The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus

Rating:
Summary: Rock solid evidence for Christ
Review: I dare any atheist to read this book. Written by a former atheist, Mr. Strobel builds a case for Christ that defeats any other. It would literally take more faith not to believe in Christ, than to believe in him after reading this book. Mr. Strobel completely defeats the questionable John Dominoc Crosan and his "Jesus Seminar," and shows how their beliefs are built upon opinion and presumptions, never facts. Mr. Strobel then takes the argument for Christ, and builds a rock solid foundation that will grip any reader. If you wish to find the truth, this book is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: Presents a case as strong as any I've seen
Review: The Case for Christ was absolutely addictive! From the moment I started reading it, I literally couldn't put it down. Mr. Strobel goes to great lengths to interview the world's leading Christian scholars and challenges them to put forth their best defense for the case for Christ. The book is a pleasure to read, written almost like a mystery novel, as opposed to a scholarly tome. The previous reviwer took issue to some of Strobel's methodology and even suggested that a more compelling analysis would have been (and I quote) "perhaps a debate between John Dominoc Crosan and one of the scholars used by Mr. Strobel." What the reviewer didn't mention is the fact that this debate already happened! Two years ago, Dr. William Lane Craig, one of the subjects of Strobel's book did indeed debate Mr. Crosan in a live setting at Moody Memorial Church in Chicago. Even a casual, unbiased listener would agree that Mr. Crosan's argument fell flat on almost every level when compared to Dr. Craig's. Craig also debated reknowned atheist Frank Zindler just outside of Chicago, in an event that was broadcast to radio stations around the country. The results were the same: The claims of Christ held more water, and the pseudo-intellectualism of the opposing debators was, once agian, bone-dry. Strobel's book is a refreshing reminder that the most investigated and conclusively proven fact of the past two millenia is the birth, mission, death, and ressurection of Jesus Christ. THIS BOOK IS A MUST-READ!!

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly good book and very easy to listen to!
Review: The author provides a very good look at what he was confronted with and all the compelling evidence for why it was harder, eventually, to not believe in Christ than to believe. If someone is truly seeking the truth, this book is a great place to start. Even the most fanatical atheist will see that he cannot take a stand against Christ without digging for all the evidence (historical, archeological, etc.) that's available - certainly no easy undertaking. The author obviously took the time and effort to do just that. Also, I've heard many audio tapes and some were just plain boring (they should have found someone else to do the reading). But this author really makes the listener interested!

Rating:
Summary: Pulls you in!
Review: This book is excellent for both believers and skeptics alike. Those nagging doubts every Christian eventually has were (for me, anyway) erased after reading it. It's straightforward, honest, and very engaging. One of those books you aren't afraid to give to a non-Christian friend; in fact, I keep getting more of them to give away!

Rating:
Summary: Tremendous resource written in compelling way
Review: "The Case for Christ" is absolutely the best presentation of the historical evidence for Jesus that I've ever read -- and I've read a lot of books on this topic. It's thorough, understandable, accurate, and deals responsibly with objections to Christianity. The author is a former journalist trained at Yale Law School who had been a skeptic and is now a Christian pastor. Both Christians and seekers will benefit from his insightful analysis of the evidence that Jesus of Nazareth is God. In fact, I'll make two predictions about this book. First, it will become extremely popular because it's able to synthesize so much powerful material in an easy-to-follow format. Second, it will be unfairly attacked by people who, for their own reasons, oppose its conclusion. That's fine. Just read it for yourself. I think you'll find what I did: This book is packed with facts, data, evidence, and logic -- all coming from top scholars -- that build a convincing case for Christ.

