The Case For The Real Jesus.

Book Review

Strobel, Lee. The Case For The Real Jesus. A journalist investigates current attacks on the identity of Christ. Zondervan, 2007

Comment. Henry

Strobel the apologist is conducting an investigation of what is out there that is presently impacting how people form their understanding (opinions) about just who Jesus is. This book will be of special interest to anyone who is into apologetics; however it will be helpful to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of who Jesus is.

In this book Strobel is addressing six allegations (challenges) that “undermine the traditional understanding of Christ”. (15) These allegations are; 1. The claims of non-biblical ancient documents
2. The church has tampered with the original texts.
3. There are explanations (claims) that actually refute the resurrection.
4. Christian beliefs have been copied from pagan cultures.
5. Jesus was an imposter and not the real Messiah.
6. We should be (are) free to believe whatever we choose to believe about Jesus.

Other gospels have been discovered that are claimed to be as authentic as the Synoptic gospels. Four of these, the Gnostic gospels, are “the gospel of Thomas, the secret gospel of Mark, the gospel of Peter, and the gospel of Mary”. (25) These gospels are discussed in an interview with Craig A. Evans, an authority in matters of biblical studies. The Gnostic gospels fail the test of historicity.

When it comes to the claim of tampering with the original text an authority on textual criticism is interviewed. He is Daniel B. Wallace from Dallas Theological Seminary. The writings of Bart Ehrman (Misquoting Jesus), the main proponent of this attack, are examined. “No cardinal doctrines are affected by any variable variants”. (90)

In an interview with the New Testament historian Michael Licona, the attempts to refute the resurrection are dealt with. The charges of plagiarism from pagan religions are addressed by Edwin M. Yamauchi.

With extensive quotations from the Old Testament regarding “the evidence for the Messiahship of Jesus” Michael L. Brown deals with the charge of Jesus being an imposter.

Self-made religion, the result of being free to choose, is a rejection of organized religion. Paul Copan addresses this option by discussing topics such as postmodernism, truth, etc. A personalized religion rejects sin and therefore has no need for a savior. It ends up with a very watered down version of Jesus.

By way of conclusion Strobel says “the emperors of radical scholarship have no clothes”. (262) He goes on to say, “None of these seemingly daunting challenges turned out to be close calls, etc.” (266)