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The Case for Faith - Student Edition: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Lee Strobel knows how important it is to find answers that ring true. With his background as an award-winning legal journalist, asking tough questions has been his business. And while his search for the truth convinced Lee that Jesus is real, it also confronted him with some particulary knotty, gut-level questions about Christianity. Why is ther suffering? Doesn't science disprove miralcles? What about hell---and the millions who've never heard of Jesus? Is God unjust? They're the kind of conundrums that can---and have---blocked people's faith.
They don't have to block yours. Join Lee in a fascinating journey of discovery. You'll gain powerful insights that will reshape your understanding of the Bible. And you'll read true stories of people whose experiences demonstrate that fiath in Jesus not only make excellent sense, but a life-changing difference.
They don't have to block yours. Join Lee in a fascinating journey of discovery. You'll gain powerful insights that will reshape your understanding of the Bible. And you'll read true stories of people whose experiences demonstrate that fiath in Jesus not only make excellent sense, but a life-changing difference.
112 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2002
43 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strobel
213 books1,720 followersLee Patrick Strobel is an American Christian author and a former investigative journalist. He has written several books, including four that received ECPA Christian Book Awards (1994, 1999, 2001, 2005)[2] and a series which addresses challenges to the veracity of Christianity. He also hosted a television program called Faith Under Fire on PAX TV and runs a video apologetics web site.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 6, 2023
The format of this book is really good for students who have specific questions and need a place to find answers. The stories included by Strobel are easy to understand and relate to what I see our teens struggling with. Good read for adults too. For those who have questions about faith, evolution, what to believe, the facts are presented, examples, and further resources.
December 11, 2022
This book is.... unctuous. Maybe sneaky is a better word. I was expecting to find a good but not too wordy response to the "toughest objections to Christianity" in this short paperback. Instead we see answers that a middle schooler would have trouble arguing against and subtleties they probably aren't savvy enough to realize. To me I think the book has an agenda and is wildly and insidiously biased.
Roughly 45 seconds into this book I had to put it down and stop myself from throwing it across the room. The author, Lee Strobel, thought it would be a strong opening to discuss the bravery of pilot Todd Beamer on flight 93. First off, it's strange to me to invoke the power of fairth and the war on terror at the same time. After a few paragraphs Lee adds a blurb subtitled "Faith on Flight 93." It reads in its entirety:
"'If he gave up his life to save others, that would be Todd" Lisa said later.
What gives a man that kind of courage?
"Todd was a committed Christian, secure in his faith and his eternity," his wife wrote in a letter after the crash. Apparently that faith held strong to the very end. According to the Airfone operator, Todd's final words were, "God help me. Jesus help me. Are you ready? Let's roll!"'
So we're about one minute into the book about how super religion is and he's laid out an anecdote that shows how a person can face death without fear as long as they have their faith guiding them in the righteousness of their decision. Maybe that'd be a good point to make if it weren't for the fact that Todd was in this horrible situation in the first place because a few men had their faith emboldening them to face death, guiding them in the righteousness of their decision to hijack an airplane.
It reminds me of a satirical article in which people in the Middle East turned to religion for solace in the face of violence. One fictitious victim comments through tears "I cringe to think where the people of the Middle East would be right now if it weren't for our steadfast belief in one true, merciful, and loving Supreme Being."
Thankfully the book didn't carry on in such a manner after the September 11th introduction. As this book takes on the toughest objections to religion, the first chapter takes the 9/11 anecdote to move into the objection that if there is a God why is there suffering. One example I really like was that if you were trying to save a bear from a trap you may have to push his leg farther in to help; read: the sticky situations we get ourselves into sometimes need to get a little more painful before we get out. Ok... I dig that analogy and the book is filled with other good ones. And if I were in 9th grade maybe an analogy would get me somewhere but I don't find it that compelling. I have hard time seeing how this "Yale educated" and successful journalist can be satisfied with these cute analogies either.
