The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity (Case for ... Series)

The Case for Faith is a #1 bestseller for a reason: it’s a simple, easy-to-read apologetic for those within Christ’s house doubtfully looking out the window and for those outside curiously looking in. A lot of this book’s power derives from the fact that the author was formerly very skeptical of Christianity so this text in part is a road map of the recalcitrant cynic along the path from doubt to belief. Essentially this book makes a strong, convincing and evidence-based case for faith in Jesus Christ not with empty rhetoric and void promises but through a rigorous process of investigation and scrutiny. Every person of faith ought to read this book to strengthen and formalize his or her belief. Every person skeptical or interested about the Christian faith should read this book in order to understand that a case for faith is best made by asking and working through the tough questions. Some of these tough questions include the eight “heart barriers” to faith and specifically ask, for example: If there is a God, why does evil exist? How could a loving God approve of eternal torment in hell? Evolution explains God … so why do I need Him? Won’t it rub people the wrong way to say that Jesus is the only way? The Case for Faith proceeds through chapters that each ask a problematic question. The chapters are written in the context of a crime story that requires a puzzle to be solved, making a non-fiction book read like a fiction thriller. It goes with saying that Strobel tackles broad themes and main ideas, so while this book is an excellent first place to start, it will not provide specific details about minutiae in the Bible or presupposed discrepancies in the Scriptures. This book is very accessible and is written in plain language. Whenever I meet someone “outside” of the faith, is a new believer, or is a mature veteran, I always direct them to it. It is a timeless classic for everybody

Believe it or not, this book was actually recommended to me by my doctor. I was detailing each of my concerns about the state of our country, the economy, my children's future, etc.... He looked at me and asked if I believed in God and I said "I would like to." He then told me to get this book and read it so I did. For the majority of my life, I have been a staunch atheist. I always found it absurd that anyone who completed 10th grade biology could simply ignore all the evidence for evolution and believe in creation with no solid evidence to back up their beliefs. Needless to say, as I have aged I have begun to realize that I am not the sole keeper of all the knowledge in the universe and it's possible that there are things that I simply don't have an answer to. I'm sure it happens to the best of us. At any rate, I still have a very scientific mind and a strong preponderance for logic which is probably why faith and I have never meshed very well. This is where the book comes into play. From the moment I started reading the book I knew that it was something I could digest. The entire book was filled with questions that have prevented me personally from believing in god in the past. Why do innocent people suffer? How can God throw good people into hell simply because they don't believe? Where is the evidence the universe was created? Each of these questions along with many others is tackled head on in this book by scholars and professionals much smarter than I am. In fact, many of the questions are actually answered from a scientific perspective that flips the argument on its head and makes you think not believing in God is the true act of faith. I would not go so far as to say this book will convert you from a non-believer to a believer. If you already believe, it will certainly strengthen your faith. If you do not, it will force you to take a different perspective and realize you simply don't have all the answers you think you do. If you're in the middle like me with a desire to believe but a stubborn logical mind that prevents the leap necessary to become a believer, this book will do you good. I now realize that faith and science can go hand in hand and you don't have to choose one or the other. If nothing else, it makes you think and challenges preconceived notions in a way that will enlighten your search for answers.

Like many American Christians, I was brought to church most Sundays and endured countless sermons and lessons. Despite this seemingly rich education on Christian principles, I never was exposed to a lesson or class on the existence of God; God's existence was assumed as fact. As I matured into my twenties and went to college, the existance of God was no longer taken for granted. I encountered many agnostics and atheists among my many college professors. The net result of their influence was to question my faith. I never lost my faith, but I found it was a faith that could not withstand scrutiny. Reading Lee Stobel's "The Case For Faith" continued in me my search for the certainty of my faith. Strobel's book is an excellent place to start investigating the issues that question one's faith. Like in his previous book, "The Case for Christ", Strobel presents interviews with several Christian apologetics that involve issues related to the veracity of the Christian faith. The issues are as follows: Can a real living caring God exist in a world filled with evil? Are the Biblical miracles really true? Is evolutionary theory enough to explain life on earth? Is there only one way to GOd - through Jesus? How can a loving God throw his created people in hell? Is the church's history, with it's abuses, crusades, and inquistions, a reason not to believe in Christianity? If I am filled with doubts, can I still be a believer? Mr. Strobel investigates each issue thoroughly. He approaches the issues as a skeptic who wants to be convinced of the truth. Strobel was once a skeptic himself and his investigative journalism convinced him of the truth of his Christian faith. If you have questions about your faith, then this is a good starting point for your investigation. There are other books that go into more detail on all the issues raised here, and you may want to purchase these as well for further study. But this is a very good starting point for answering those nagging doubts about your faith in Christianity and one's faith in the person of Jesus. Most highly recommended. Jim "Konedog" Koenig

