Life as a Skeptical Journalist
Lee Strobel, a seasoned journalist and staunch atheist, once regarded the notion of an all-powerful creator as absurd. He vividly described his life as 'immoral, drunken, and self-absorbed.' His skepticism was not just professional but personal, influenced by a difficult relationship with his father, who once told him he lacked enough love to fill a finger. His worldview began to shift when his wife, Leslie, unexpectedly embraced Christianity. Strobel was initially alarmed, fearing she would become overly religious.
Investigating Historical Evidence for Jesus
Recognizing changes in Leslie's character, Strobel decided to investigate Christianity himself, aiming to disprove it. For nearly two years, he approached this task with the rigor of a legal editor, examining historical evidence about Jesus, particularly the resurrection. Strobel cross-examined scholars and experts, focusing on the reliability of the New Testament and the historicity of Jesus' resurrection. He found overwhelming scholarly consensus that Jesus was indeed crucified, and early accounts of His resurrection could not be dismissed as mere legend.
Atheist to Christian Conversion Moment
On November 8, 1981, after reviewing the evidence, Strobel concluded that it required more faith to maintain his atheism than to become a Christian. As he put it, 'In light of the avalanche of evidence that points so powerfully toward the truth of Christianity, it would take more faith to maintain my atheism than to become a Christian.' It was not an emotional conversion but a 'rush of reason,' where historical data pointed him to the truth of Jesus' claims. Strobel knelt and prayed, confessing his past life and accepting God's grace.
Life Transformed by Faith
The transformation in Strobel's life was profound. His values and relationships, particularly his marriage, improved significantly. His daughter, noticing the change in her father, sought the same faith for herself. Today, both of his children are engaged in Christian ministry. Strobel credits the Holy Spirit for working in his heart through this journey. His story underscores that it was Jesus who intervened and transformed him through a reasoned examination of evidence.
