The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity by Lee Strobel

Jan 25, 2012 Ancient rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Christians who only want to be told what they want to hear

Shelves: f-this-crap, religion

Rated 1 star for false advertising, unsatisfactory answers given.

Here we have another spin-off for Strobel the self-proclaimed "former atheist," "skeptic," and "journalist." In brief, Strobel goes on a quest to find answers for "the toughest questions that stand between people and faith in Christianity." What's funny is that Strobel thinks (or pretends to think) that he can actually "get to the bottom of this Christianity thing once and for all." Not only that, he thinks he can accomplish this m...more Rated 1 star for false advertising, unsatisfactory answers given.

Here we have another spin-off for Strobel the self-proclaimed "former atheist," "skeptic," and "journalist." In brief, Strobel goes on a quest to find answers for "the toughest questions that stand between people and faith in Christianity." What's funny is that Strobel thinks (or pretends to think) that he can actually "get to the bottom of this Christianity thing once and for all." Not only that, he thinks he can accomplish this monumental task after only two years of research(!) - and by research, Stobel means interviewing a small number of Christian apologists who all share the same opinions.

The idea that this breezy, half-assed book is somehow going to put any serious doubts about the Christian faith to rest is absurd to begin with. It's also a mystery as to why Strobel thinks he can continue posing as a no-nonsense, hard-nosed investigator. He spends most of his interviews accepting everything he is told only occasionally raising a token objection here and there for show. Even somebody who knows next to nothing about how to carry on an investigation outside of what he or she has read in a crime novel or saw in a detective movie could tell you that an investigator never gets anywhere by just taking one side of the story at face value the way Strobel does.

The preface to TCFF is the most telling part of the book. It serves as a parable summing up the thrust of Strobel's entire argument, a story about two men, Billy Graham and Charles Templeton, the preacher and the preacher turned skeptic.

In this prefatory parable, we are told that Templeton (former evangelical crusader and colleague of Graham) lost his faith because he begans to ask serious questions about his evangelical Christian beliefs. In Strobel's own words, instead of "letting his heart soar to God, Templeton's intellect kept him securely tied down." In contrast to Templeton, Billy Graham, when confronted with troubling questions, prayed to God and decided to simply believe in whatever he can't understand instead of facing the difficult questions head on. Because he chose the way of simpleminded faith, we are told that Graham was rewarded with feelings of strength and empowerment and later further rewarded with great success in his ministry career. (Prosperity and success always carry more weight with these people than any kind of intellectual integrity. They're salesmen, not sages. )

Is it a little odd that a book claiming to ask and answer difficult religious questions would begin by demonizing critical thinking and intellectual honesty? Is it strange that before the reader even reaches the first chapter of a book claiming to take an honest look at "the toughest questions facing Christian beliefs", a person who dares question conventional, evangelical/fundamentalist dogma is portrayed as standing on a precipice of doom all but surely condemned to a future of misery, failure, ruin and despair? This might seem quite strange at first - that is until you realize this book never intends to ask any questions in the spirit of legitimate inquiry. TCFF is nothing more than another way of remarketing the same old type of fundamentalist Christian theology where "making a decision for Christ" far outweights any thinking for oneself.

Look for the further adventures of Strobel in his upcoming book:
The Case for More Ca$h: How an Aging, Mediocre Journali$t Found Jesus... Could Be So Financially Profitable!(less)

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Jun 22, 2008 Peter rated it 2 of 5 stars

Perhaps a litmus test for one's attitude toward fundamental Christianity.

Good for those whose aim is to become or stay Christian, not so good for those without preconcieved notions.

The book makes no secret of the fact that its design is to aid persons who already desire to be Christians.

For example, the last chapter is dedicated to disputing "Obection #8: I Still Have Doubts, So I Can't Be A Christian".

