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In Defense of Jesus: Investigating Attacks on the Identity of Christ
An enlightening follow-up to the bestselling book The Case for Christ , In Defense of Jesus follows award-winning journalist Lee Strobel as he explores the most explosive arguments against the identity of Christ as the Messiah. Has modern scholarship debunked the traditional Christ? Has the church suppressed the truth about Jesus to advance its own agenda? What if the real Jesus is far different from the atoning Savior worshiped through the centuries? In Defense of Jesus explores such hot-button questions Evaluate the arguments and evidence being advanced by prominent atheists, liberal theologians, Muslim scholars, and others. Sift through expert testimony. Then reach your own verdict with In Defense of Jesus . This title is also available in Spanish, En defense de Jesús.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
132 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strobel
225 books1,800 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 30, 2023
Interesting
Superb in many ways. The writing is easy to read, yet scholarly. The research is pristine and well documented.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and recommend.
Superb in many ways. The writing is easy to read, yet scholarly. The research is pristine and well documented.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and recommend.
February 3, 2019
A lot of this book deals with scholars who have incorrectly interpreted Bible passages to fit their own needs. It is pointed out more than once in these writings that if you go out seeking something specific in the Bible, you will probably find exactly that. The problem is, the author seems to do precisely the same thing. As anyone who spends a lot of time reading scripture is aware of, some passages can be highly subjective. This is why we have so many authentically trained scholars that disagree so widely within this community about what one passage or another indicates. A lot of the Biblical sources are vague and can leave you wondering what they mean, as a lay person, or as a scholar.
I can respect the author's position in wanting to know the truth, but again, truth is subjective. I think the author had good intentions in the beginning by interviewing various different scholars in his search for the truth of the scriptures, but in some cases, his choices are questionable. When he chooses a direct opponent of Bart. D. Ehrman in order to refute his claims about the historical Jesus, this looks anything but non-biased. It is well known that the professor he chose to refute Ehrman's claims already refutes them, they have even publicly debated one another with some obvious vitriol.
I couldn't help but feel whilst reading this book, that Mr. Strobel has found a way to make money off of sensationalism, and that at one point he may have been a true convert to Jesus, but now he uses that image to go the other extreme, from Atheist to a rather closed-minded evangelical, whilst using the guise of the curious newspaper journalist who only seeks the truth as his cover. He's gone from Atheist to Zealot. A to Z.
Overall, this was an interesting book, but not one that I can say was in any way life altering for me. Reading the title, I got pretty much what I expected, so no complaints there. It is, in the end, a book by a Christian, for a Christian audience, not really for those who are undecided or leaning toward agnosticism.
I can respect the author's position in wanting to know the truth, but again, truth is subjective. I think the author had good intentions in the beginning by interviewing various different scholars in his search for the truth of the scriptures, but in some cases, his choices are questionable. When he chooses a direct opponent of Bart. D. Ehrman in order to refute his claims about the historical Jesus, this looks anything but non-biased. It is well known that the professor he chose to refute Ehrman's claims already refutes them, they have even publicly debated one another with some obvious vitriol.
I couldn't help but feel whilst reading this book, that Mr. Strobel has found a way to make money off of sensationalism, and that at one point he may have been a true convert to Jesus, but now he uses that image to go the other extreme, from Atheist to a rather closed-minded evangelical, whilst using the guise of the curious newspaper journalist who only seeks the truth as his cover. He's gone from Atheist to Zealot. A to Z.
Overall, this was an interesting book, but not one that I can say was in any way life altering for me. Reading the title, I got pretty much what I expected, so no complaints there. It is, in the end, a book by a Christian, for a Christian audience, not really for those who are undecided or leaning toward agnosticism.
September 24, 2017
Be aware!!! This book is the exact same book as Lee Strobels "A Case for the Real Jesus." The original was very good, I just really don't like marketing ploys to sell more books by changing the title. Next time, before I buy one of Strobels books I'll do a little more research.
June 24, 2024
Cada vez que me acerco a un libro de Lee Strobel se que me va a encantar y, en este caso, no ha sido para menos.
Un libro en el que el autor, igual que en sus otros libros, comienza una investigación para comprobar la veracidad de Jesús y las escrituras. Combatiendo las grandes “pegas” que hay en contra de esto (que el autor “clasifica” según 7 desafíos), Strobel entrevista a grandes eruditos, profesores de universidad o científicos, que aportan argumentos bien infundados a favor de la existencia de Jesús y la veracidad de las escrituras que testifican sobre El.