The author also quotes CS Lewis (whom you already may know I don't like): "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is his megaphone to rouse the world." To me, the unbeliever, all this says is that God is a manifestation of human desperation. Like the maybe-religion-is-the-problem allusion I made earlier, either the author doesn't want to address these obvious objections, or perhaps his head is too far in the clouds to consider these interpretations. Instead of a serious analysis, chapter 1 soon ends on a sappy note. An interviewee says how God will come to you, he will be the answer, he will be exactly what you need.
Deep.
Chapter 3 takes on evolution. I'll admit Lee does a nice job of collecting some topical quotes that makes evolution sound silly, and for the sake of argument I will concede that maybe there is an intelligent designer. Even if I give that concession, trying to make young, curious students overly skeptical of evolution is not only intellectually irresponsible and base, I'd say that it's morally irresponsible. The advancement of biomedical technology is dependent upon biology whose foundation is evolution. Even if intelligent design doesn't stall or atrophy our medical capabilities, it is the anti-learning, it says "This is something we don't understand, it's so complex that God must have made it, look to it only to marvel at our super duper God!" Assuming God did design the earth and life, why can't people make some theories based on investigation and empiricism, especially since it provides us with health and longevity?! I think God is a touch sensitive for an all powerful celestial being.
Chapter 4 I have a bone to pick that's subtle. The book keeps nudging at the idea that monotheism is best, polytheism is a bit privative, and atheism is bad. An example of a subtle nudge is a chart on which we have Monotheism on the left (Islam, Judaism, Christianity), polytheism in the middle (Hinduism), and "There is no God" column on the right (Buddhism and Atheism). So... the presentation of the data is already biased. Christianity here on the left and whoa! way over here we have Buddhism... ut oh! In response to this thought that mono is best, NEWS FLASH: Trinity means a "trio" of God. If you consider all the pray making to the Virgin Mary and to patron saints in the Catholic church you're looking at polytheism. Even if you take away Mary and the Saints you are left with the trinity. I know theologically minded Christians can go on for volumes on the division of God and it still being one God, but a) why split it up then, and b) how can anyone possibly know about this subtle spiritual division? Indeed, the multiple and wide schisms this debate has caused in the church indicates people don't really know, they're just strongly opinionated.
Here's another point in this chapter that made me mad because they stop nudging and unabashedly hit you over the head with the point that Christianity is best. Buddhism is attractive because, "you can be good without having God." Islam is attractive because of "the politics of the places where it prospers." Is he saying it's imposed? I don't know... probably. Hinduism prospers because it teaches "treating the earth with reverence." Hippies!! "Why not Christ? Because he calls you to die to yourself. Whenever truth involves a total commitment, people resist. Christ demands more than people are willing to give." What a surprise you'd say that Christianity is the best and best for you, clearly that's why it's not popular... people are lazy! How about the fact Christianity doesn't call for dietary restrictions, no alcohol restrictions, the protestant ethic encourages building wealth, and you only need to put in an hour a week. And also, how about the fact that people don't shop for religions and that the analysis is absurd from the start?
As you can see... I was disappointed by this book. It's turned me into a ranting atheist! I suppose the point is I do not recommend this book. I must leave you with one last thought:
"Even though I might not have a completely good explanation at this point for why there's a hell, I know there's got to be an explanation because I have too much evidence that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God and he taught about those things."
1) What evidence?
2) How con-ven-i-ent!!
Roughly 45 seconds into this book I had to put it down and stop myself from throwing it across the room. The author, Lee Strobel, thought it would be a strong opening to discuss the bravery of pilot Todd Beamer on flight 93. First off, it's strange to me to invoke the power of fairth and the war on terror at the same time. After a few paragraphs Lee adds a blurb subtitled "Faith on Flight 93." It reads in its entirety:
"'If he gave up his life to save others, that would be Todd" Lisa said later.
What gives a man that kind of courage?
