The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel

The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel

One day I was visiting a Barnes & Nobel Bookstore in Lyndhurst, Ohio and came across a book entitled The Case for Christ. I remembered hearing about this book from several individuals from various parts of the country. Remembering the title (since it had come up so many different times), I started to read the book in the store. From the first few pages, I was hooked on the book. I decided that I had better purchase it or I would be in trouble for stealing the book by reading the whole thing in the store.

Lee Strobel has a Master of Studies in Law degree from Yale Law School and was an award-winning journalist for the Chicago Tribune. He began his search as an admitted atheist who was irritated that his wife had became a follower of Christ. He became rather curious about her actions after she converted and launched out on an investigation that convinced him that the evidence in favor of Jesus being the Christ is overwhelming. He interviews some of the most reputable authorities on the text of the gospels such as Bruce Metzger. He also interviews Edwin Yamauchi who is one of the nation’s leading experts in ancient history including the historical existence of Jesus of Nazareth. Strobel interviews other experts and answers such fundamental questions as: “Can the Gospels be trusted?” “How do we know the Gospels are accurately transmitted to us?” “Is there external evidence that there really was a man named Jesus?” “Was the death of Christ a hoax?” “Is there any evidence for the resurrection?” and a host of other questions.

Christian Evidences is one of the most exciting fields to read and it is sad that many do not read more in this area of religious literature. God has provided us so much evidence that can be read and verified which should strengthen our faith when difficult times arise. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This shows us that the word of God, not some mysterious experience or force, when studied will produce faith in honest hearts. My father often tells of a man that closed his Bible and prayed for faith, but faith did not come. One day, he came across this passage and decided that he would pray and then open his Bible and faith has come ever since. God has provided us so much evidence. Is it not tragic that some fail to even investigate it? This book is a good starting point to begin such an endeavor.

A note of caution about the book: the writer is, sadly, not a member of the church of Christ and espouses a plan of salvation that is contrary to the New Testament. There may be other points in the book that one may not agree with; however, the overall thrust of the book is excellent.

Originally printed in West Virginia Christian, Vol. 9, No. 9, September 2002, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.