Rating: 
Summary: well written, but definitely one-sided
Review: A well written book which makes a good case for an intelligent cause of the universe, and dispels the ludicrous idea that everything came out of random nothingness. (To the critic who likened Strobel's book to mythology as an explanation for the unexplainable, and mentioned that we might someday know more about DNA enough to preclude the automatic 'God argument', that entirely misses the point; the fact is, a growing preponderance of scientific evidence and scientific consensus IS pointing to an intelligent design argument, not Zeus or Helios).
Still, I was uncomfortable with the 'checklist' approach Strobel used to argue his case during his conversations with William Craig, a philosopher and theologian who summarily dismissed every devil's advocate rebuttal Strobel threw at him, and whose explanations forms a central case for the book. Alternative theories of the universe, both philosophical and/or scientific, such as the Eastern theory of an eternal universe, or the Russian theory of an oscillating universe, or Guth's inflation theory, etc., are simply dismissed because Craig says they are unjustified and offers a few reubttals. But just who is Craig, and why should *his* rebuttals form the all-encompassing demise of world renowned theoreticians or physicists who disagree with him? The reason is, Craig is a believer and a Christian and his arguments---however compelling they may be---lean toward his belief system which seems to uphold the idea of a first cause, or as he himself alludes to, a God who may very well have said "let there be light". To underscore this point, when Strobel asks Craig to explain what that first cause may have been, Craig confidently answers a higher being with obvious intelligence, akin to the concept of an intelligent mind at work. But Craig is inferring a conclusion based on his own deductive logic and what he sees as holes in opposing scientific views. I can also offer a different view other than the Christian one, that holds a dialectic view of God as an eternal force, and of an infinitely coexisting universe based on the idea that an eternal God couldn't at SOME POINT decide on creating a universe, lest that God depart his eternal stature for a *moment* in time (impossible if you believe God is timeless). This hearkens back to Hegel's dialectic or Sartre's idea of being and nothingness, both valid suppositions based on logical arguments; and it also parallels theoretical scientific views of oscillating universes and the like. But Strobel's book---while trying to appear objective and unbiased (after all, the author was an agnostic who with great skepticism, decided on investigating this God issue at the behest of his wife who was transformed by a born-again experience), doesn't allow for opposing views.
All in all, a book I thought I would thoroughly enjoy and was considering purchasing, never left the bookstore with me after I'd read the points and gotten the jist. Great books make their case without going out of their way to tell you they're not trying to make a case, and they don't offer quick rebuttals of opposing viewpoints that would otherwise fill volumes, in a few short, cute sentences.
Rating: 
Summary: Strobel Back in Top From With 'Creator'.
Review: After faltering a bit with "The Case for Faith", Lee Strobel is back in top form with his new book "The Case for a Creator". Inside 'Creator', we see Strobel's ideas just as solid as they were when he wrote "The Case for Christ." The subject matter of this new book could have gone down a long, boring, path. Much detailed and analytical information is presented in the fields of Genetics, Astronomy, Cosmology, Evolution, et al. It would have been easy to have shot completely over the heads of the casual reader. Yet, Strobel presents the facts, peppered with technical lingo, through a series of interviews with the masters of their field. Each interview could be a book in and of itself. This works well for the book overall. It leads one to discover each individual chapter as if one was indeed starting at the beginning of a new work. 'Creator' reads easily, smart, and presents evidence in a believable manner that will have atheists and agnostics reeling (and hopefully converted). If you have ever let scientific theory and practice keep you from giving you heart to Christ, or if you have never fully accepted him on such grounds, this book will do more to bring you to the Lord fully than any of Strobel's past offerings. For the Science-based Thomas in the crowd, definitely don't pass this wonderful book up. And for those who like a bit of meat with their literary potatoes, I think you will find yourself fully filled once your chewing of 'Creator' is complete.
Rating:
Summary: Wish Strobel had Been my Science Teacher!
Review: After reading this book, I am convinced that there has to be a God. In fact, it empowers me to go and do something about the false facts still being taught in classrooms nationwide! To know that there are real scientists, some of which are not even Christians, that can prove to me that much of what I was taught in school about evolution was false really empowers me to spread the word. Check out the website on the book. www.caseforacreator.com. There's even more great info there too.