"Todd was a committed Christian, secure in his faith and his eternity," his wife wrote in a letter after the crash. Apparently that faith held strong to the very end. According to the Airfone operator, Todd's final words were, "God help me. Jesus help me. Are you ready? Let's roll!"'
So we're about one minute into the book about how super religion is and he's laid out an anecdote that shows how a person can face death without fear as long as they have their faith guiding them in the righteousness of their decision. Maybe that'd be a good point to make if it weren't for the fact that Todd was in this horrible situation in the first place because a few men had their faith emboldening them to face death, guiding them in the righteousness of their decision to hijack an airplane.
It reminds me of a satirical article in which people in the Middle East turned to religion for solace in the face of violence. One fictitious victim comments through tears "I cringe to think where the people of the Middle East would be right now if it weren't for our steadfast belief in one true, merciful, and loving Supreme Being."
Thankfully the book didn't carry on in such a manner after the September 11th introduction. As this book takes on the toughest objections to religion, the first chapter takes the 9/11 anecdote to move into the objection that if there is a God why is there suffering. One example I really like was that if you were trying to save a bear from a trap you may have to push his leg farther in to help; read: the sticky situations we get ourselves into sometimes need to get a little more painful before we get out. Ok... I dig that analogy and the book is filled with other good ones. And if I were in 9th grade maybe an analogy would get me somewhere but I don't find it that compelling. I have hard time seeing how this "Yale educated" and successful journalist can be satisfied with these cute analogies either.
The author also quotes CS Lewis (whom you already may know I don't like): "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is his megaphone to rouse the world." To me, the unbeliever, all this says is that God is a manifestation of human desperation. Like the maybe-religion-is-the-problem allusion I made earlier, either the author doesn't want to address these obvious objections, or perhaps his head is too far in the clouds to consider these interpretations. Instead of a serious analysis, chapter 1 soon ends on a sappy note. An interviewee says how God will come to you, he will be the answer, he will be exactly what you need.
Deep.
Chapter 3 takes on evolution. I'll admit Lee does a nice job of collecting some topical quotes that makes evolution sound silly, and for the sake of argument I will concede that maybe there is an intelligent designer. Even if I give that concession, trying to make young, curious students overly skeptical of evolution is not only intellectually irresponsible and base, I'd say that it's morally irresponsible. The advancement of biomedical technology is dependent upon biology whose foundation is evolution. Even if intelligent design doesn't stall or atrophy our medical capabilities, it is the anti-learning, it says "This is something we don't understand, it's so complex that God must have made it, look to it only to marvel at our super duper God!" Assuming God did design the earth and life, why can't people make some theories based on investigation and empiricism, especially since it provides us with health and longevity?! I think God is a touch sensitive for an all powerful celestial being.
Chapter 4 I have a bone to pick that's subtle. The book keeps nudging at the idea that monotheism is best, polytheism is a bit privative, and atheism is bad. An example of a subtle nudge is a chart on which we have Monotheism on the left (Islam, Judaism, Christianity), polytheism in the middle (Hinduism), and "There is no God" column on the right (Buddhism and Atheism). So... the presentation of the data is already biased. Christianity here on the left and whoa! way over here we have Buddhism... ut oh! In response to this thought that mono is best, NEWS FLASH: Trinity means a "trio" of God. If you consider all the pray making to the Virgin Mary and to patron saints in the Catholic church you're looking at polytheism. Even if you take away Mary and the Saints you are left with the trinity. I know theologically minded Christians can go on for volumes on the division of God and it still being one God, but a) why split it up then, and b) how can anyone possibly know about this subtle spiritual division? Indeed, the multiple and wide schisms this debate has caused in the church indicates people don't really know, they're just strongly opinionated.
