Strobel was for many years an investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune. He was converted after carefully examining the evidence for the claims of Christ as found in Scripture and subsequently became a minister. In The Case for Christ, he uses his investigative training and skills to lead his readers through the same spiritual journey that he traveled some twenty years ago.
The author’s methodology was to interview some thirteen scholars and authorities over a two year span. He endeavored to match the best evangelical thinkers in each field under his study. The result is a highly readable and reliable manual which presents documented evidence, from the reliability of the biblical texts to archaeology to the historicity of Jesus to the resurrection. Many questions posed by the skeptics are given excellent answers and resources for further study and therefore, The Case for Christ is helpful to the Christian needing answers as well as an evangelistic tool for those honestly examining the claims of Christ.
In past reviews of Strobel’s works, I have been critical of his seeker sensitive understanding of the gospel (see review of Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary) but there is little downside to be found in this particular volume. I would question the use of one expert, Gregory Boyd, not on the basis of anything in this book but because of his well known support of open theism and mysticism. Also, quotes by a couple of Roman Catholic theologians and M. Scott Peck and promotion of the Willow Creek Association are troubling. But overall Strobel has provided, for Christian and skeptic alike, a well presented apologetic for the person and work of Jesus Christ.