Lee Strobel Embraces His Journey to Christianity
Lee Strobel is open about the scrutiny surrounding his mid-life conversion to Christianity, which might surprise some.
His transition from being an atheist to a devoted Christian became notably public through the film “The Case for Christ,” released in 2017. This movie recounts Strobel’s journey as a legal editor for the Chicago Tribune, attempting to disprove the resurrection of Jesus, ultimately leading to his own conversion.
Reflecting on his past, Strobel mentioned that his newfound faith stirred up quite the buzz at work. He recalls someone at the Tribune jokingly saying, “What happened to Strobel? He became a Jesus freak, like overnight.” He chuckles at the memory.
Miracle Case
Now, Strobel returns to the screen with a new project called Miracle Case. In this film, he and director Mani Sandoval venture down Route 66 in an old Ford Bronco, sharing stories and exploring modern miracles.
One particularly touching story involves a young woman suffering from severe multiple sclerosis who was able to leave her hospice bed, thanks to her community’s prayers.
The film blends elements of a travelogue and a documentary, but Strobel wishes there was more time to delve into additional stories. He reflects, “We had to exclude so many good cases… There was another case of a man recovering from gastroparesis after prayer and an electric shock—he’s still doing well today.”
Contrasting Perspectives
Strobel shares that this film provides two contrasting viewpoints on modern miracles, depending on who the key figures are. He notes that while Mani grew up in a Pentecostal home where miracles were expected, he himself was an atheist during his formative years.
Based on his 2018 book, he hopes that Fathom Entertainment’s release will resonate with audiences beyond his existing readers. “I think film speaks the language of younger people,” he explains. “If we want to share this story about miracles with them, what better medium than the big screen?” He observes that movies can have a significant emotional impact on younger individuals.
Timely Evolution
The timing of this project seems fortuitous, considering the rise of faith-based movies and TV series in contemporary pop culture, such as “The Chosen” and Mel Gibson’s upcoming “Passion of the Christ” sequel. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video are also dedicating resources to spiritual storytelling, with projects like “Jesus Revolution” gaining attention.
Strobel expresses satisfaction when watching films tackle profound subjects, like the existence of God, in a creative manner, stating, “It’s exciting to see a movie that engages viewers instead of making them cringe.” He predicts that creativity in this genre is just beginning to flourish.
The Journey of Faith
Although Strobel isn’t a film director by profession—having authored over 40 books—he still engages with skeptics, both on and off the screen. He recalls how his exploration into faith began with conversations with prominent atheist Michael Shermer, who even made a cameo in the film.
Strobel emphasizes his belief in both his faith and the miracles tied to it. He outlines four essential criteria for what he considers a miracle:
- Solid medical documentation.
- Numerous reliable witnesses without motive to deceive.
- A lack of natural explanation.
- A connection to prayer.
If these conditions are met, he suggests, “maybe something miraculous is happening.”
Strobel remains unfazed by potential skepticism from former colleagues regarding his conversion, asserting that he’s not alone. “I’ve seen many journalists come to faith. I believe something is changing in the culture right now,” he concludes.