Un libro que me ha encantado, aunque, he de reconocer que por momentos, debido a la mucha información que el autor aporta, sentía que me perdía un poco en la lectura y tenía que parar, respirar, ordenar mis pensamientos y luego seguir leyendo, pero definitivamente es un libro que recomiendo muchísimo.
Un libro en el que el autor, igual que en sus otros libros, comienza una investigación para comprobar la veracidad de Jesús y las escrituras. Combatiendo las grandes “pegas” que hay en contra de esto (que el autor “clasifica” según 7 desafíos), Strobel entrevista a grandes eruditos, profesores de universidad o científicos, que aportan argumentos bien infundados a favor de la existencia de Jesús y la veracidad de las escrituras que testifican sobre El.
Un libro que me ha encantado, aunque, he de reconocer que por momentos, debido a la mucha información que el autor aporta, sentía que me perdía un poco en la lectura y tenía que parar, respirar, ordenar mis pensamientos y luego seguir leyendo, pero definitivamente es un libro que recomiendo muchísimo.
February 3, 2019
A lot of this book deals with scholars who have incorrectly interpreted Bible passages to fit their own needs. It is pointed out more than once in these writings that if you go out seeking something specific in the Bible, you will probably find exactly that. The problem is, the author seems to do precisely the same thing. As anyone who spends a lot of time reading scripture is aware of, some passages can be highly subjective. This is why we have so many authentically trained scholars that disagree so widely within this community about what one passage or another indicates. A lot of the Biblical sources are vague and can leave you wondering what they mean, as a lay person, or as a scholar.
I can respect the author's position in wanting to know the truth, but again, truth is subjective. I think the author had good intentions in the beginning by interviewing various different scholars in his search for the truth of the scriptures, but in some cases, his choices are questionable. When he chooses a direct opponent of Bart. D. Ehrman in order to refute his claims about the historical Jesus, this looks anything but non-biased. It is well known that the professor he chose to refute Ehrman's claims already refutes them, they have even publicly debated one another with some obvious vitriol.
I couldn't help but feel whilst reading this book, that Mr. Strobel has found a way to make money off of sensationalism, and that at one point he may have been a true convert to Jesus, but now he uses that image to go the other extreme, from Atheist to a rather closed-minded evangelical, whilst using the guise of the curious newspaper journalist who only seeks the truth as his cover. He's gone from Atheist to Zealot. A to Z.
Overall, this was an interesting book, but not one that I can say was in any way life altering for me. Reading the title, I got pretty much what I expected, so no complaints there. It is, in the end, a book by a Christian, for a Christian audience, not really for those who are undecided or leaning toward agnosticism.
I can respect the author's position in wanting to know the truth, but again, truth is subjective. I think the author had good intentions in the beginning by interviewing various different scholars in his search for the truth of the scriptures, but in some cases, his choices are questionable. When he chooses a direct opponent of Bart. D. Ehrman in order to refute his claims about the historical Jesus, this looks anything but non-biased. It is well known that the professor he chose to refute Ehrman's claims already refutes them, they have even publicly debated one another with some obvious vitriol.
I couldn't help but feel whilst reading this book, that Mr. Strobel has found a way to make money off of sensationalism, and that at one point he may have been a true convert to Jesus, but now he uses that image to go the other extreme, from Atheist to a rather closed-minded evangelical, whilst using the guise of the curious newspaper journalist who only seeks the truth as his cover. He's gone from Atheist to Zealot. A to Z.
Overall, this was an interesting book, but not one that I can say was in any way life altering for me. Reading the title, I got pretty much what I expected, so no complaints there. It is, in the end, a book by a Christian, for a Christian audience, not really for those who are undecided or leaning toward agnosticism.
January 26, 2020
Asombrosa investigación!
Indispensable lectura para todo cristiano activo y no activo pero sobretodo para los fríos o que han perdido la fe.
Indispensable lectura para todo cristiano activo y no activo pero sobretodo para los fríos o que han perdido la fe.
August 6, 2024
The former atheist and renowned journalist for the Chicago Tribune, Lee Strobel, writes a strong defense of Jesus as He is portrayed in the Bible. He interviews experts in various fields and gains insight into common issues that atheists and skeptics often raise. The book addresses the credibility and the historisity of the resurrection, provides extensive evidence that the Gospels have not borrowed anything from other religions or belief systems, discusses how the Bible has not been notable tampered with throughout history, and other relevant issues.
