Lee Strobel is one of the most well-known Christian apologists of our time. His story is remarkable because he started as a skeptic and ended up as a strong defender of the Christian faith. Many people know him through his book The Case for Christ, which has influenced millions around the world. Strobel’s journey shows how God can transform even the hardest hearts.
Early Life and Skepticism
Lee Strobel began his career as a journalist and legal editor for the Chicago Tribune. With a background in law and investigative reporting, he was trained to rely on facts, evidence, and reason. At this stage of his life, he identified as an atheist, believing that God and the Bible were myths created for the weak.
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” (Psalm 14:1)
For Strobel, this described his worldview before faith. He relied only on human wisdom and intellect.
The Turning Point
Everything changed when his wife, Leslie, became a Christian. Strobel was shocked and unsettled by her decision. Instead of ignoring it, he decided to investigate Christianity with the same skills he used as a journalist. His goal was not to confirm the faith but to disprove it.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Though Strobel began seeking truth with a heart of doubt, his search led him to discover the reality of Jesus Christ.
Investigating the Claims of Christ
Strobel looked at historical, medical, and archaeological evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He spoke with scholars, historians, and scientists, weighing their responses against his skepticism. To his surprise, the evidence pointed strongly toward the reliability of the New Testament and the truth of Jesus’ resurrection.
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17)
For Strobel, the resurrection was the central piece of evidence that turned his unbelief into faith.
Conversion to Christianity
After nearly two years of research, Strobel concluded that Christianity was true. He gave his life to Christ in 1981. His testimony shows how God uses both the heart and the mind to bring people to faith.
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Strobel’s confession followed this pattern—belief in the resurrection and acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord.
Writing and Ministry
Lee Strobel turned his investigative journey into books that explain Christianity in simple yet powerful ways. His most famous work, The Case for Christ, became a best-seller and was later adapted into a feature film. He went on to write The Case for Faith, The Case for a Creator, and The Case for Grace. Each book continues to challenge skeptics and encourage believers.
Lasting Impact
Today, Strobel’s work continues to inspire those who wrestle with doubts. His story is a reminder that no one is beyond God’s reach. What began as an attempt to disprove faith became one of the strongest modern defenses of the gospel.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Lee Strobel’s life reflects this truth—when he stopped leaning only on his own understanding, God directed his path toward faith and ministry.
