Lee Strobel, bestselling author, renowned journalist, and former atheist, will join us at the Billy Graham Library to share how we can stand for what is right and defend the Gospel in today’s ever-changing world. Ahead of the upcoming, sold-out Evangelism Intensive event, we asked Strobel to answer some frequently asked questions about his faith journey and offer advice for others who may be struggling with their own beliefs or seeking ways to share the Gospel with others.

Q. What led you to first question your atheism?

My agnostic wife became a Christian and I was determined to disprove the faith so I could rescue her from this “cult” that she had gotten involved with. I decided to use my journalism and legal training to systematically investigate the claims of Christianity. That started a nearly two-year journey of discovery. Over time, the scales began to shift as I learned more and more about the credibility of the faith. On Nov. 8, 1981, I realized that the cumulative case for Christianity had caused the scales to tilt decisively in favor of the conclusion that Jesus really is the unique Son of God, who proved it by returning from the dead.

Q. What was most surprising to you as you made your investigation into the validity of Christianity?

I focused a lot on the resurrection of Jesus, which I initially regarded as a legend or myth. But I was stunned by how robust and convincing the historical evidence is that Jesus not only claimed to be the Son of God but that He rose from the dead and thus proved His divinity. Honestly, I thought I could disprove the resurrection over a weekend; as it turned out, my two-year probe convinced me that Christianity is true.

Q. Can you describe the moment you became a Christian?

I know some people describe having a rush of emotion when they came to faith in Christ. But for me, it was the rush of reason. It was the credibility of the faith that convinced me Christianity is true—a cumulative case based on history, science, and philosophy. Once I was convinced, my wife Leslie pointed out a verse—John 1:12: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” I noticed that this forms an equation of what it means to become a Christian: Believe + Receive = Become. I believed based on the evidence, and I realized I now needed to receive Jesus as my forgiver and leader. So I prayed a prayer of repentance and faith—and became a child of God!

Q. As you were learning about what a relationship with Jesus Christ is, what practical steps did you take?          

My two-year investigation of Christianity gave me a great start in my life as a new believer. But I also took other immediate steps. I was baptized. I joined a Bible-teaching church. I began serving at that church. I joined a small group of men so we could grow in our faith together. And I kept reading the wise advice of Christian thinkers so I could learn how to worship, pray, and share my faith with others.

Q. How has your faith changed since writing The Case for Christ? 

My faith has only deepened over the years! I’ve explored various aspects of the faith in several subsequent books—for instance, miracles and the supernatural, which helped me see God’s continuing hand in our world. One of the joys of Christianity is that we continue to grow spiritually over our life as a disciple of Jesus.

Q. What sources and strategies did you use when investigating the claims of Christianity?

I was trained in journalism and law, so I used a lot of that experience in investigating Christianity. I devoured books by both supporters and opponents of the faith. I would call professors and ask questions. I did research at museums and libraries—back in those days, there was no Internet and so we had to rely on microfilm! Later, when I wrote The Case for Christ, I retraced and expanded upon my original investigation by conducting in-depth interviews with credentialed scholars around the country. That way, I could get everything on the record so the evidence could be presented systematically.

Q. Do you have a verse or passage of Scripture that you often turned to for guidance when investigating the claims of Christianity?

Jeremiah 29:13: “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Q. How has The Case for Christ impacted readers around the world?

The book has accomplished far more than I put into it. In other words, the Holy Spirit has taken my meager offering and multiplied its impact far beyond what I ever imagined. Millions of copies have gone out around the world—and a week doesn’t go by where I don’t get contacted by someone who says God used it in leading them to faith. One atheist accidentally sat on a copy of the book at a bookstore and tossed it aside. He felt God telling him to read it. He did—and became a Christian. So many remarkable stories like that! And the 2017 motion picture based on the book has gone around the globe. One church in New Zealand rented a movie theater, showed the film, and 22 people came to faith in Jesus. Today my biggest goal in life is to drag as many people to Heaven with me as I can—and so all of this warms my heart.

Q. What advice would you give to those struggling with spiritual questions and/or struggling with their faith?

Pinpoint the exact question or questions that are impeding your faith, then investigate answers. Today, there are lots of resources to help you. I wrote a book called The Case for Faith that responds to the top eight questions most often asked by skeptics and seekers. Have an open mind and heart. Make this a front-burner issue in your life. Find a Bible-believing church that can help. And pray a sincere prayer in which you ask God to guide you to answers that will satisfy you.

Q. How do you see the role of apologetics in the world today, and what do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing apologists?

Former skeptic turned Christian apologist J. Warner Wallace said that evangelism in the 21st century is spelled A-P-O-L-O-G-E-T-I-C-S. While that might be a little hyperbolic, I agree that the need for apologetics is growing in our culture. People are looking for evidence and answers. A grandfather told me that his six-year-old granddaughter was taunted at recess because she believes in God. “You believe in fairy tales!” the other kids said in making fun of her. I do believe that our children and grandchildren will be challenged in their faith in ways that older generations weren’t. We need apologetics to give them confidence that their faith in Jesus is well-founded, as well as to equip them to share Christ with others. In terms of challenges facing apologists, we need to keep current on cultural trends so that we’re addressing the actual concerns that people have these days. And we need to remember that 1 Peter 3 tells us to defend the faith “with gentleness and respect.” Sometimes it’s easy to get combative with skeptics, when actually we need to model humility and genuine love.

Find books by Lee Strobel and other resources to grow your faith at Ruth’s Attic bookstore in the Billy Graham Library. Plan your visit today.