Rating: 
Summary: A Compelling Work from an Award-Winning Journalist
Review: Anyone familiar with Lee Strobel's previous "Case for" books --- THE CASE FOR CHRIST, THE CASE FOR FAITH and the shorter, mass-market title THE CASE FOR EASTER --- knows pretty much what to expect with each additional title: verbatim interviews with highly respected authorities whose findings offer evidence in the specific "case" the author and law school graduate is trying. In his latest book, Strobel presents evidence pertaining to the theory of intelligent design, the hypothesis that a designer was behind the creation of the universe. In building his case, Strobel looks at the evidence in six fields of scientific study: cosmology (basically, the study of the universe), physics, astronomy, biochemistry, biology and human consciousness. In each field, he interviews well known and highly respected scientists --- not all Christians, but all who have come to the conclusion that the evidence for a Creator is significant, if not overwhelming. As might be expected, Darwin pretty much gets raked over the coals, for good reason, and even the brilliant Stephen Hawking is proven to be on somewhat shaky ground when it comes to his theory of the beginning of the universe. What sets Strobel's book apart from so many others on intelligent design is its sheer readability. I suspect that more than a few people avoid reading books on the origins of the universe simply because the prose is so abominably dry. By using his trademark interview format, the author --- a journalist at heart --- injects life and liveliness into what becomes a series of extended conversations on scientific theories. An added benefit is that we get to "hear" exactly what the scientists have said, not Strobel's interpretation of what they said. What's more, Strobel stands in our place, probing and prodding and questioning until he's satisfied that the scientific theories and academic jargon have been translated into intelligible English. And more than once, he plays devil's advocate, bringing up a multitude of objections that Darwinians and all those other non-creationists would be likely to point out. There are moments in the book when the filler --- the background on each of the interviewees, say, or the scene-setting paragraphs --- starts to feel a bit contrived. But that's a minor glitch in the otherwise seamless narrative, sort of like hitting a rumble strip on a highway every now and then. You know it's there, but soon enough you're back on smooth asphalt again. Given the enormous amount of information and insight Strobel offers, it's a minor glitch indeed. Simply put, THE CASE FOR A CREATOR has done for the existence of God what Strobel's other titles did for Christ and faith itself: amassed such a preponderance of evidence on the pro side that the con side starts to look downright foolish. You're not likely to find another book so packed with scientific data that is as compelling and enjoyable to read as this one is. It's a terrific starting point for anyone who has been hesitant to tackle denser tomes on origins and creation, but it's also a great resource for those who already have a fair amount of knowledge on those subjects. --- Reviewed by Marcia Ford
Rating:
Summary: The Case for a Creator is a Slam Dunk
Review: For decades, many scientists, educators and the media have portrayed the theories of Darwinian evolution and the naturalistic formation of the universe as the products of proven science. Public schools and universities continue to teach these theories as the exclusive explanations for the formation of the universe, living creatures and human consciousness. As recently as last month a scientist believing in a Creator was scratched from an NPR program discussing creation, and teachers are still prohibited from criticizing Darwinism or favorably discussing intelligent design theories in public schools. But is science really backing up Darwin and the spontaneous creation of the universe? Is belief in God as the Creator of all things consistent with the latest discoveries in science? Lee Strobel's latest book, The Case for a Creator, attempts to determine and explain whether the arrow of science is pointing in the direction of God or Darwin. Strobel presents solid scientific and philosophical evidence supporting the idea that God as Creator is the only reasonable theory for creation. Strobel's case is built on information garnered from interviews with several experts in the fields of biology, physics, cosmology, astronomy, biochemistry and the human mind. Strobel's latest book follows the patterns of his previous books, The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith. In all three books Strobel creates a narrative of investigative journalism delving into the mysteries in question. The Case for a Creator begins with Strobel providing an introduction to the conflict between theories of Darwinian evolution and intelligent design. He gives his own history of buying into the godless theories of creation hook, line and sinker during his years in high school and college. It was his faith in these theories that led him to accept atheism as a reasonable approach to life. His later investigations into the evidence for Christ and faith led him to reject atheism and to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. The premise for this book is found in a quote by Stephen Meyer, Ph. D, one of the experts interviewed by Strobel. He says, "Science and faith are not at war. When scientific evidence and biblical teaching are correctly interpreted, they can and do support each other. I'd say to anyone who doubts that: investigate the evidence yourself." The Case for a Creator invites readers to investigate the evidence. Strobel lays it out for you in as readable a manner as I think possible. Critics claim that Strobel sets the table in favor of a Creator by interviewing only experts who believe in the Creator rather than other theories. It is true that he does not interview any atheistic scientists, but he uses many of their arguments to query the experts he interviews. In fact, he regular quotes Darwin and his supporters. He quotes several other opposing scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Stephen Jay Gould. Strobel presents many of the theories opposing theism. What becomes clear while reading this book is that many educators and researchers are committed to keeping God out of the equation at all costs, even at the cost of clinging to outdated and imaginative theories of creation. Strobel gives his readers plentiful ammunition to attack the theories espoused by the evolutionists and atheists in any arena. As he shows, the holes in atheistic theories require much more faith to fill than is required to believe that an intelligent God created all things according to Biblical truths.
