"The Case For Faith"?

Question

I spent the last week on vacation with my cousin. We had some long talks and I never realized how religious she is. She never realized how non-religious I am. We talked for hours and went through all the arguments for and against religion. It was very enlightening, but I have to say I'm still not getting it.

She gave me a book, "The Case For Faith, A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity" Lee Strobel.

I plan to read it when I finish this quarter (I'm a student) but I'm wondering if anyone else has read it and whether it's worth my time.

Thanks.

Thanks Uncle, I think being close-minded is one of the worst traits anyone could possess.

Answer 1

I'm an atheist, and I haven't read it yet, but I strongly suggest reading it so that you know the kind of special pleading and question-begging arguments you'll be up against. Look up reviews (non-biased) of Strobel's work... she doesn't make a very GOOD case for faith.

After that, a 100-page read of "Letter to a Christian Nation" by Sam Harris as well as buying "Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist" by Dan Barker as references will pretty much make you bulletproof.

Answer 2

I have not read that work, but I am aware of its place within mainstream evangelicalism. I think the book is probably worth reading, but you will also find some rough critiques on the web if you search (internet infidels). More robust works of this kind are offered by philosophers and theologians. If you get more interested in the subject, I would recommend The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright. It is over 700 pages long, so it isn't beach reading. But it is more likely to give the critical skeptic a challenge than Strobel, in my opinion.

Enjoy.

Answer 3

By the answers you have already received, you can plainly see what Christians today are up against. Our Bible (written well before any of the junk written today) tells us Christians that we will face the many challenges of unGodly people. God knew that these issues would arise because he knew that Satan would be working harder and harder every day to take as many with him to hell as he possibly can before Jesus returns.

Read the book if you like..or any other books...but for the true picture...read the Bible. The rest of the opinions (mine included) come from man. Who do you want to trust?

Answer 4

It's worth reading. Then make your own judgments about it. Don't listen to anyone else until you've read it. There are people here who don't want others to be open-minded about Christianity.

Answer 5

I'd read it just to know where she is coming from, never a bad idea. The trouble is often books like these commit logical falacies in the first chapter and never recover.

Try and get through it, its only fair, after all you could always give her a copy of 'The God Delusion' afterwards.

Answer 6

Haven't read it, but I know what's in it.

Recycled crap about "Why would the Apostles have given their lives if they hadn't seen a miracle?"

Because they were at war with the Roman Empire, that's why. All of the Jewish sects were, regardless of the particular claims of their cult.

Yesterday's news.

Answer 7

Never read it, but I commend your willingness to consider things not within your "comfort zone".

Answer 8

Religion relies on belief and faith.
Faith does not necessarily rely on religion.

Answer 9

At least you are not closed minded KJ.

Answer 10

I have never even heard of it, but nothing will give you the best answers, except the Word of God, i.e. the Bible!