Summary
In "The Case for Faith," Lee Strobel investigates eight major objections to Christianity, delving into the intellectual and emotional struggles that often hinder faith. He begins by recounting his interview with Charles Templeton, Billy Graham's former evangelistic partner, who lost his faith due to doubts about God's existence in the face of suffering. This encounter sets the stage for Strobel's year-long journey to find answers to the most challenging questions about Christianity.
Strobel's investigation addresses eight key objections: the problem of evil and suffering, the incompatibility of miracles with science, the perceived conflict between evolution and faith, the morality of God's actions in the Old Testament, the exclusivity of Jesus as the only way to God, the troubling doctrine of hell, the dark side of church history, and the persistence of doubts. He interviews leading experts in philosophy, theology, science, and history, seeking rational and evidence-based responses to these challenges.
The interviews feature prominent scholars such as Peter Kreeft, William Lane Craig, Walter L. Bradley, Norman L. Geisler, Ravi Zacharias, J. P. Moreland, John D. Woodbridge, and Lynn Anderson. Each expert provides insights and arguments to address the specific objections raised. Kreeft explores the philosophical and theological dimensions of suffering, offering analogies to help understand God's role. Craig defends the possibility of miracles and presents arguments for the existence of God, including the origin and complexity of the universe and the existence of objective moral values. Bradley challenges the prevailing theories of the origin of life, arguing for intelligent design based on biochemical discoveries.
Geisler tackles the difficult passages in the Old Testament, providing historical context and interpretations that shed light on God's character and actions. Zacharias addresses the exclusivity of Jesus, emphasizing that truth, by definition, is exclusive, while also acknowledging the importance of love in communicating that truth. Moreland explores the doctrine of hell, clarifying its nature and purpose, while addressing concerns about its fairness and justice. Woodbridge examines the dark side of church history, acknowledging past sins while highlighting the positive contributions of Christianity. Anderson delves into the problem of doubt, sharing his personal struggles and offering guidance on dealing with uncertainty.
Throughout his investigation, Strobel emphasizes the importance of considering all relevant evidence, not just focusing on individual objections. He presents a litany of persuasive facts that point toward the existence of God and the deity of Jesus Christ, including the Big Bang, the fine-tuned universe, the moral law, the origin of life, the Bible's credibility, and the resurrection of Jesus. Strobel concludes that Christianity emerged unscathed from his investigation, and that faith in Jesus is the most rational and logical step a person can take. He ends with a note of hope, sharing his attempt to reach out to Charles Templeton, urging him to reconsider his conclusions about God and to respond to the tug inside him pulling him toward Jesus.