Case for Faith tackles eight of the toughest objections to Christianity. These include the problem of suffering in the world, the apparent contradictions of miracles and science, hell, the idea that Jesus is the only way to heaven, and the hypocrisy of the Church. Author, Lee Strobel, systematically tackles each topic with a series of interviews with respected experts on the matter. What may be especially interesting to scientifically-minded people is the fact that the author began as an atheist who set out to disprove Christianity. After interviewing the experts, he found enough logical reasons to accept the religion and become a Christian himself. A lot of points made in this book appeal to logic. For a non-believer, it can help. Ultimately, faith is a choice. One can choose to accept the reasons to believe or accept the reasons not to believe. For someone struggling and trying to believe, reading this book is a step in the right direction. There will still be questions, but the deliberation questions at the end of each section will make the reader think about what objections he or she might still have and the reasons for having them. Many will find this self-reflection process useful. A list of additional reading materials is offered after each section for those wishing to investigate further. For the believer, this book is a reaffirmation of faith. Whether the reader is a believer or non-believer, this book is a good read and one that will make the reader think.

This book addresses any of the objections to faith. It does a wonderful job of answering questions such as the problem of pain and suffering which is probably the most cited objection to faith in God. Also it addresses the exclusivity argument that some people cite. The author also interviews some of the greatest Christian apologists of our time in seeking answers to these questions. The only chapter I took issue with was chapter 6 where he addresses the doctrine of Hell. Mr. Strobel interviewed J. P. Moreland PhD and Dr. Moreland postulates that the references to fire and physical suffering in Hell are figurative. He also claims that Hell was an afterthought and yet Matthew 25:41 says that Hell was created for the devil and his angels. Luke 16:24 reads that the Rich man says he is in torment in this flame. I personally wish Dr. Moreland was correct but due to scripture I am sure he is not. I have heard this theory previously and feel this is espoused to protect the reputation of God as not cruel. God is not cruel. Jesus came to earth the pay the penalty for mankind's sins but if we refuse to accept his atonement for our sins, then we must pay for our sins. 2 Peter 3:9 states that God is not willing that any should perish. I do not believe that God sentenced the devil and his angels to a place of mental anguish. I think we do a great disservice to the lost when we air condition Hell. Overall this is an excellent read and I am glad I bought it.

This is a really good book to read. Lot of good information inside,

A great book for Christians and non-Christians alike.

I read this book at the tail end of my "seeking" days and it was partially responsible for pushing me toward that leap of faith to become a Christian, after 52 years of Jewish atheism. As a logical, rational, reasonable "show me" person with no life-crisis around which to frantically base a last-minute conversion, I found Strobel's logic and research so convincing that I can credit him (right behind the Holy Spirit) for pushing me that one last step into Christianity. The gist of his book, which consists of archeological, medical, pathological, forensic, psychological and other evidence, plus many interviews of unbiased (and yes, some biased) scientists and theologists - is that it takes more twisting yourself into a pretzel to NOT believe that God raised Jesus from the dead than it does to believe that He did. One winds up thinking, "If God can create the Universe, raising somebody from the dead is a piece of cake." Strobel effectively debunks feeble attempts by anti-Christians and atheists to explain away Jesus' resurrection, then goes on to tell us why such attempts don't hold up under close scrutiny. His reasoning is sound. Lifetime atheists do not abandon their convictions with ease so it took a lot of evidence to convince me of the wisdom and logic of belief in God in general, and of Christ in particular. Reason and logic often pave the way to leaps of faith. These are Strobel's tools in this book. Also, because Strobel had been an atheist himself, his book is particularly solid. There is nothing illogical nor unreasonable about belief in Jesus, and Strobel gives many reasons why this is so. He should be proud of his contribution to Christian Apologetics.

Good format for sharing some basics of Christian reasoning. Books are sometimes intimidating to people. That being said. The book is better.

This book is packed with so much information, if you love Christ Jesus, you will appreciate all of it, if you don’t know Christ, this book is what you need, it’s done so well, I love crime (detective) novels and this one is informative and absolutely gets you to knowing Christ in a true light🙏🏻 Must have👍

The book is marvelous. As an honest introspection of biblical doubts, I can relate to severas of theses issues which hace been raised by my friends, colleagues and even myself at times. It does not answer everything perfectly, but let you see a different perspective of some of the big doubts against Christianity. I can certainly face doubt more boldly now, since I know that I'm not alone in this struggle.

Meines Erachtens noch besser als das Este, leider derzeit nur auf Englisch verfügbar. Die Hinweise sind alle da - das es Gott gibt.

This is an amazing book. A must-read for anybody with genuine interest to know the truth. Answers several contemporary questions about faith quite effectively. Especially handy for those who constantly encounter intellectual challenges to their faith.