Book Review: The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

I didn't know what to expect from the subtitle on the cover of this book. Hmm, a personal investigation - how interesting could that be? Would this book consist of a litany of dry facts uncovered because the author dug through ancient records and recorded events, or could I expect to be drawn into a story that would make all of the investigative facts come alive for me, the reader?

Well, the story came alive all right! As I turned the pages, one after another, the information provided by the thirteen scholars and authorities that Lee Strobel interviewed led me deeper and deeper into such a compelling "plot", if I may call it that, that I didn't want to put the book down and risk losing the momentum that my emotions were feeling.

The cast of characters

The author himself is a main character. All through the book he draws generously from the wealth of experience he acquired through his work as an investigative reporter. Strobel deftly sprinkles captivating stories here and there, entertaining the reader with unusual modern-day facts and findings while using those same stories to illustrate the evidence that he is slowly but surely uncovering from the past.

Then, of course, there are the thirteen leading scholars and authorities who were chosen, according to the author, because of their impeccable academic credentials. Each of these thirteen people offers unique evidence, and Strobel weaves the fascinating evidence that they provide into the three overarching sections of the book: examining the record, analyzing Jesus, and researching the resurrection.

I could visualize each and every scholar that Strobel interviewed. Blomberg, for instance, was described as being ..."Tall (six feet two) and lanky, with short, wavy brown hair unceremoniously combed forward, a fuzzy beard, and thick, rimless glasses..." Following Blomberg, twelve equally interesting authorities are paraded before the reader. Because the author appears to be very detail-oriented, we get to know them all and slowly and surely absorb the knowledge that each conveys.

And finally, the conclusion

Strobel brings the book to a close with a chapter entitled: Conclusion - the verdict of history. What does the evidence establish-and what does it mean today?

The author also shares what transpired on November 8, 1991 during a talk he had with God.

My own conclusion

This is a book that Christians may well choose to purchase and keep on display in a handy location on a reference shelf. It is available in paperback at any leading bookstore, and is fortunately available in cost-saving multiples of six so that you can share copies with others. One website you can visit for costs and availability is christianbook.com.