Rating: ![2 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-2-0.gif) Summary: Good Evidence, Bad Analysis Review: Strobel's book takes us deep into evidence from scholars on the issues of Christ and more exact: Is Christ the Son of God? Perhaps reading a book or trying to find evidence is not the way to start this task... however, revelation is.God is not an object to be pondered, God should be seen as a person to be encountered. Thus, we cannot know God unless God reveals himself to us. As seen in Matthew 16:15 and bit after that... A book to be read regarding this topic should be: "Natural Theology: Comprising "Nature and Grace" by Professor Dr. Emil Brunner and the Reply "No!" by Dr. Karl Barth." Strobel's book can make you feel good about compelling evidence regarding Christology... yet without revelation and without God giving God's self to be known to an alienated humanity, we can never know who God is. Where is the Holy Spirit in Strobel's case?
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Imagining a better case Review: Absent from Strobel's courtroom are a judge, opposing counsel, and witnesses for the defense. In a fair trial, rebuttal witnesses would include mainstream Christian scholars. Perhaps even a few pesky "liberals" from the Jesus Seminar would make it to the stand and actually speak for themselves. (Can the 200 theologians of the Jesus Seminar, doctors all, truly be the boneheads Strobel depicts? It's hard to tell. Strobel's would-be refutation consists entirely of ad hominem attacks, straw men, and begging the question: the Seminar's findings are wrong because the Seminarians are liberal, because they are marginal, because a goofy portrayal makes their position look goofy, and because their findings are wrong.) Adversary counsel could pose objections, and a judge would rule on them. This would elevate the proceedings by tossing out Strobel's many fallacies of relevance: red herring, straw man, and ad hominem. And how lovely it would be to have some Perry Mason in the room to jump up and say, "Objection. Counsel is presuming facts not in evidence." One wonders how a Yale law graduate like Strobel could commit such bloopers, unless, maybe, that law degree isn't quite what it appears to be... (Google "master of studies in law" site:yale.edu). Conservative evangelicals will likely rate The Case for Christ much as did the many conservative evangelicals who reviewed it here on Amazon.com: the book is grand, the reasoning flawless, the author meticulous, the case proved. Even the publisher's blurb on dust jacket may look probative to these believers. The fellow who gave me the book -- an evangelical minister and Strobel's vociferous champion -- certainly found it so. Others, too, may find value in the book, however. It offers stunning insight into one brand of religious mentality. It's a reminder to cherish, and cherish some more, the rationalists in one's acquaintance.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: garbage in- garbage out Review: The old axiom for computers is particularly true here. This book a thinly guised recruitment tool at best, at worst an absolte fabrication. The subtitle gives it away- Stroebel was never an actual atheist, only an agnostic. Most people are indoctrinated and "programmed" into christianity from childhood. A true atheist, however, having seen "behind the curtain" and exposed the real "OZ the mighty" as just a man, cannot go back to "faith". A true atheist is a permanent change that cannot be undone. At any rate, this book is about as scientific as a coloring book, and about as biased as it could be. I noted with no surprise it is in the "faith" rack at the bookstore and not in non-fiction. If you are a christian, then this will "confirm" your faith by telling you what you want to hear. If you are not sure, then I suggest reading Bertrand Russell and "the elegant universe" by Brian Greene. Stroebel's book is nothing but a "witness" and has no "evidence" of any kind except staged interviews with christian "scholars", a contradiction if there ever was one. It would be akin to proving the exsistence of Santa Claus by interviewing young children in December. Except this is more biased.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Leave it to an atheist... Review: Has anyone noticed that it's just the atheists that are giving this book only 1 star? Of course they are, it scares them that this book speaks the truth and that there is overwhelming evidence for the divinity of Christ! They try to rationalize away all of the evidence, even when it's staring them right in the face. Of course Strobel only interviewed Biblical scholars, he needed the information from experts in their field. Keep in mind, he was an atheist at the time of all his interviewing (he didn't seem to mind that he was only interviewing Christian experts, why then should you?). I took an unbiased approach when reading this book, and I must say that he asks some very tough questions...however, all of them get answered. Say what you want, you know the truth scares you....because you know that if Christ is Lord, you have a lot to answer for...and so atheists refuse to accept the evidence. It's easier for them to go about living their lives however they wish, then to have to deal with guilt and consequences. One thing is for sure, you can't hide forever. One day, you will breathe your last breath and then it will be too late...and all the evidence you ignored and sneered at will be staring you right in the face, and there won't be thing you can do about it. Whether you believe so or not, There is a God, and his name is Jesus Christ.