Here's another point in this chapter that made me mad because they stop nudging and unabashedly hit you over the head with the point that Christianity is best. Buddhism is attractive because, "you can be good without having God." Islam is attractive because of "the politics of the places where it prospers." Is he saying it's imposed? I don't know... probably. Hinduism prospers because it teaches "treating the earth with reverence." Hippies!! "Why not Christ? Because he calls you to die to yourself. Whenever truth involves a total commitment, people resist. Christ demands more than people are willing to give." What a surprise you'd say that Christianity is the best and best for you, clearly that's why it's not popular... people are lazy! How about the fact Christianity doesn't call for dietary restrictions, no alcohol restrictions, the protestant ethic encourages building wealth, and you only need to put in an hour a week. And also, how about the fact that people don't shop for religions and that the analysis is absurd from the start?
As you can see... I was disappointed by this book. It's turned me into a ranting atheist! I suppose the point is I do not recommend this book. I must leave you with one last thought:
"Even though I might not have a completely good explanation at this point for why there's a hell, I know there's got to be an explanation because I have too much evidence that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God and he taught about those things."
1) What evidence?
2) How con-ven-i-ent!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2021
Lee Strobel condenses his book The Case for Faith to a shorter, more concise work and tackles six of the big deep questions about Christianity in an amazingly straight-forward way. There is of course a lot more to be said, but this book serves as a great starter in stepping forward into faith, even amongst doubts.
Strobel emphasises above everything else that to have faith does not mean to have no doubts and that to have doubts does not mean you can not have faith. He encourages people who have big questions about faith that everybody - even the most devout 'strong' Christians - have doubts and questions and that we will always have questions, but that they don't need to hold us back from reaching out to God and a belief in Him. He challenges readers about the reasons behind unbelief. Sometimes it is the big questions and objections to the Christian faith, but sometimes it can be simply a matter of unwillingness.
I highly recommend this book, (even if you're not a 'youth' as the edition dictates), as it gives concise, easy-to-understand, and logical answers to some very common questions about God and the Christian faith and it is super easy to whip through.
Strobel emphasises above everything else that to have faith does not mean to have no doubts and that to have doubts does not mean you can not have faith. He encourages people who have big questions about faith that everybody - even the most devout 'strong' Christians - have doubts and questions and that we will always have questions, but that they don't need to hold us back from reaching out to God and a belief in Him. He challenges readers about the reasons behind unbelief. Sometimes it is the big questions and objections to the Christian faith, but sometimes it can be simply a matter of unwillingness.
I highly recommend this book, (even if you're not a 'youth' as the edition dictates), as it gives concise, easy-to-understand, and logical answers to some very common questions about God and the Christian faith and it is super easy to whip through.
July 8, 2018
For what it is, it's decent. I really dislike the opening where they use the 9/11 tragedy as an attention-getter, and I'm not fond of the lack of depth in the chapters. The latter I can acknowledge as the author's attempt to reach out to a target audience, but the fact that a 'student edition' exists at all speaks to me of a publisher's desire for more money- also given away by the fact that the last eighth or so of the book is nothing but ads for other, similar books. This book I think is best served as something to invite further research into the topics and questions it raises. For that matter, I wish it organized its sources better in a log in the back by topic instead of listing them in-chapter.
June 25, 2019
I usually like reading the student edition on certain books as almost reading the cliff notes for the book or subject matter. Some are great, some are OK, which this falls into. It is not a knock on it, but just the way it is.
If God is loving, why does he allow Evil to happen? The response was like God gave people free will and if he did not people would never be able to experience love, happiness, sorrow and in a way evil people. Everyone would be the same. It is up to the person to live their life accordingly. I think that is a pretty good explanation.
Another question is if God is merciful and loves his children why is there a hell. It is explained that hell is a place where you are separated from God and that is the pain you are receiving in that you are without him.
If God is loving, why does he allow Evil to happen? The response was like God gave people free will and if he did not people would never be able to experience love, happiness, sorrow and in a way evil people. Everyone would be the same. It is up to the person to live their life accordingly. I think that is a pretty good explanation.
Another question is if God is merciful and loves his children why is there a hell. It is explained that hell is a place where you are separated from God and that is the pain you are receiving in that you are without him.