And in Strobel's Ch. 2 interview with William Craig, Craig states, "You don't need to have all...more

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Feb 24, 2008 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-non-fiction

This book is so worth reading! Even better than The Case for Christ! Parts of it are really scientific and, for me, those were difficult to get through, but I was astounded by the quotes of the atheistists! I had no idea that they had such little fact on which to base their beliefs. I didn't know that so many physicists and biologists today are Christians simply because of the evidence in their studies that cannot be ignored. One part of the book that stuck with me was when someone said that whe...more

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May 01, 2008 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

A perfect book for the intellectual, the doubter and the inquisitive. Mind gripping answers to soul seeking questions.

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Oct 29, 2009 stan rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion

I tried to read this with an open mind, but the lack of any sort of rational argument is making this very difficult. This book should be renamed "The Case for Faith (if you already have plenty of it)". Maybe I was wrong in going into this book thinking it was justifications for everyone and not just those who already have faith. Because if you don't already have faith, this book makes zero valid points and just frustrates any analytical reader with non-existant logic, false sincerity and a lot o...more

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Mar 02, 2009 Holly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian

Extremely readable (compared to Lewis and Mere Christianity) and compelling. With chapter titles like: "Since Evil and Suffering Exist, a Loving God Cannot" "It's Offensive to Claim Jesus is the Only Way to God" " A Loving God Would Never Torture People in Hell" and more...these are all topics Lewis covers in Mere Christianity but what is different about Strobel is that he searches for answers with people specializing in certain topics...Strobel is a man with questions and seeks out the most int...more

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Sep 04, 2007 Deb added it · review of another edition

as in his other books, strobel tackles some of the tough objections to the christian religion--this time objections that would lead to a lack of faith. these include the problems of human suffering and human evolution. strobel does this by talking to people, he interviews christian authorities on these matters and then shares his refections. it might not convince anyone who isn't already convinced, but it does offer a personal approach to intellectual problems which at least helps make the book...more

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Jul 06, 2008 Travis rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think this is a must read for people of all Christian faiths. There are some great insights as to how some of the biggest obstacles to us being Christian are misconceptions. I didn't care for the one paragraph that was not a fan of Mormonism, but to each his own. The rest of the book is so spiritual that it more than makes up for it. And I have to say, the section about Hell was so completely enlightening. I had NO IDEA what the real concept of the place was until I read that chapter. This boo...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Michael Caplan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christianity, atheism, religion

This was my first introduction to Strobel's "Case for..." series. In this book, Stobel travels the USA interviewing experts in Christian Evangelical faith on common objections.

While his work is highly readable and educational about Evangelical beliefs, his arguments for faith and against non belief lack quality and smack of intellectual dishonesty. His claims of objectivity (he at one point was a practicing journalist), well roundedness (he was once an atheist and therefore able to represent the...more This was my first introduction to Strobel's "Case for..." series. In this book, Stobel travels the USA interviewing experts in Christian Evangelical faith on common objections.

While his work is highly readable and educational about Evangelical beliefs, his arguments for faith and against non belief lack quality and smack of intellectual dishonesty. His claims of objectivity (he at one point was a practicing journalist), well roundedness (he was once an atheist and therefore able to represent the other side), and hard hitting fact finding (again, he is a retired journalist who spends allot of time self inflating to his readers) is absolutely farcical.

His version of hard hitting journalism lets him write books debunking non-belief without ever once interviewing a person of this persuasion. Strobel would have us believe that he is able to best characterize the other camp objectively on his own - not that he has a vested interest in defending his faith. Because of this, his work allows for obvious gaping holes in argument that any somewhat seasoned skeptic would challenge.

Beyond this highly problematic structure to interrogating faith and non belief, he aligns himself with some questionable sources. Especially in the later published "The Case for a Creator," Strobel finds himself arm-in-arm with those who are more than willing to resort to lies, half truths, and the espousing of FUD in order to make advances in the faith wars. (see Discovery Institute and the infamous Wedge document that was leaked http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedge_st...).

Regardless, the most important feature of Strobel's work is what he does not speak of and what he portrays with single sidedness. With this in mind, I found it highly useful to read Strobel while reading critiques at the same time. For example, Paul Doland's excellent critique (http://www.infidels.org/library/moder...) rounds off Strobel's "Case for Faith" and helps Strobel live up to his own standards.

