeptic.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Felipe Cabrera (Hollister, CA), November 06, 2008
Powerful reasoning.The reader confronts historical facts wrongly dismissed by most.
Three powerful ideas were conveyed that are hard to refute: Jesus lived on earth 2000 years ago, He died in the cross and his resurrection is the most likely historical scenario.
As a Christian I often times have to remind myself of these three ideas , that to me are facts of history.This book has brought me back from Hinduism and Buddhism after 25 years of searching away from Christianity.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Betty Stirk (Rockingham, NC), March 11, 2008
I have only read a small amount of this book but looking forward to reading. My husband has not put it down since purchasing. He said it was vivid and detailed and right on target. A great tool for any Christian and a must for every minister.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jeremy Gardiner (Edmonton, Alberta), February 10, 2007
Absolutely excellent apologetics material. Josh McDowell's "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" is more of a reference book where as "The Case for Christ" is a very readable and entertaining book. Provides a solid foundation for Christians who can stand firm against Atheists, Agnostics, Skeptics and the Jesus Seminar. My only complaint is they explained the "Didn't Jesus say he was coming back in the 1st Century" away when infact Premillenialism has to sweep it under the carpet. For those wanting to find the correct answer to that question search out Preterism.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Larry (Huntsville, Alabama), October 30, 2006
This is a tremendous book!! I could not put it down. It's well thought out and very easy to read & understand. As a Youth Pastor, I have bought copies for each of the teenagers in our ministry. It is a valuable tool for them to use as they encounter objections in their witnessing at school. Thank you Mr. Strobel.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by steven daddario (kisimmee fla), February 10, 2006
this is definitly an great book
its written for the unbeliever in mind while great for the Christian as well! its actualy like a study guide designed to launch you into deep sudy on the subject in hand
in each chapter except the last i believe he he questions an expert on a subject of importance and then after the expert blasts away
any arguments brought to the table he gives a list of books on the subject so you can continue your study myu only complaint is during the interview with william lane craig craig didnt harmonize the empty tombs so called "contradictions" however that just seems to be craigs method of dealing with straw men
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dr. Robert W. Kellemen (Taneytown, MD), May 26, 2005
For two decades, Josh McDowell's "Evidence That Demands a Verdict" and "More Evidence That Demands a Verdict" (creative sequel title!) were the classic Christian apologetic (defending the faith) books, especially for the "college set." Though excellent works, they are "deep," analytical, and not all too exciting.
With Lee Strobel's "The Case for Christ" (and "The Case for Faith") a new generation of Christians has a whole new apologetics text. One might say, "This is not your father's apologetic's book!" For a generation known for its love for story/narrative, Strobel is the ideal writer with the ideal style.
Using his dual background as a trained legal thinker and an award-winning investigative reporter, coupled with his personal journey from skeptic to believer, Strobel interviews fourteen experts who read like a who's who of current-day evangelicalism. In a compelling narrative style, Strobel probes fourteen questions asked for the past 2000 years.
Yes, the deck is stacked--he does not interview fourteen skeptics. They've written their own books, and I've yet to see them interview fourteen credible Christians. There is a difference between a stacked deck and a crooked deck. Strobel asks hard, honest questions and provides clear, credible answers. No, the answers won't convince everyone, but they should cause every open-minded person to realize that Christianity is not only personally satisfying, but also intellectually trustworthy.
Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Doug Florence (Hopatcong, NJ), June 06, 2003
The Case for Christ is a very intriguing and well written defense of the Christian faith. The scholars he interviews are all highly educated, intelligent men who are highly respected in their fields. Yet they discuss the topics in a very down to earth manner that can be easily understood. Mr. Strobel carefully builds a solid case by demonstrating that 1) the Scriptures are reliable 2) Jesus is God and 3) the resurrection is an established fact. By playing devil's advocate, he brings out many objections that have been postulated and provides rational answers. Although one could literally write a book on each chapter, he does a thorough job of providing a wealth of information within a few pages. For example, the description of Christ's crucifixion leaves no doubt that Jesus actually died on the cross and the overwhelming evidence for the resurrection should forever bury the ridiculous alternative ideas such as the legend or swoon theories.
All open minded skeptics should read this book. I warn them however, they can no longer honestly say there is no rational basis for the Christian faith. Nor could they make the outrageous claim that intelligent people are not religious people. As a historian, I have studied many historical events and I can say that the resurrection is the best documented event in ancient history.
There were a number of quotes from Michael Martin who wrote the Case Against Christianity. This title would be very amusing if it were not so potentially harmful. Obviously it can't be much of a case and I would have more trust in a Ford Edsel than in anything Martin writes. What baffles me is how he can say that Christ never lived. Even the inept Jesus Seminar authors admit this much. It is crass ignorance.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and felt it was a very valuable learning experience. I highly recommend it.
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