Rating:
Summary: Is there credible evidence that Jesus is the Son of God?
Review: Not too many years ago, I was an atheist. My agnostic wife's conversion to Christianity prompted me to use my legal training (M.S.L., Yale Law School) and journalism experience (I was the legal editor of "The Chicago Tribune") to systematically investigate whether there's any credible evidence that Jesus is the unique Son of God. "The Case for Christ" retraces the two-year quest that rocked my world. But instead of me merely describing the evidence that convinced me Christianity is true, I interviewed thirteen leading scholars and experts, posing to them the tough questions I had when I was a skeptic. These authorities, with doctorates from Cambridge, Princeton, Brandeis, and other prestigious institutions, were forced to defend their positions with compelling evidence and persuasive logic. Among the topics I cover are: € Historical evidence: Are there really enough reliable documents supporting the life, teachings, and resurrection of Jesus? € Scientific evidence: Do archaeological findings support or contradict the historical accounts of Jesus? € Psychiatric evidence: Did Jesus ever claim to be God? If he did, was he crazy? And does he fulfill all of the attributes of God? € Fingerprint evidence: Do ancient prophecies -- written hundreds of years before Jesus was born -- really point to him alone as being the Messiah of Israel and the world? € Plus powerful evidence from four leading authorities on the ultimate authentication of Jesus' claim to being God: his resurrection from the dead. I wanted the book to be both reliable and readable. I have been extremely gratified by the reaction of renowned law professor Phillip Johnson of the University of California at Berkeley, who wrote: "Lee Strobel asks the questions a tough-minded skeptic would ask. His book is so good I read it out loud to my wife evenings after dinner. Every inquirer should have it." Hank Hanegraaff, the nationally syndicated "Bible Answer Man" and president of the Christian Research Institute, was especially gracious in his review: "This is not a dry-as-dust theological treatise. 'The Case for Christ' is a supreme example of investigative journalism that reads like a fast-paced novel. I couldn't put it down. I will go so far as to say that 'The Case for Christ' is the best presentation of the historical evidence for Jesus, in print at a popular level, that I have ever read." Others who have strongly endorsed the book are Bruce M. Metzger, professor emeritus of Princeton Theological Seminary; well-respected scholars J. P. Moreland, Thom Rainer, Peter Kreeft, and Gregory Boyd; Ravi Zacharias, one of the world's foremost defenders of Christianity; famed psychologist Gary Collins; and such highly regarded Christian leaders as Bill Hybels, D. James Kennedy, Bill Bright, and Luis Palau. I wrote this book for three audiences. First, it's for Christians who want to be prepared to defend their faith when it's challenged by skeptics like I once was. (I include a chapter responding to the liberal Jesus Seminar's conclusions that Jesus never said most of what the New Testament claims he said.) Second, it's for Christians who are wavering in their faith and want to anchor it firmly once more. Third -- and most of all -- it's for spiritual seekers who are truly interested in investigating for themselves whether it's rational to put their faith in Jesus of Nazareth. No single book can answer every question. However, I encourage anyone who is authentically curious about Jesus to read "The Case for Christ" with an open mind and sincere heart. Weigh the evidence for yourself. Reach your own verdict. I'll be cheering you on.

Rating:
Summary: A thinly veiled diatribe on the "evidence" of Christ as Lord
Review: After reading the book, a "fundamentalist" friend declared that there was "overwhelming" evidence of the accuracy of the Gospels and the likelihood that Christ was who he claimed to be. Unfortunately, I was much less convinced by Mr. Stroble's "evidence" and offended by his suspect presentation of "liberal" scholarship, lax "investigative" techniques and pedestrain writing. Mr. Stroebl spends a great deal of time proclaiming his legal background (he is not an attorney) and his time as a reporter. Mr. Strobel spends significantly less time on his current status as a Pastor for the mega-church, Willow Creek. Mr. Strobel proports to challenge some of the leading scholars in the field of Biblical analysis to determine the legitimacy of the Gospels and the accuracy of the stories they tell. Mr. Strobel appears to have chosen these particular scholars for their stated beliefs in the accuracy and legitimacy of the Gospels. Mr. Strobel places himself in the role of the critic -or, if you prefer, Devil's advocate, in order to refute the scholars'stated belief in the legitimacy and accuracy of the Gospels . Mr. Strobel pretends to pepper these scholars with questions dervied from his readings of "liberal" Biblical scholars. While the premise is interesting, Mr. Strobel's ability and willingness to acurately (and forcefully) portray the "liberal" view is, at best, limited. Indeed, throughout the book Mr. Strobel is unwilling to press the scholars on numerous assumptions which they make in support of their views. It appears that asking two questions on any particular issue is the extent of Mr. Strobel's cross examination technique. I would have appreciated a more thorough investigation which would have pushed these scholars on their assumptions and their conclusions. In the end, Mr. Strobel's lamb in a wolf's clothing techniqe is simply offensive. Not because the scholarship which he presents is necessarily faulty but because he claims to be presenting a balanced analysis. His failure to pursue assumptions, his (affected) reluctant acknowledgment of the overwhelming truth and accuracy of the scholars' answers and his vested interest in the subject matter undermine his stated purpose. A truly balanced book (perhaps a debate between John Dominoc Crosan and one of the scholars used by Mr. Strobel) would have pushed the analysis to a level which is worthy of its readers and its subject matter. Readers may wish to consider studying the PBS World Wide Web site which contains information from PBS' Frontline program regarding the history of the Gospels. The site presents a more detailed and more interesting discussion on another "majority" view of the historical basis of the Gospels. I do not suggest the site as an endpoint (as Mr. Strobel ultimately claims his book to be) but a starting point to begin one's own investigation.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting,reassuring and informative.
Review: I would highly recommend this book to anyone christian or non christian.Read it and do the research it is awsome.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling story-telling
Review: Strobel has a keen legal mind. He uses his experience as legal journalist for Chicago Tribune to examine the claims of Christianity. Great story-telling!

Rating:
Summary: I dare you to read this book!
Review: Strobel thoroughly answers any doubt an atheist can raise about Christianity, probably because he used to be one. If you are a Christian, this book will bolster and encourage your faith, as it did for me. You will have no doubts regarding the truth of the Bible and Christ's sacrifice for you. I dare anyone to read this book and not be changed!