In all, as a person who does not have much experience with faith, Strobel's work leaves me wondering what his agenda really is. There seems to be much more going on under the surface of Strobel's seemingly benevolent fact finding spiritual missions.(less)

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May 08, 2013 M. L. Wilson added it

This book gets absolutely no stars from me and I will explain why.

I went into this book with the greatest hopes and wound up bitterly disappointed. Mr. Strobel (who claims to be an ace reporter. Hmm.) attaches far too much to the belief of Dr. Norman Geisler and fails to challenge him on the most basic biblical knowledge and church history. Most notably is an exchange between Strobel and Geisler that occurs in chapter 4. (I haven't time nor inclination to list the rest of my complaints with this...more This book gets absolutely no stars from me and I will explain why.

I went into this book with the greatest hopes and wound up bitterly disappointed. Mr. Strobel (who claims to be an ace reporter. Hmm.) attaches far too much to the belief of Dr. Norman Geisler and fails to challenge him on the most basic biblical knowledge and church history. Most notably is an exchange between Strobel and Geisler that occurs in chapter 4. (I haven't time nor inclination to list the rest of my complaints with this book.)

In Chapter 4, Strobel asks Geisler how a loving God could allow for the slaughter of innocents already residing in the Land of Canaan at the hands of the Jews. Geisler dismisses this abysmal behavior of Almighty God by first stating that no one is innocent and that God in His holiness had to punish sin and rebellion. Geisler then goes on to list all of the sins of the various peoples and explains that such is the reason they had to be destroyed. To his credit, Strobel presses him about the babies and children who are also savagely slaughtered. (If any of you are unfamiliar with what happened to slaves - especially women and children back then, read up on it. The deaths these hapless people met were not pleasant - nor quick.) Geisler responds that since God created life, it is His to take. He continued with this weak rationale and then summated by explaining that because the children were Amalekites (or Canaanites, or whoever), there was no hope for them in any respect; he likened them to a gangrenous leg that had to be excised from the body.

Strobel challenges no further and even when Geisler states that the younger children are basically "okay" because of the "Age of Accountability" which can be found in the Bible. Really? Where exactly is that? I am unfamiliar with a magical age that ensures salvation because if there was, then no one is damned period. In John 10:27-29, Jesus said that no one will snatch his sheep from his hand. Ergo, if one is "saved" as a child, then they remain saved. Argue the theology all you want, but Geisler is plain wrong here and as a Ph.D he should know this. He does not and neither does Strobel.

My ire with this book is that Christ brought us a NEW COVENANT; not an addendum nor codicil. Geisler - despite his many degrees - seems not to understand that and Strobel allowed him to get away with it. My disgust with this book should be evident to anyone by now.

How many people have been turned off to the love of Christ because of these two men is unknown to me, but suffice to say there are many. If both Lee Strobel and Norman Geisler ever bothered to read the Apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians (Galatians 5:22 specifically), they would see very quickly that their "logic" and "rationale" is sorely lacking.

I cannot stress enough how much disinformation there is in this book. Read it at your peril, but please do not recommend it to anyone. As Christians, we're called to be a Light to the world, not their judges and executioners. (less)

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Dec 25, 2012 Carly rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

I somehow had the urge, on Christmas day, no less, to review this... maybe as explanation for why I'm not sitting in church right now... a "bah, humbug" review, I suppose. I used to identify as Christian. I read this book. I'm now agnostic. Obviously, losing faith isn't that simple, correlation doesn't imply causation, and this book may be great for some people, but I want to add my reaction because I'm concerned for anyone who reads this book while troubled about their faith...it may be a reall...more I somehow had the urge, on Christmas day, no less, to review this... maybe as explanation for why I'm not sitting in church right now... a "bah, humbug" review, I suppose. I used to identify as Christian. I read this book. I'm now agnostic. Obviously, losing faith isn't that simple, correlation doesn't imply causation, and this book may be great for some people, but I want to add my reaction because I'm concerned for anyone who reads this book while troubled about their faith...it may be a really, really bad idea.