September 22, 2022
Arguing With Atheists
This was an outstanding book on The Bible's truth.
Probably the best book I've read on arguing atheist "beliefs".
I am currently taking a course at my church on questioning the church, and how to respond in love and in truth.
This was a fantastic warm-up to the course, and was very helpful to my excitement and enjoyment of the course.
I got so much from this book.
Highly recommend this book.
4.9/5
This was an outstanding book on The Bible's truth.
Probably the best book I've read on arguing atheist "beliefs".
I am currently taking a course at my church on questioning the church, and how to respond in love and in truth.
This was a fantastic warm-up to the course, and was very helpful to my excitement and enjoyment of the course.
I got so much from this book.
Highly recommend this book.
4.9/5
January 18, 2024
The chapters in this book - which each address a common objection to or myth about faith as Christian - were hit or miss. Some chapters were well-written and researched while others felt like they provided too simplistic of answers to complex questions. Perhaps this is because it is the student abbreviated version. After reading The Case for Christ, I had high hopes for this book, but I was left underwhelmed overall.
September 1, 2022
It is good for what it is, but it was not a life-altering, super thought provoking read. It is concise, to the point, and I think it will be helpful in situations where quick answers are needed to Biblical questions
April 19, 2023
This book is a wonderful read for kids questioning God and with tough questions about faith. My astute 8 year old son and I read this together and it helped answer many of his difficult questions. However, I told him the key to true faith is accepting that we don’t have answers for everything!
November 30, 2023
I usually like most apologetics books. This one was good, but sometimes I felt there wasn’t enough of the author’s own thoughts, just lots of interviews with other people. I loved the last two chapters the best.
Full review to come
Full review to come
July 5, 2018
Okay. It was unclear sometimes and I feel that it could be written better.
October 10, 2021
Interesting research. I wish I had gotten the main book and not the student edition.
November 8, 2021
Major doctrinal issues... hell isn't real??
July 10, 2023
Quick read answering questions in a meaningful way, with an insightful approach!
July 31, 2023
Amazing book. This book answered pretty much all of my questions. Highly recommend!!
September 28, 2023
audiobook
January 10, 2024
Theology vs Science
Evolution vs Theology/Religion
Man is always on the quest for tangible proof and existence for a higher power
Evolution vs Theology/Religion
Man is always on the quest for tangible proof and existence for a higher power
September 1, 2014
For what this book purposes to do, it does well. Does it have comprehensive answers to every question about faith and doubt? Absolutely not. Are there deeper arguments that can be made against some of the answers Strobel gives? Absolutely yes. Another reviewer, for example, points out the logical fallacy in the first chapter about Todd Beamer's faith. The book does include a number of weak spots that a well-versed casual philosopher could expose.
But this book is not written for a well-versed amateur philosopher. It is written for high school students. And it addresses questions that real high school students would ask [I know, I teach them!]. It isn't going to be a book that I would suggest for those who are intellectually rigorous. But it is a good introduction to general answers and concepts, as well as introducing the names of Christian philosophers that do head into those deeper waters, like William Lane Craig.
If I had to choose a book to give to a student with questions about Christianity, I would hands down choose If God Then What: Wondering Aloud About Truth, Origins & Redemption by Andrew J. Wilson. But if a student had a copy of this book or was given one, I wouldn't discourage them from reading it, which in my world is about as close to a thumbs up as a book can hope for.
3.5/5 stars [if GoodReads would let us do that]
But this book is not written for a well-versed amateur philosopher. It is written for high school students. And it addresses questions that real high school students would ask [I know, I teach them!]. It isn't going to be a book that I would suggest for those who are intellectually rigorous. But it is a good introduction to general answers and concepts, as well as introducing the names of Christian philosophers that do head into those deeper waters, like William Lane Craig.
If I had to choose a book to give to a student with questions about Christianity, I would hands down choose If God Then What: Wondering Aloud About Truth, Origins & Redemption by Andrew J. Wilson. But if a student had a copy of this book or was given one, I wouldn't discourage them from reading it, which in my world is about as close to a thumbs up as a book can hope for.
