DOC The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus (Case for ... Series) by Lee Strobel in History

Review

183 of 197 people found the following review helpful. Best book next to the Bible.By Chef PerryIt's hard to rate this book with only 5 stars. I was raised a Mormon. After leaving the cult due to the Mormon inconsistencies and contradictions I found myself in a state of limbo. I didn't know what to believe. I knew that a God existed but wasn't sure if it was the Christian God; the many many Hindu gods or maybe some deity that was unknown and impersonal.The Case for Christ was a critical look at Christianity from the perspective of an atheist. Lee Strobel left no stone unturned. He tackled the historicity of the person Jesus; the resurrection account; miricals and every objection to which I wanted answers.50 of 53 people found the following review helpful. "The Holy Spirit whispers to our spirit that we belong to God" (p. 306)By Anthony BosnickAuthor Lee Strobel makes the statement quoted above at the end of this book. To him; the witness of the Spirit to us through an encounter with Christ is the ultimate confirmation of the truths proposed and taught by Christianity.Before this; he spends 14 chapters in the book looking at common objections some people present for why they do not believe that Jesus is truly God as Christians believe. Strobel--who was once himself a nonbeliever/atheist--refutes the objections and is convinced that the objections are baseless. His arguments convinced me; too; but not all of the chapters were as important to me as the others. We all come to acceptance or rejection of Jesus as God from different places; and unless we are set in our thinking against the truth of Christian revelation; it seems to me that at least some of Strobel's reasons should prove to be persuasive. I have known people; however; who are so set in their opposition to accepting the divinity of Christ that I doubt this book (or any others) will make a difference. (I had a friend in college who was so wounded by life while a child that he turned against God in anger and identified as an atheist. He refused to consider any arguments for Christ and the Church and had build up a wealth of reasons why he was correct.)This book should also be helpful to those who already believe in Christ because it presents many arguments and reservations by those opposed to belief in Christ. Knowing the arguments and sensible reasons against them can help Christians understand those opposing Christ and gives believers understanding of how to counter those arguments.I agree with Strobel about the importance of the Spirit revealing the truth to us. While I was somewhat catechized and taught about Christian truths as a child (as much as a post-Vatican II child could be!) and didn't have great objections to belief; my faith was not deep and wasn't really important to me. Confirmation of my belief came to me as I encountered Christ though Scripture; prayer; the Church and sacraments (especially the Eucharist); and the community of believers. My now long pilgrimage in seeking to know Christ and understand him has led to deeper faith and a more joyful experience of it. Over time; indifference and questions I once had melted away. At times the "melting" was quite rapid; at other times; quite slow. But I persevered and my pilgrimage continues and enriches my life more as time passes. And I think that through me; my faith is also enriching the lives of others too. As Sister Pat says; "Thank you; Jesus."40 of 42 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy B. NeulsWell written and logical. A must for anyone investigating the validity of the claims of the Gospel.