I grew up in the church, but I've always had doubts. I'm a logician at heart, and there are a lot of direct contradictions in the Bible. There are also a lot of teachings which have been discarded in light of our culture(e.g. the role of women, most of the Old Testament laws, etc) and my very tautological mindset has issues with pick-and-choose precepts. Anyway, growing up in the church, I learned quickly that hard questions were not welcomed. (Yes, this includes those alpha groups. I tried a few--after getting questions shut down, I tried contacting the leaders and asking if it was ok for me to come...I was gently told that my concerns might "contaminate" others.) That "don't confuse me with the facts" mentality is what eventually made me give up. And this book has it in spades.

I was given this book (as a Christmas gift, incidentally) quite a few years ago by a truly kind and compassionate member of my church who hadn't read it but thought it might help me with those "hard questions." As it turns out, it didn't, and in fact helped to kill most of my remaining faith. I found Strobel's God to be one much more interested in righteousness and justice than forgiveness or compassion. He felt to me like the other side of the coin of C.S. Lewis's God of joy and love.

Strobel sets out a bunch of "laws" and "rules" dogmatically, not all of which (I felt) are biblically supported. Take, as one example, the fun parts of the Old Testament where God orders pillage, rape, murder and genocide. I sort of developed a comfort with the "continuing revelation" view of the Bible--that God first reveals himself to Abraham as in some ways a god of the mountain, and that as he continued to reveal himself, people understood more clearly about mercy as opposed to hard justice. Strobel doesn't agree. I also never believed in inerrancy--it's the whole direct contradiction issue--and Strobel does. So that means he actually had the fun task of arguing that the genocides and rapes and slaughters,of, say, the Canaanites in the Old Testament were justified. Strobel's response: they were bad people, so they--and their children and camels--deserved what was coming to them.

Another section that bothered me was about exclusivity. I've always believed (I know, I know, this automatically shows why I couldn't survive in the church) that God must be bigger than the labels and regimented doctrine of Judeo-Christianity. Why would he limit himself to only one small group? What happened to people born before then? What happens to someone who never learned of Jesus? Why could God not have been continually revealing himself to people throughout time, to people who never fully grasp Him and therefore splinter themselves into various religions? (I know, it's heresy. But then, I'm no longer Christian...maybe I never really was.) Strobel asks some of these in his interview...but comes up with neatly packaged answers supporting exclusivity. He argues that God being God, God must somehow give everyone the opportunity. And apparently, all other religions are "wrong" and "arrogant" for "daring" to consider their religion better than Christianity. I cannot reconcile with a God who sends backbiting Christians to Heaven because they jump through some hoops and get all their names right while sending, say, faithful, righteous, and compassionate Muslims to Hell.

And speaking of Hell...there's an entire chapter devoted to it. It is actually possible, if you're careful, to read what Jesus says about Hell, the weeping and gnashing of teeth, as simply ending rather than eternal torment. For me, that was OK. I'm comfortable with ending and becoming nothing. Eternity scares me. Eternal Hell also seems to me to contradict the argument that God uses earthly pain as a teaching tool like a parent making a child do his homework. (Speaking of which, apparently children get a free pass--Strobel "saves" the children from Hell via the "age of accountability" doctrine--apparently there's a mystical cutoff at which point you become responsible and can go darkside. I don't understand this, and I see no biblical support.) What parent, no matter how sick, twisted, and bad, could ever send their child to eternal time-out, let alone Hell? How could God? According to Strobel and his interviewee, God thinks we each have "intrinsic value", so shoving us in hopeless Hell from which there is no chance of redemption somehow "saves" that "value", whereas nonexistence would destroy it. That sounds dangerously close to a sociopathic viewpoint to me. And how could anyone be happy in Heaven knowing anyone--no matter how bad--was being eternally tormented? Apparently, they're just dandy with that "value" thing. Look, if Strobel's right, I'm headed straight to Hell without passing go or collecting $200. I can't picture my parents feeling happy knowing that I'm eternally tormented. They'd rather I was just gone. The only reason to keep us there would be the CS Lewis Great Divorce style redemption--where even after death, people could be reconciled to God. No chance, says Strobel, because if God is infinitely wise, how could anyone die without having sufficient opportunities? This touches home, as (like most people) I know people who have committed suicide due to serious mental depression (and possibly poor medical treatment for it). According to Strobel, they're downstairs being tortured right now, and will scream in Hell for all eternity.

