The Case for Christ movie based on Lee Strobel’s real life testimony is most definitely a must see. Strobel’s shortened version outlining his research when he set out to disprove the resurrection of Jesus Christ, called The Case for Easter, was one of the first “books” I ever read on this subject. Intriguing is truly an understatement. This book, which is only 90 pages long, propelled a more intense search for truth for me and for that I will be forever grateful. Without the resurrection, Christianity would fall apart. Hope for all humanity is dependent on this truth: Jesus Christ did indeed arise from the dead. In fact, it has been documented that over 500 eyewitnesses saw Him after His brutal execution on the Cross. Many early Christians went to their graves because they would not say the resurrection never happened. People don’t die for lies.
For those of you unfamiliar with his story, Strobel was a reporter for the Chicago Tribune and during his tenure there, his wife trusted Christ. Both he and his wife considered themselves Atheists before their conversions. Strobel noticed a change in his wife and was “hell bent” on proving her new found faith to be nonsense. He was told by a Christian co-worker that in order to prove Christianity is all a lie, he would have to prove that the resurrection of Jesus Christ never happened. Strobel applied his superior skills as a top notch reporter to prove the tomb was not empty. His investigation produced incredibly overwhelming evidence that proved beyond reasonable doubt that Jesus Christ did indeed die and rise from the dead.
One of the scenes that stands out for me is when it is becoming apparent that Strobel has already obtained plenty of information to make an intelligent, informed decision, yet he still wouldn’t believe. He gets asked, “How much evidence is enough?” Of course, lack of evidence is not the problem. When he is told that there are over 5,664 copies of the original New Testament scriptures that have been cataloged, compared to 650 copies of Homer’s Iliad, which is considered the bible of the ancient Greeks, he pauses for a brief moment. It’s rare to find a person question the validity of Homer’s Iliad, yet the validity of the Bible is questioned all the time. How often we hear that the Bible is a book of “fairytales.” Strobel’s research is in depth and thorough and easily obtainable.
Many other skeptics have tried to disprove the gospels and/or parts of the Bible, and every honest skeptic has come up short, yet we are still living in a nation of unbelievers. It’s mind-boggling. There is no lack of easily obtainable evidence nowadays yet, the Name of Jesus Christ creates hostility and resistance. Most Americans walk around with a phone in hand. I am always intrigued when I hear folks insist that the only way they will believe is if they actually saw for themselves? Is Christ supposed to be crucified again for them? Once is enough.
I was told a few years ago that I should get a shovel and dig up Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. The skeptic I was speaking with told me she was sure I would find the body of Jesus Christ. I gently suggested to her that would be a very messy and complicated experience, so let’s make a deal? Why don’t you look into the facts of the resurrection for yourself first? If you do an honest, open minded search of the evidence that already exists and still feel like there isn’t enough evidence… We can start raising funds for her excavation project.
There is not a lack of evidence. Is the evidence inconclusive? Perhaps, but there is enough to get a conviction. People nowadays hate the word “faith.” Strobel’s atheist friend pointed out that it requires a leap of faith to believe or not to believe…. I found that conversation in the movie to be quite interesting. It really is an individual decision. Has pretty much nothing to do with lack of evidence. Plenty of folks have outlined their research in books, lectures, etc.
Happy Resurrection Day Everyone!
photo credit: hoyasmeg Tomb door and window_2034 via photopin (license)