Rating:
Summary: It is written in the stars...
Review: Great book, Lee Strobel is a delight to read. This is a persuasive book for the common man looking to understand the pros of the intelligent design and the cons of evolutionary theory. Mr. Strobel chooses to boil his points down to the common man mentality, so it will not lose those of us without degrees in science. It is sad to scan the few negative reviews of this book only to find A.) People who obviously didn't read the whole book. (or at least did not comprehend its message) B.) Those who attack the validity of the book simply because it wasn't written to appeal specifically to the scientific community. C.) Those whose own biases will never allow them to take any work which challenges the scientific status quo seriously.
Rating:
Summary: Well written introduction
Review: Having a very different academic background (social sciences), I was looking for an introductory work to understand the main discussions derived by the interaction of Science and Faith. Lee Strobel's book turned out to be a great source in that sense. Strobel uses his usual method: interviews with high-level personalities on the scientific landscape to answer various suggestive questions: is there a way to establish connections between Science and Metaphysics? Is Science pointing towards God or away from Him? Is it really possible to talk about an Intelligent Designer or a Creator of the Universe based on scientific grounds? In short, this Case for a Creator is a cumulative case built from the discoveries and evidence of several fields of knowledge. Strobel addresses a set of multidisciplinary issues: the doubts about Darwinism (implications of the Cambrian Explosion), the discoveries of cosmology (analyzes the Big Band theory), physics (anthropoic fine-tuning of the Universe), astronomy, biochemistry (explains molecular design), DNA information, and human consciousness. Strobel's conclusion is compelling: the testimony of science clearly supports theism, it enlightens what naturalistic evolutionary theories fail to explain. In that sense, the main objectives of the book are well achieved. The author describes some overlapping territories between Faith and Science, brings a fine introduction to the Intelligent Design scientific movement, explains the thought and work of some important contemporary's scientists and philosophers like Jonathan Wells, Stephen C. Meyer, Robin Collins, William Lane Craig and J.P. Moreland, to name a few -all Christian sources, it must be said-, and recommends further readings on the specific topics. Engaging, easy readable and well written, Strobel's book was a very valuable source for me as an introduction to this unknown landscape: it opened new windows in my quest to know God. And it left me wanting for more.