The last section is about how it's OK to have doubts. But before you start feeling better, they have to be the "right" doubts. And of course, they will be magically resolved via prayer and supplication and a relationship with God. To be honest, I've tried and agonized. I've never felt God. I've never had a relationship. And I still have (pardon the pun) a Hell of a lot of doubts.

I'm no longer Christian. This book isn't the only reason why, but it certainly was a contributing factor to my sense of alienation from the church and the community. I want to dismiss it, ignore it, erase it from my mind, but I never can. Much of it also has a significant amount of biblical support. This book scares me, and while it promises me eternal torment for not towing the line, it also makes me physically unable to do so. I worry that for doubters like me, this book is dangerous and toxic to faith. But again, everyone reacts differently; maybe some people will benefit from it. If you are firm in your faith, it may be a very interesting read to contrast with C.S.Lewis.(less)

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Nov 11, 2012 Ben rated it 5 of 5 stars

Closed-minded atheists will not appreciate this work (or any other pro-God book) and will ultimately find ways to ridicule its content simply because they don't want to hear/believe any case for our Creator. For Christians and open-minded seekers of Jesus, this book will open your eyes and hearts to understand the objections to Christianity and offer valid, beneficial viewpoints to help answer them. I've been a Christian for nearly twenty years and I've had many doubts about my faith in the past...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Rhonnie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, the-life-changers

I love this book. Strobel asks tough questions and makes a great case for a lot of the struggles people have with a loving God and His people. I have found that rabid atheists get angry by this book, thinking he wrote it to prove faith without a shadow of a doubt. He doesn't claim to do that and he doesn't claim the case to be closed. But he takes an open-minded look at many people's "toughest objections." It's up to the reader to make their decision, just like it's up to every soul to make it's...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Christopher rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianity

Like "The Case for Christ," this is my second or third time reading this book, but unlike the aforementioned title, "The Case for Faith" is just as good the second or third time around as it is the first time. Perhaps it's because Mr. Strobel is tackling fewer issues in this book and, thus, has more room to write what was discussed. Or maybe it's because the issues he investigates (suffering, hell, the dark side of church history, etc.) are perennial issues that can attack even the most devout C...more

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Aug 23, 2011 Brian rated it 1 of 5 stars

It starts with 'You ask too many questions and you think too much' then gets worse from there. It presumes that the reader believes the Jesus mythology then goes ahead and uses quotes from the bible, in a circular logic, to support the claims of...wait for it...the bible. I went along with the premise of assuming Jesus to be real, but it really didn't help.

From one chapter to the next the author fails to keep his arguments coherent. In one chapter God is hidden, then in the next a problematic sc...more

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Jul 22, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book. I think it is a much better resource and way more relevant than "The Case for a Creator," which I read previously. However, I must say this book is not for everybody. Each one of the "Big 8" questions that Strobel asks could easily fill volumes on their own (and some of them already have). I would consider the chapters in this book an "introduction" to each of the topics they present, not the one and final answer, which is unfortunately what too many people are looking for. I...more

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Dec 29, 2010 Hayden rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-apologetics

Now, the reason I even gave Strobel a star is because of the few particles of wisdom that I scavenged from the plethora of waste that I scoured through while reading this biased, pre-disposed, and less than skeptical investigation. I have to read Strobel in school for science class (I attend a faith school), more specifically, The Case for a Creator; it is dreadful. First, his pompous and theatrical rhetoric at the auspice of each and every chapter is the same--he says, "What a doubt, what a do...more

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Feb 07, 2013 Patricia rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christians and Jesus Seekers

In _the case for faith_, Strobel attempts to tackle the top 8 criticisms or objections to forging a Christian faith. He interviews eight scholars, who each hold prestigious appointments at reputable tier 1 to 3 schools, and have authored numerous publications--though many are through Christian presses. Each scholar is meant to be the credible voice on one of the eight objections.

