'The Case for Christ' is a compelling biographical drama based on the true story of Lee Strobel, a renowned investigative journalist and avowed atheist who sets out on a personal mission to disprove the claims of Christianity. The film, released in 2017, was directed by Jon Gunn and adapted from the best-selling book of the same name written by Lee Strobel.
Set in the early 1980s, the story revolves around Lee Strobel (played by Mike Vogel), a hard-nosed journalist working for the Chicago Tribune. When his wife, Leslie (played by Erika Christensen), undergoes a profound spiritual transformation after a traumatic event, Lee becomes skeptical of her newfound faith and sets out to prove that it is nothing more than a delusion.
Driven by his investigative instincts, Lee delves into the historical and scientific evidence surrounding Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. He interviews experts, theologians, and scholars, seeking to disprove the existence of God and undermine the foundations of Christianity. As he digs deeper into his research, he confronts profound challenges to his atheistic worldview and encounters the profound influence of the Holy Spirit.
Throughout the film, Lee's personal journey is interwoven with powerful scenes depicting his strained relationship with his wife, Leslie, as she grapples with the implications of her faith and the subsequent strain it places on their marriage. Lee's pursuit of truth gradually becomes a quest for his own spiritual awakening, leading him to question his assumptions and biases.
'The Case for Christ' presents a thought-provoking exploration of faith, doubt, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It raises questions about the nature of belief, the role of evidence, and the possibilities of personal transformation. The film ultimately challenges viewers to consider the profound impact that encounters with the Holy Spirit can have on one's beliefs and worldview.
'The Case for Christ' offers a poignant and inspiring cinematic journey that appeals to audiences of various backgrounds, regardless of their religious affiliations. It serves as a reminder that even the most skeptical minds can be profoundly affected by the workings of the Holy Spirit, and that personal beliefs are not always immune to questioning and reconsideration.
Watch the Film...
Reflection Questions Silently journal the answers to 3 of the following questions for 10 to 15 minutes.
How did Lee Strobel's journey in the movie impact your understanding of faith and doubt? Did you relate to any aspects of his search for truth? Why or why not?
In the film, Lee encounters various pieces of evidence and arguments for the existence of God and the truth of Christianity. Which of these resonated with you the most? How do you think the Holy Spirit works in conjunction with intellectual exploration when it comes to matters of faith?
Throughout the movie, we see the strain that Lee's search for truth places on his marriage. Reflect on the importance of having open and respectful conversations about faith within relationships. How can the Holy Spirit help navigate such conversations and bring unity despite differing beliefs?
Lee's investigation challenges him to confront his biases and preconceived notions about Christianity. How can we guard against allowing our biases to hinder our understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives and in the world? What steps can we take to cultivate open-mindedness and humility in our faith journey?
The movie highlights the transformative power of encountering the Holy Spirit in personal experiences and relationships. Share a time when you have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in your own life. How did it impact your faith and worldview? How can we cultivate an awareness of the Holy Spirit's guidance and influence in our daily lives?
Listen to this music as you do that
Discuss Then, Discuss as a group.
Common Prayer Are there any prayers you would like to share as a group? The Response is 'Lord hear us' and 'Lord hear our prayer'.
Final Prayer
Heavenly Spirit,
We come before You with open hearts and minds, seeking Your wisdom and guidance as we reflect on the issues raised in the movie 'The Case for Christ.' Grant us the courage to face our doubts honestly and the faith to trust in Your plan for our lives. Help us grow in our understanding that doubt can be a catalyst for deeper exploration and a path towards a stronger and more authentic faith in You. Guide us as we engage in intellectual exploration, knowing that You are the source of all wisdom and understanding. We lift up our relationships to You, asking for Your love and grace to abound in our interactions with one another, even when our beliefs differ. Teach us to navigate these conversations with humility, compassion, and a willingness to grow together in faith.
Spirit, we surrender ourselves to You, acknowledging that our understanding and knowledge are limited, but Your wisdom is infinite. Strengthen our faith, deepen our trust, and grant us the humility to submit our doubts and questions to You. Fill us with a deep awareness of Your love and power, empowering us to be witnesses of Your truth in the world. Help us cultivate a sensitivity to presence in our lives, that we may be open to the ways You guide us, speak to us, and reveal Yourself to us through personal experiences, relationships, and divine intervention. We desire to grow in our relationship with You and to seek Your truth with a sincere heart.
In the name of Jesus Christ, and the ultimate revelation of Your love, we offer this prayer. Amen.