Rating: 
Summary: More dishonesty from Lee Strobel
Review: I don't know how to rate this. For its intended purpose, to lend a scientific air to Creationism for the Creationist-minded, it does a great job. Dishonestly of course, but a great job. In his introduction, Strobel has this to say: "When I first began exploring these issues in the early 1980's, I found that there was sufficient amount of evidence to guide me to a confident conclusion. Much has changed since then, however. Science is always pressing relentlessly forward, and a lot more data and many more discoveries have poured into the reservoir of scientific knowledge during the past twenty years. All of which has prompted me to ask a new question: does this deeper and richer pool of contemporary scientific research contradict or affirm the conclusions I reached so many years ago? Put another way, in which direction-toward Darwin or God-is the current arrow of science pointing?" He goes on to explain that his approach would be to cross-examine authorities, doctorate-level professors. My, what an amazing coincidence that all the doctorate-level authorities that he picked happen to be Christian theists! I expect that I am going to be misinterpreted as "bashing" his authorities simply by being Christian. No, that's not the point. Most Christians I know are fine people. But, if you are really wanting to find out whether science confirms the "God theory", you don't only pick people that you know ahead of time are going to say "yes, Lee, that is exactly right." That's like saying, "I'm going to get to the bottom of this Buddhist stuff, I'm going to interview a bunch of Buddhist monks and see if they tell me that Buddhism is all its cracked up to be." I can tell that Strobel is smart enough to know this, so I can only conclude that his pretense of playing the skeptic is pure deception. Similarly, while I agree that the people who Strobel interviewed have good credentials, they do hold minority opinions in their fields. Again, I am not "bashing" his authorities simply for holding minority opinions-minority opinions can and do become majority opinions. But again, if you are actually trying to do an investigation, you don't simply talk to people who hold minority opinions and ask them if their opinion is correct. I find this more evidence of Strobel's pretense of playing the skeptic to be a complete farce. For the rest of the book, Strobel basically asks the question, "why is there something instead of nothing?" This is, indeed, the most imponderable of imponderables. The problem is, even if he is right that God made everything, God is still a "SOMETHING" and so you still are left with the question, "why is there SOMETHING instead of nothing". He of course produced the usual answers about God needs no why, is eternal, etc. But that is just a dodge, you simply cannot answer why is there God instead of nothing. Ultimately, there just is no answer to the question, "why is there something instead of nothing?" and not even God can fix that. I know that most people think "God" is at least a better answer than no answer, but its not. God is just a magic "black box" (to borrow from Dr. Behe, who called the cell a black box) that can fix every question. If you already believe that God makes a good answer for any mystery, then you'll love this book. If you don't, you will see it is just more dishonesty from Strobel.
Rating:
Summary: The Case for a Creator
Review: I enjoyed this book very much. Could not put it down and I am ordering copies for my family and friends as I do not want to give out my copy and take a chance of not getting it back. This book uses todays scientific advances to show why the "thinking" person should consider the Creator God as being the cause of the creation of all visible and invisible things. If you are a believer this book will strengthen your faith. If you are not, then it will make you consider the possibility that God does exist and did create all we see and is still in contact with the whole of his creation.
Rating:
Summary: Solid arguments against 'evolution of the gaps'
Review: I just finished this book. I would have to say on the whole that it is a strong case that the evolution/materialist school of thought is starting to crumble (or at least show cracks). This book serves as equal time for scientists from a multitude of disciplines to have a voice. Just this afternoon picked up a skeptic magazine with an article on intelligent design (ID). It implies that almost all ID proponents are theologians/philosophers and not scientists (not true) Michael Behee is the only real credible scientist to believe in intelligent design and publish (not true). Further it paints ID as simply say that 'things are too complex to happen randomly, so therefore there's a God' (not true). It's no wonder that ID gets so trashed since people are beginning from such a misinformed starting place. What we learn from this book is that the quantity and quality of scientists that have concluded intelligent design is much larger and more fortified that this. There are stories of scientists who completely changed directions on evolution based upon recent scientific findings (including one who wrote a book on evolutionary beginning of life). Plus, ID goes much beyond complexity issues. It talks about what evidence shows us, or doesn't show us to support differing points of view. So here are common criticisms of this book and books like it: First, people complain that he 'doesn't interview people with opposing viewpoints'. This is quite a curious requirement from a community that doesn't do the same (read: hypocritical). How many texts for evolution provide opposing viewpoints from ID scientists? Lee brings up numerous objections to points being made from the interviewees (the very points coming from skeptics) and presses them to a point. He is not qualified to have an exhautive scientific debate with either side, but that isn't the purpose of this book. He is building a case for intelligent design and has given a collective voice to a growing moving of scientists that support this case. Someone else is fully free to write a book opposing this. Second, 'Science cannot prove or disprove God'. How useful is it to say that a method that assumes God doesn't exist cannot prove/disprove God? This book challenges people to lay out all the evidence and draw the best conclusions (get it? The CASE for a Creator). It describes attributes of things we know are designed, attributes we things we know are random. Then, compared these attributes to things like DNA, the structure of the universe, etc. Further it references history, fossil records, etc. to support the position. It draws into serious question whether the 19th century theory of evolution has really been substantiated or refuted by what we've discovered over the last century. I think this is perhaps Lee's best book. Although many scientists have put out books refuting evolution and supporting intelligent design, this book was a nice cross section of different disciplines and makes a cogent set of arguments.
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