The Case for Faith: The Film

“The Case for Faith” is a convincing defense that Jesus is the only way to salvation and investigates the validity of a loving God while evil and suffering exist.

Christian apologist Lee Strobel makes a case through interviews, research, historical evidence, and the unadulterated word of God.

Strobel, once an avowed atheist, converted to Christianity in 1981 after his wife’s conversion two years prior. His education in law and journalism, along with a former profession as legal editor for the Chicago Tribune, gives credence as he formulates “The Case For Faith.”

This film uncovers the love of God and the believer’s hope in a savior—Jesus Christ, God in the flesh—who was blameless and took on the suffering and sin of the world. Christians believe not only because of the bold statement that Jesus made Himself in John 14:6 (“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”), but also by providence through the working of miracles, signs and wonders. Finally, Christians are won over by the verification of the death and resurrection of Jesus. His message of love overcame death, which translated into a rescue effort for the human dilemma—eternal damnation without any recourse for reconciliation with God.

Scholars, ministry leaders, theologians, along with others unite their voices, all the while persuading the viewer—and perhaps escalating a Christian’s faith to new heights.

Author, founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic, expresses her hope in Jesus and God’s strength while in a wheelchair. Tada concedes, “That God is a god of intention and meaning… and although the purpose for sufferings may be hidden from us in this life… his reasons are always wise, always specific, and they are always good.”

Pastor Marc Harrienger, Stroebel’s friend, gives an inside view concerning personal loss—giving testimony of being naked before God during his suffering and deciding to hold onto hope, rather than give up. He confirms what real faith is “Not knowing the future, but knowing enough now.”

The unexpected anti-faith defense was a reenacted interview with Charles Templeton who died in 2001 after a long sickness with Alzheimer’s disease. In the 1940s, Templeton an evangelist and in ministry with Billy Graham preached the Gospel in the United States and United Kingdom. Nonetheless, after doubting the faith, Templeton entered a seminary in a desperate attempt to find answers. Still displeased, he choose to reject God. In spite of his objections, Templeton’s loss and grieving through the years are evident when, at last, he esteems the goodness of Jesus—and confesses that he misses Him.

What makes a man who once held a passion for salvation through Jesus Christ succumb to a life crippled by intellectual barricades that ultimately spoils intimacy with God? Templeton’s faith was disintegrating because of his need to know more—leaving him with only a cerebral connection, rather than with the fullness of Christian faith—believing with the heart.

Our faith can be shaken through evil events, the sufferings of life, or when questioning God to the point where doubt leads to unbelief, which can prove spiritually fatal.

It is far better to know God than to know answers.

The testing of our Christian faith comes in varying degrees. Nevertheless, if we hold on to at least one thing God has done for us, through us, or in us—we can be assured that He is available, willing, and able to bring us through for what is up ahead.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

The case for faith in Christianity is accurate, proven, and saves lives eternally.

Violence: Minor / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: None

• “Dealing with Doubt” featurette
• “The Least of These: The Christian’s Response to Evil and Suffering” featurette
• Lee Strobel Resources—a collection of resources specifically from the work of Lee Strobel that explore the evidence for the Christian faith
• Reference Library—a collection of study resources (books and Web sites) that will augment the material covered in the documentary for interested viewers
• Music from “The Case for Faith”—excerpts from the digitally mastered soundtrack of the original music score composed by Mark Edward Lewis

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.