Watch The Case for Christ

The Case for Christ, a 2017 biographical drama, tells the story of Lee Strobel, a journalist and atheist who sets out to disprove Christianity after his wife, Leslie, becomes a believer. The film is based on the true story of Strobel's journey from atheism to faith, chronicling his investigation into the historical evidence for Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

The film, directed by Jon Gunn, features Mike Vogel as Strobel and Erika Christensen as his wife Leslie. The cast also includes Faye Dunaway as Dr. Roberta Waters, a psychiatrist who challenges Strobel's assumptions about faith and reason. The movie was produced by Pure Flix, a Christian film production company, and was released in theaters in April 2017.

The Case for Christ begins in the late 1970s in Chicago, where Lee Strobel is a rising star at the Chicago Tribune. He is an investigative journalist who is skeptical of anything that cannot be proven by science or reason. When his wife Leslie shares her newfound Christian faith with him, he is initially dismissive and angry. He believes that Christianity is a myth that has been perpetuated for thousands of years, and he is determined to prove it.

Strobel begins his investigation by interviewing experts in the fields of history, archaeology, and psychology. He talks to Dr. Waters, a prominent psychiatrist who challenges his assumptions about faith and reason. He also meets with Calvin College professor Gary Habermas, who argues that the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is stronger than for any other event in history.

As Strobel's investigation progresses, he becomes increasingly frustrated and conflicted. He realizes that his strict adherence to scientific evidence may be limiting his ability to see the truth. He begins to question his own assumptions and biases, and he is forced to confront his own beliefs about God, faith, and redemption.

One of the central themes of The Case for Christ is the tension between faith and reason. Strobel represents the ideal of the rational skeptic who demands verifiable proof for everything. Leslie represents the believer who accepts faith without needing scientific evidence. The film explores the ways in which these perspectives can complement each other and how they can be in conflict.

Another theme of the film is the power of personal experience. Leslie's conversion to Christianity is based on a personal encounter with God, which cannot be proven scientifically. Strobel's journey to faith is also based on personal experience, as he grapples with his own doubts and struggles. The film suggests that personal experience can be a valid form of knowledge and that it can lead to a deeper understanding of God and the world.

Overall, The Case for Christ is a compelling and well-crafted film that explores important questions about faith, reason, and personal experience. Vogel's performance as Strobel is nuanced and believable, and Christensen brings depth and emotion to the role of Leslie. Dunaway is a standout in her brief but memorable role as Dr. Waters. The film is well-paced and engaging, and it will appeal to believers and skeptics alike. The Case for Christ is a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of the meaning and purpose of life.

The Case for Christ is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 50.