How Easter Killed My Faith in Atheism

WSJ ^ | 04-20-2011 | Lee Strobel

[OldDeckHand]

Earlier this week, humorist Ricky Gervais presented his arguments for atheism and why he thought he was a better Christian than many Christians. In this follow-up essay, writer Lee Strobel offers his defense of Easter.

It was the worst news I could get as an atheist: my agnostic wife had decided to become a Christian. Two words shot through my mind. The first was an expletive; the second was “divorce.”

I thought she was going to turn into a self-righteous holy roller. But over the following months, I was intrigued by the positive changes in her character and values. Finally, I decided to take my journalism and legal training (I was legal editor of the Chicago Tribune) and systematically investigate whether there was any credibility to Christianity.

[Bed_Zeppelin]

Thanks for posting this article. Was just today beginning to do research for an Easter sermon on the historical proof of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

[pnh102]

Excellent article!

[BigCinBigD]

Ping.

[laconic]

Try the ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus who wrote of Jesus and his good works about 30 years after the crucifiction. Or Tacitus, Roman historian, who a few decades later, referred to Jesus having been ordered crucified by Pontius Pilate.

[backwoods-engineer]

Love Lee Strobel. I have all his books. "The Case for Christ" and "Case for a Creator" are my favorites.

He does know what he's talking about when it comes to the motivations of atheists. He was one. Big time.

[NorCoGOP]

"The Case for Christ" - EXCELLENT book for skeptics, as is "More Than a Carpenter" by Josh McDowell

Lee Strobel is one of my favorite authors/evangelists.

[DJ MacWoW]

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[HerrBlucher]

Ditto about Strobel. I really liked the dvd “The Case for Faith” too, it is available on netflix streaming. Strobel is a very convincing and compelling Christian apologist

[Bed_Zeppelin]

Thanks for that information.

[LibLieSlayer]

That wsj blog needs an EXORCISM! They be demons in them waters. JESUS is my Lord and Savior... HE is my center... my balance... all that I am... all that I am blessed with is by HIS grace. If HE will have me, I will be HIS sword.

LLS

[swatbuznik]

Marvelous!

[miele man]

My, times’ a wastin’. Starting a bit late, aren’t you?

One of the best books I’ve ever seen and which will provide more information than you can use (for one sermon) is Josh McDowell’s “Evidence for Christianity”. Thomas Nelson publishers, cy 2006. ISBN 978-1-4185-0628-5 I bought a “used” copy off Amazon for about half of the listed $17 price. What I received was a never read copy. You’ll not regret getting a copy of this book, IMO, and it is one you will refer to many, many times.

May you and yours enjoy a Blessed Easter.

[Bed_Zeppelin]

"My, times’ a wastin’. Starting a bit late, aren’t you? One of the best books I’ve ever seen and which will provide more information than you can use (for one sermon) is Josh McDowell’s “Evidence for Christianity”. Thomas Nelson publishers, cy 2006. ISBN 978-1-4185-0628-5 I bought a “used” copy off Amazon for about half of the listed $17 price. What I received was a never read copy. You’ll not regret getting a copy of this book, IMO, and it is one you will refer to many, many times. May you and yours enjoy a Blessed Easter."

I do my best work under pressure :-) Always love to read. Will pick it up asap. Found a series of videos and audio on this subject on his site. Best to you and yours also. Thanks!

[Joe 6-pack]

"Was just today beginning to do research for an Easter sermon on the historical proof of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ."

This book is written from more of a forensic perspective than an historical or theological one, but there's certainly material there to be incorporated in a uniquely memorable and intriguing sermon...