Strobel employs a formulaic writing style, such that his chapters read rather similarly. The structure he uses: 1) beg...more In _the case for faith_, Strobel attempts to tackle the top 8 criticisms or objections to forging a Christian faith. He interviews eight scholars, who each hold prestigious appointments at reputable tier 1 to 3 schools, and have authored numerous publications--though many are through Christian presses. Each scholar is meant to be the credible voice on one of the eight objections.

Strobel employs a formulaic writing style, such that his chapters read rather similarly. The structure he uses: 1) begin the chapter with an anecdote that introduces the objection in an emotionally charged and socially relevant way; 2) proclaim that "[strobel] needed to find someone who could tackle this dilemma head-on!"; 3) introduce the interviewee, his appearance and home or office, and his credentials (all male); 4) explain that Strobel wouldn't make things easy for the interviewee, which apparently bolsters Strobel's ethos 5) provide a prose transcript of the interview, which is meant to dismantle many of the objections and any related sub-points.

I appreciated the formulaic approach, since I could focus on the content more than Strobel's style. As for tackling the toughest criticisms of a Christian faith, much was left unhandled. For example, Strobel interviews someone on the objection, "why does God let children suffer?" (I cannot recall the exact title of the chapter). The interviewee only tackled two scenarios of children's suffering, but didn't explore other examples of suffering, e.g. Mental limitations and physical deformities. On the other hand, Strobel's interviews often provide answers that are quite compelling and explanatory. For instance, a chapter is devoted to the question of why God, who hates when his children suffer, would send people to hell when he wouldn't necessarily have to. The interviewee explains that what makes hell terrible is that it is void of God. The suffering comes from regretting the choice to remain the center of your universe rather than making God the center. To the scholar, our time on earth is an incubation period wherein we each decide if we want to be with God or not. We have free will, so we get to decide on hell or heaven.

That explanation might sound ridiculous to many people, but it gave a satisfying answer to the enduring question of "what is life for?" The answer, according to this text, is that it's meant for us to identify if we want eternity with or without God. That's a pretty decent answer, I'd say.

Of course, the book cannot begin to absolutely sell the sceptic on Christianity. There are many omissions, and necessarily so: a book can only be so long! But if you're a seeker or you are looking to reinforce your Christian faith, Strobel's texts are for you. (less)

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Sep 17, 2011 John rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a very interesting book, though I would certainly agree with those who say it's misleadingly advertised. As a former journalist, lawyer, and devout atheist, author Lee Strobel makes much of his unique qualifications for compiling this work; however, he lets the reader down on every count. As a piece of journalism, the book is a joke. Strobel knows from the outset what kind of answers he is looking for, and he chooses beforehand the kind of experts who will best support the conclusion he...more This is a very interesting book, though I would certainly agree with those who say it's misleadingly advertised. As a former journalist, lawyer, and devout atheist, author Lee Strobel makes much of his unique qualifications for compiling this work; however, he lets the reader down on every count. As a piece of journalism, the book is a joke. Strobel knows from the outset what kind of answers he is looking for, and he chooses beforehand the kind of experts who will best support the conclusion he had intended to write from the outset. That isn't to say his conclusion is wrong; it just isn't good journalism. Strobel tries to be cute in the format of the book by laying it out like a trial--with "evidence," "deliberations," and a "verdict". But, in this particular trial, Strobel embodies the entire trinity of prosecution, defense, and judge. He also leads witnesses and prejudices the jury (which I'm assuming is the reader), so the whole idea of faith being "on trial" is totally absurd. As a representative of skeptics, Strobel fails to follow up on his experts' opinions with questions that most intelligent atheists would be bound to ask. Sure, many of the questions Strobel posits are indeed difficult ones, but he doesn't ask them with the tenacity of a true atheist. The parts of the book where Strobel tries to come across as being truly critical of what the interviewees tell him are laughable in their blatant artificiality. How much the better if this book had been written by a true skeptic! Then there's the matter of Strobel's cheesy, self-serving writing-style... So, why then the four stars? Well, because the people who Strobel interviews truly provide a great deal of insight, and, whenever I was reading their words and not Stroble's, I was lovin' it. Not for being an effective piece of journalism, mind you, but for expanding my mind as to the possibilities of how God might reasonably operate--the best example for me being the chapter on hell, which changed my perspective on the topic completely; and that kind of paradigm shift just doesn't happen to people very often. So, despite its myriad flaws, the book was a valuable read for me. It's great to see such intelligent men expound on such interesting and important topics...and all without ever even once insulting or questioning the intelligence of those with contrary opinions or beliefs--a truly rare thing indeed. (less)

