Lee Strobel: a reputable source for Catholic evangelising?

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Contra_Mundum_1

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Any thoughts on Lee Strobel? I have not read any of his books but watched a documentary *A Case for Christ *which is based on his book. I thought it was good except a few obviously protestant mistakes. I would normally not recommend a protestant source to anybody but it seems that he is OK for the most part and that his style is quite approachable.

If you know of a Catholic author who deals with the same question please do suggest.
 
He is a generic author that teaches basic Christianity. He doesn’t go into the sacraments but for what I have read, as far as I’m concerned, he’s awesome especially his video series.
 
Strobel, formerly a journalist and atheist, was until recently a pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and Saddleback Community Church. He is a great writer, persuasive writer, and has a lot of good things to say about Christian apologetics and evangelism. Be aware that he is an evangelical protestant, however.
 
Has anyone seen the documentary The Case for Faith? I think that is the one in which he examines the usual challenges to Christianity. Any good? Any obvious protestant mental gymnastics in trying to expain things the non-orthodox way? 🙂
 
I read his book ‘The Case for Christ’ when I was first exploring Christianity, and I thought it was a big help in understanding the claims of Christianity!
 
CalCatholic said:
I read his book ‘The Case for Christ’ when I was first exploring Christianity, and I thought it was a big help in understanding the claims of Christianity!
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That’s great. Basically, I’d like to know if the book is helpful to those who are interested in Christianity and want answers about the authenticity of documents, the role of oral tradition, a historical framework that helps us understand things better, etc. So many people are convinced that the Gospels were written long after Christ’s death and apparently Strobel manages to show otherwise, ie. what the Church has always taught. I really want to read it because I liked the documentary.
 
I read Case for Christ years ago. You’re right that there are a few Protestant notions that appear, but only incidentally (e.g. a passing reference to Jesus’ “brothers”, etc.). I think it’s well done and I would have no problems recommending it.
 
I read his *Case for Christ *years ago. I have to say, I found it ridiculous, and know many others who are in agreement. I’d advise being careful who you recommend it to. Clearly, some people are moved by his approach, but others (including myself) are repelled by it.
 
Jocko_VT said:
I read his *Case for Christ *years ago. I have to say, I found it ridiculous, and know many others who are in agreement. I’d advise being careful who you recommend it to. Clearly, some people are moved by his approach, but others (including myself) are repelled by it.
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Why ridiculous? Was it the style of writing? The way he argued for the case? I have not read it yet so have no idea what it is like and how deeply he goes into the material.
 
Contra_Mundum said:
Why ridiculous? Was it the style of writing? The way he argued for the case? I have not read it yet so have no idea what it is like and how deeply he goes into the material.
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As I recall, he tried to make the case with arguments such as “this would work in a court of law,” and he made much of the fact that he’s a journalist, etc. When making such extraordinary claims, obviously the burden of proof is heavier than what would be dealt with in a court of law.

Also, it was fairly typical of these sorts of efforts at apologetics. He builds up straw men and then knocks them down, but never actually argues against a case *against *Christ–i.e., he’s preaching to the choir. He sets of premises as if they’re widely accepted (or as if he’s proven them) and uses those to make further arguments which are even more outlandish than the premises themselves. (Mind you, whether or not Christianity is correct, miracles are, by definition, “unbelievable,” if you understand what I’m saying.)

He doesn’t really go very deeply into any of the material. It’s a very simplistic book.

But I can’t emphasize enough–it’s been a long time since I read it. Perhaps 15 or 16 years. Go ahead and read it and see what you think, though–there’s must be a copy somewhere for free.
 
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