Parenting by the Book

by Sylvia Cochran

Book Review: THE CASE FOR THE REAL JESUS

THE CASE FOR THE REAL JESUS is penned by former atheist turned devout Christian Lee Strobel. He subtitled this work "A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ." A seasoned journalist and author, Strobel approaches his latest work in the same manner as all the previous ones: with a clearly defined agenda kept firmly in check by a skeptical mind.

THE CASE FOR THE REAL JESUS takes to task the various beliefs about Jesus Christ. Unlike the pearly-white skinned, somewhat effeminate figure most have come to know over the years through paintings, and unlike the mystified figure that some websites and writers have made Jesus out to be, Lee Strobel asserts that there is the real Jesus that demands discovery.

THE CASE FOR THE REAL JESUS is refreshingly different from other tomes on apologetics penned by various authors. There is none of the spiritual gymnastics (leaping to conclusions) and mincing of words that surrounds so much of the apologetics genre. Instead, Lee Strobel has divided his book into six challenges to the Biblical Jesus, explained the idea behind the challenges, and then goes on to carefully refute them, citing original facts, stats, and Scriptures all the way.

This sets it apart from the writings of others who fail to go back to the old sources and instead rely on second and third-hand knowledge and writings to back up their pet assertions. Yes, you will see without a doubt that Lee Strobel has an agenda; nonetheless, you do not feel that the texts are poked and prodded until they conform.

This is a perfect book for any Christian parent you might have on your holiday shopping list this year. Moreover, parents who have daily quiet times with their teens are going to find fodder in this book to last the better part of six months or more. This is a must-read for anyone who is interested in finding out whether their faith is really as solid as they thought.