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Mar 26, 2008 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a wonderfully written book by a former skeptic of Christianity. He interviews some incredible minds and asks them hard questions concerning the 8 major objections to Christianity. He includes his personal thoughts and struggles with each of the issues and is very insightful. I highly recommend this for anyone who is seriously investigating the truthfulness of the Bible and struggling with whether or not they can believe the things that Jesus said.

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Aug 31, 2011 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christianity, religion

Lee Strobel is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. His honesty and objectivity comes through in this book in which he turns his journalist instincts and questions to those who profess to have faith. Faith is often erroneously defined as belief without evidence. As Strobel shows in his interviews, nothing could be further from the truth. "Faith is the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld," which is the definition that the Bible gives and the definition that I agree with....more

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Jun 22, 2012 Elliot rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: religion

Don't let the single star fool you: I think I might love Lee Strobel.

I first knew it when I nearly spit out my drink in laughter during a scene in his film The Case for Christ, a short documentary adaptation of his book by the same name, where he explains that he, supposedly an atheist, was so angered by the undeniable proof of the infallibility of the Gospels that he kicked down a door. Strobel has no problem stretching the truth when he describes himself with such terms as "skeptic" and "inves...more Don't let the single star fool you: I think I might love Lee Strobel.

I first knew it when I nearly spit out my drink in laughter during a scene in his film The Case for Christ, a short documentary adaptation of his book by the same name, where he explains that he, supposedly an atheist, was so angered by the undeniable proof of the infallibility of the Gospels that he kicked down a door. Strobel has no problem stretching the truth when he describes himself with such terms as "skeptic" and "investigative journalist", but when he says that he kicked down a door, you know damn well he means it. (Confession: He may actually have punched a hole in a wall. We had turned The Case for Christ into a drinking game, and so I don't remember exactly what household structure he viciously destroyed, nor do I care to look it up.) The Case for Faith is no different, with Strobel delicately carving lump upon lump of cheddar as his experts slam their fists on tables, tellingly cast their stunning blue eyes to the side, twitch their philosophic beards in thought.

I should be a lot angrier. Not because I expected this trash to be illuminating, but because I think that Christian apologists at least owe their intended audience a fair and accurate depiction of theoretical arguments against their religion. Strobel, who did only a year (!!!) of research for The Case for Faith, must have found it less time-consuming to carry straw to his interviewees than substance. They seemed happy, teeth glistening and postures noble, to oblige him. Again, this should bother me: but goodness, don't tell me it isn't incredibly fun to see yourself caricatured by this guy

And I should be bothered by Strobel's curious choice to rely on a single expert in each chapter, almost never independently investigating their assertions or finding corraborating evidence from other scholars.

Or his (rather typical) nebulousness on the relationship between faith and evidence. Strobel, the skeptic, enters this book already having proven -- beyond any doubt whatsoever -- the infallibility of the Bible and the divinity of Jesus. It's unclear what one, having accepted this conclusion, would ever do with any of the eight objections to Christianity he explores. Nor does Strobel, or his interviewees as a whole, express any consistent view of the balance between internal evidence and external evidence for faith. One on hand, Strobel mourns those whose "intellect" has interfered with their ability to give themselves to Christ in their heart; yet this very book is an appeal to the intellect, and often proceeds with arrogance and self-confidence totally opposed to the notion, presented at some moments in the book, that God has only placed the absolute minimum amount of evidence necessary on Earth so that we can exercise free will in choosing to have faith in him. Also present is a typical fetishization/trivialization of "doubt," which Strobel both praises as essential to a healthy faith, but does not actually explore (for what, given Strobel's obviously irrefutable evidence presented for the historical and philosophical truth of Christ, could ever make one sincerely have any doubt?). I've yet to see a really supreme handling of what strike me as two impulses in apologetics that work against each other -- 1) to explain how objectively convincing the historical and philosophical evidences are for Christ and 2) to claim that we must first find Christ inside in order to accept this evidence.