As a journalist, Strobel takes on the role of a skeptic and asks the experts critical questions, receiving thoughtful and well-considered answers. Strobel has undoubtedly put in the effort of a journalist with this book, making it both entertaining and educational, and a good apologetic tool in the face of skeptics. Previous books I've read by Strobel include "The Case for Faith," and now this one, which has a revised title "In Defense of Jesus." We’ll see which of Strobel's books will be my next.
As a journalist, Strobel takes on the role of a skeptic and asks the experts critical questions, receiving thoughtful and well-considered answers. Strobel has undoubtedly put in the effort of a journalist with this book, making it both entertaining and educational, and a good apologetic tool in the face of skeptics. Previous books I've read by Strobel include "The Case for Faith," and now this one, which has a revised title "In Defense of Jesus." We’ll see which of Strobel's books will be my next.
November 22, 2017
This book was previously titled 'The Case for the Real Jesus'. It follows along the same lines as Strobel's previous works about faith and Christian evidences. Each chapter focuses on a different issue of modern Christian apologetics, in which Strobel interviews a leading Christian scholar and seeks to refute 'liberal' claims about Christian history or theology.
This kind of book is helpful for Christians seeking to reinforce their faith, but likely would not convince skeptics. One of its weaknesses is that it does not really give a good argument for that which Strobel claims to be fairly and impartially investigating, but rather only gives the counter-argument against attacks on traditional Christian faith. One of its strengths is that it would lead the curious student into many other resources that dig deeper into some of these questions.
This kind of book is helpful for Christians seeking to reinforce their faith, but likely would not convince skeptics. One of its weaknesses is that it does not really give a good argument for that which Strobel claims to be fairly and impartially investigating, but rather only gives the counter-argument against attacks on traditional Christian faith. One of its strengths is that it would lead the curious student into many other resources that dig deeper into some of these questions.
October 21, 2024
Merece 5 estrelas, sem sombra de dúvida. Principalmente pelo poder transformador do relato contido no livro. Se eu tinha alguma dúvida sobre Jesus Cristo, a maior parte delas foi resolvida pela leitura cuidadosa deste livro fantástico. O capítulo 11, particularmente, é assustador pela crueza e nível de detalhes com que a crucificação é descrita. Como é que o ser humano pode ser tão ruim assim? De quebra, o livro é um verdadeiro manual de condução de pesquisa jornalistica, na busca de fatos ou circunstâncias que confirmem, ou não, algum relato histórico. Duas estrelas da minha avaliação vão para esse lado didático do livro. Vale a leitura, o livro é transformador.
December 28, 2023
Un excelente libro.
Disfruté mucho la lectura de este libro ya que el autor nos presenta seis argumentos que intentan desestimar la veracidad de Jesucristo, pero que durante todo el libro entrevista a personas expertas en el tema que logran de manera satisfactoria derrumbar cada uno de los argumentos en contra del Jesús histórico.
He aprendido mucho leyendo este libro Y puedo decir que lo recomiendo a todo aquel que desee conocer más sobre el Jesús histórico, y además de que en este libro podemos encontrar una vasta selección de recursos para seguir estudiando más sobre Jesús.
Disfruté mucho la lectura de este libro ya que el autor nos presenta seis argumentos que intentan desestimar la veracidad de Jesucristo, pero que durante todo el libro entrevista a personas expertas en el tema que logran de manera satisfactoria derrumbar cada uno de los argumentos en contra del Jesús histórico.
He aprendido mucho leyendo este libro Y puedo decir que lo recomiendo a todo aquel que desee conocer más sobre el Jesús histórico, y además de que en este libro podemos encontrar una vasta selección de recursos para seguir estudiando más sobre Jesús.
February 9, 2018
I think the intent of this book is to support the faith of existing Christians, and not to persuade unbelievers. In the purpose, I think it succeeds.
January 1, 2024
Another good book for apologetics. But be warned if you’re going to stumble easily by seeing different challenges against Christianity.
May 8, 2025
This book previously had the title of, "The Case for the Real Jesus: A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ."
February 25, 2017
previously titled The Case for the Real Jesus
September 13, 2018
Una vez más Lee demuestra que el cristianismo está sentado en bases sólidas
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews