The Case for Christ (2017) [Movie Review]



Dir: John Gunn
Starring: Mike Vogel, Erika Christensen
Dur: 1 hr 53 mins
Genre: Biography
Rating: 8/10

Faith in Jesus is something that ought to bring about a change in the person. The Gospels are clear on this point. Take for instance, Zacchaeus, a much hated tax-collector who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. After his meeting with Christ he wasn’t the same person. The Case for Christ documents the fascinating story of an atheist’s conversion to Christ.

 Based on the true story of Lee Stroebel played by Mike Vogel, The Case for Christ (the name of the book published by Lee) contains the research and findings with regard to the resurrection. Lee was an award winning investigative journalist whose comfortable like is suddenly upsetted when his wife begins to grow sympathetic to the Christian faith. The Stroebel’s atheism was called into question when one fine day, their little daughter nearly choked to death on a sweet. A Christian nurse was providentially at the same place and she saved the little girl’s life. Leslie (Erika Christensen) was taken up by the women’s story of being inspired to choose that very restaurant even when she had planned to go elsewhere. This was the beginning of a new and very fruitful friendship. Lee, however, wasn’t ready to concede the story. Gradually, as Leslie began to explore her new-found faith, she began to change and Lee grew distressed. This spurred him to direct his journalistic talent to disproving the faith of his wife. After two years, he acknowledged his failure and professed faith in Christ.

The film shows Lee’s struggle against the faith and also beautifully brings out the tensions created in the Stroebel’s marriage. Some critics have hit out against the arguments presented in the film but their criticism is shallow. The film doesn’t really carry the substance of the arguments so it is unfair to judge them. The book however would be a better resource for the evidence for ‘the case for Christ’. The film however, is well made. The story is crisp and allows for a variety and depth of emotion. I would highly recommend this film. It isn’t just for Christian audiences although they would be in a better position to appreciate the themes dealt with in the film. The film is watchable however entertainment seekers will not find much to excite them.     

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