3.5/5 stars [if GoodReads would let us do that]
November 7, 2014
* I received this book for review from the publisher. This in no way affects my thoughts expressed in this review*
There’s just something about a book that, within the first few pages, the author tells you a story that resonates so deeply that you are in tears, and that’s how this book starts out for me. Granted, I was in the hospital reading this, waiting to find out whether or not my dad had heart attack, so yes, that might have helped it along, but I feel like this book did indeed help me to keep myself centered. As I read, Lee Strobel’s words both educated and soothed me as I sat there in that (very uncomfortable) hospital chair with my mother and brother by my side and prayed.
This book not only kept me centered during that time, but it also helped me be able to answer those tough questions that life throws at you from time to time. I’ve always been very confident in my faith, and I so I was really looking forward to this journalistic style novel, and I’m so happy to have read it. I would highly recommend this to teens, it’s a really eye opening and thought provoking read that, though short, gave me a lot to think about after.
There’s just something about a book that, within the first few pages, the author tells you a story that resonates so deeply that you are in tears, and that’s how this book starts out for me. Granted, I was in the hospital reading this, waiting to find out whether or not my dad had heart attack, so yes, that might have helped it along, but I feel like this book did indeed help me to keep myself centered. As I read, Lee Strobel’s words both educated and soothed me as I sat there in that (very uncomfortable) hospital chair with my mother and brother by my side and prayed.
This book not only kept me centered during that time, but it also helped me be able to answer those tough questions that life throws at you from time to time. I’ve always been very confident in my faith, and I so I was really looking forward to this journalistic style novel, and I’m so happy to have read it. I would highly recommend this to teens, it’s a really eye opening and thought provoking read that, though short, gave me a lot to think about after.
May 3, 2015
Wow. Reminded me of when I was in an astronomy class and was just mesmerized and wondered how people cannot believe in their Creator. This author asks the hard questions: the ones Christians are often too afraid to ask. And he answers them, and lets the ready use their own brains and common sense to choose to believe the truths. Great read. I plan to leave this book lying around and hope my kids pick it up. If I recommend they read it, they won't. If I put a note on it that says "this book is crap" they just might pick it up and read it. :)
May 23, 2016
Most parts are very good with answers for the toughest questions/objections. But one thing bothered me was the chapter about hell. Seems like the seriousness of hell got watered down. Just finished studying Revelation with BSF, this chapter totally gave me a different feeling about hell. The feeling of "it's not THAT bad!" Maybe it's becuz this is a student edition so it's not discussed in depth as in the original edition? Will need to read up on that .
March 1, 2014
A book about faith and how to accept God's love. It answers questions many have in the form that all can relate to. I definitely recommend this book-for those who have questions and even for those who are secure in their faith.
September 1, 2014
As far as Christian books go, this one was pretty good (better than some we've been assigned to read for school). Strobel raised some interesting arguments and gave valid answers. Most of all, he remained encouraging and reminded people struggling with their faith to have hope.
May 24, 2016
read it in couple hours as it was short. i was looking for a great book as instead i found it a little bit strange. it did not really have cases for God ,only couple .i dont know if the long version its better but this one its not convincing..
anyway i am a Christian
anyway i am a Christian
November 29, 2016
This student edition hits the highlights of The Case For Faith so if you are looking for a shorter version as a faith booster or to give you some succinct answers to your questions until you have time to dig deeper, this is the book for you.
June 17, 2010
Read if you're a Christian (or just read it, I think it's good for everyone). It is SO amazing!!!!! It answered lots of my questions.
January 24, 2015
Life changing. Intellectually honest look.
November 26, 2016
I read the original edition of this book but this is the student edition of just 95 pages. Really simple to read but very helpful. Typical Lee Strobel.
May 1, 2017
The book itself was wonderful. Just the kindle formatting had some issues.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews