Quick Info
The Case for Christ is a 2017 movie based on the true story of Lee Strobel’s conversion from Atheism to Christianity. The movie focuses on the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, and why some people don’t believe. This is a very-well made movie that shows some of the real struggles in coming to faith. It is a great movie for skeptics, those interested in apologetics, evidence for the resurrection, and potentially small groups.
Synopsis
Lee Strobel was an atheist and investigative journalist at a large newspaper. When his wife converted to Christianity Strobel had difficulty accepting it, and he conducted a private 2-year investigation into Christianity and the evidence for the resurrection of Christ to try to disprove Christianity. During his investigation Strobel interviewed experts in different fields, and researched all of the key areas and alternative theories for the resurrection, all the while his wife was praying for God to work a miracle in his heart.
Why This Movie Matters
- The Case for Christ is one of the best movies that broadly covers the evidence for the resurrection of Christ, a key pillar of Christianity.
- It is one of the few proper movies (well-made, and not a documentary) that spends a significant amount of time covering the compelling evidence for Christianity and for the resurrection.
- The movie features facts from credible and trustworthy sources.
- This movie shows how skeptical, fact-based people can come to to faith based on facts and reason.
- It has shown to be a popular and important apologetics movies.
What You’ll Experience
- A factual investigation into the claims of Christianity.
- A look at what some people claim are “discrepancies” in the Gospel accounts.
- What the medical evidence points to from the historical record.
- The strain on a marriage and family of having a believing and a non-believing spouse.
- The influence on objective reasoning of wanting to or not wanting to believe.
- The impact on faith that comes from parents.
- An overall good movie, with high production value, relevant, and realistic portrayals.
Strengths
- Well-made movie
- Good acting and dialogue
- Relevant topics
- Medical evidence
- Textual criticism
Cautions / Weaknesses
- Light doctrinal ambiguity
- Images of Christ
- Brief Shroud of Turin part
- Family struggles and alcoholism
Best Audience
- Skeptics or truth seekers interested in the evidence for Christianity that led a former atheist to Christianity.
- People who are interested in high-level evidence backing the resurrection and Christianity.
- Small groups discussing apologetics, with discretion.
- Use for apologetics and evangelism due to the well-made movie format.
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Best Quotes & Notable Moments
“The entire Christian faith hinges on the resurrection of Jesus. If it didn’t happen it’s a house of cards.”
“If the early Church martyrs knew that the resurrection was a hoax, then why would they willingly die for it? Would you?”
“At some point young man you’re going to have to plant your flag on a mountain of uncertainty where not every question is answered. The human mind will never get to the bottom of every mystery in the cosmos. Believing in God, not believing in God–either way still takes a leap of faith.”