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Enjoyable and Refreshing Review: I really enjoyed The Case for Christ. I knew I had faith deep down inside of me, and I felt it always trying to come out, but I never let it because I was affraid I wouldn't be cool if I were religious. This book made me feel like it would be ok. Like I could accept that call from God and be happy about the belief in him. Not only was my spiritual self satisfied but my rational self as well. I will read all of Lee Strobel's books about Christianity.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Good read and nice intro to Evidential Apologetics. Review: Years ago I wrote: "This is one of those books I can't comment on without sounding like a blithering idiot. Excellent, easy to read, FULL of apologetic material giving a SOUND defense of the Christian faith, this book is an example of 1 Peter 3:15 in action." I still stand by those statements in regard to this book. Strobel focuses on proving the historical reliability for the gospel accounts and does a fairly decent job in a non-academic fashion. He interviews top scholars and shows the textual and other evidence for faith in Christ. I still recommend it, though not as highly, since I'm now reformed in my soteriology. This book will definitely challenge all of the usual misconceptions that non-Christians have about the scriptures. My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars has to do with the author. Coming from the 'seeker sensitive' background, Strobel, Hybels and others deny humanity's radical depravity and books like these are written with the assumption that simply seeing the facts will change someone's mind. The only thing that can truly bring someone to Christ is the Father's drawing power upon whom He wills it (John 6:44-66), not human effort. Use this book to eliminate objections and if someone converts as a result of reading it, praise God. If they don't, praise God for the truth of His word going forth anyway!
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Good Stuff Review: I love books like these. I have a weak faith, and sometimes we need others to help convince us a little more. It may not totally convince you, or it may, but it helps. And if it can improve your hope, then I say, great. I also recommend "The Little Guide To Happiness". For biased reasons.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Excelent Review: I highly recommend this book, especially for Christians who think that Christianity is solely based on faith without logically backing it up. Excelent book!!!
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Goes Beyond Reasonable Doubt Review: I recently asked a Christian friend how he could possibly believe the Jesus story as outlined in the gospels when there were so many other logical explanations that could account for what happened. I expected him to respond, "Faith." Instead, he suggested I read this book. Though reluctant, I followed his suggestion. I was certain the book would contain the typical circular logic (or lack thereof) "How can I believe what the Bible says? Because Jesus said it. How can I believe that? The Bible says so." But this was not the case at all. The author presents common agnostic positions to 13 experts in the fields of theology, history, philosophy, psychology, archaeology, and pathology. Discussed are some of the same objections I have had regarding the Jesus story, plus some that I hadn't yet thought of. No creampuff questions here, mind you. These were reasonable, logical objections that I was certain would at best disprove the case for Christ and at worst cast serious doubt about it. I was shocked to find that in each case, overwhelming evidence was presented supporting the life, death, and resurrection of Christ as outlined in the Bible. This is not the outcome I expected to have from reading this book. Rather, I was certain I would come away with a more solid foundation of why I was right to not believe the legendary story of Christ. I don't recall ever reading a book that has moved me like this one has. I would recommend this book to agnostics as well as Christians. Either way, I feel that this book is well-worth reading, especially for those who have natural doubts about the resurrection.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Logic and Science in Christianity? Review: Strobel has done the vertually impossable to the anti-christian world... uncovered a logical and scientific backing for Christianity. Watching his journey to faith is an inspiration. The stories you hear about other's journey to faith in this book is often uplifting and monumentous. Strobel set out what he ment to do perfectly. Even though his phrasings seem a little to novelistic for non-fiction. The point he wishes to make comes across in perfection. Good read for lovers of Christ, history, theology or just a good read.
|