I probably should be angry, but I guess I am too closed-minded and perhaps a little too naive to see how anyone could ever take this seriously.(less)

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Oct 08, 2011 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2000, non-fiction, god, religion, journalism, spirituality, christianity, inspirational, big-life-questions, heaven, helpful, death, love, favorites, male-author, persuasion, thought-provoking, thank-god-for-this-book, controversial

I give this four stars...but I am already a Christian. I do feel it answered some of my questions and doubts, but I have no idea how an atheist would take to it. Obviously it's meant to bring people to God and since I have the advantage of already "knowing" God, I can't confidently give it 5 stars. I would be curious to know what further holes, if any, an atheist would poke into the case.

Same goes for the science section. To me, it made sense. But I am quite limited in my knowledge of science. I...more

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Feb 08, 2011 Jacqueline rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Those who struggle with faith, and those that do not.

Recommended to Jacqueline by: My mom

Shelves: genre-christian-theology

The eight toughest questions and objections against Christianity? Answered.

1. If there's a loving God, why does this pain-wracked world groan under so much suffering?
2. If the miracles of God contradict science, then how can any rational person believe that they're true?
3. If God really created the universe, why does the persuasive evidence of science compel so many to conclude that the unguided process of evolution accounts for life?
4. If God is morally pure, how can he sanction the slaughter o...more

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Apr 24, 2008 Jeremiah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-apologetics

This book is a great one-two punch when combined with The Case for Christ. CFC will provide the believer with an apologetic that will help you go on the offense; and this book will provide you with an apologetic that helps the reader to stand strong on defense-Christians need both. If I could recommend two books for any Christian to read to understand how they can know the Faith is true, this and CFC would be them.

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Jan 21, 2011 Jackie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read "The Case for Christ" for a class in college and absolutely loved it. So, of course, I felt compelled to ask for "The Case for Faith" for Christmas. Much like "The Case for Christ" this book is straight forward and well-written. While I didn't agree with everything, especially when it came to the theology on an eternal hell, I really appreciated the thoughts of the individuals Strobel interviewed. Several times I found myself having an "Oh, wow, what a fantastic point!" moment. I do have...more

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May 06, 2008 Julia rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book-- I really appreciated the straightforward style, and the honest way in which the author asks some of the hard questions about Christianity. He interviews several interesting people as he searches for answers, and doesn't settle for a easy, black-and-white view of things. I'd highly recommend it for anyone, Christian or not, who is thinking about spiritual issues.

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Dec 12, 2007 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: spirituality

After breaking up with the guy with the different religion, and being devistated it made me really sit down and think about my faith one more time. I enjoyed this book because it didn't make me question it even more, but made me think... what else CAN I believe. This is the only thing that makes sense. And its ok to have questions still, but Faith is all that is needed.

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Aug 05, 2011 Anna added it · review of another edition

I loved it. The book is thought-provoking and challenging for the believer and non-believer alike, and is well-written with an in-depth, pragmatic approach. Strobel goes through eight of the major "heart objections" that people have to Christianity and provides explanations from a wide variety of sources, none of whom shy away from the toughness of the issues. I have honestly felt strengthened and encouraged about the truth of what I believe by reading this; do any of us have all the answers, in...more

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Jan 21, 2010 Nicole La Croix-Agustin rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, even better than The Case for Christ, as it confronts many of the questions either I or someone else have raised regarding the Christian faith. It definitely challenges one to look deeper at their faith and be able to defend it when the need arises. I can continue using this book as a resource for years to come.

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