Lee Strobel, former atheist and investigative journalist, discusses the historical evidence for the resurrection of Christ and tackles the argument from design, specifically DNA. They explore the problem of evil and the evidence of God's existence in cosmology and biochemistry. Also, a chapter discussing the connection between father-daughter relationships and belief in God is included.
Lee Strobel shares his personal journey of converting to Christianity after investigating the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus and emphasizes the significance of intelligent design and DNA as evidence for the existence of God.
Strobel explores the evidence for God's existence through cosmology and fine-tuning, discussing the beginning of the universe and its precise physical constants as indicators of a powerful and intelligent creator, while also addressing the limitations of the multiverse theory.
Strobel examines the evidence for the existence of God through the complexity and informational content of DNA, highlighting the specific order and instructions within it as strong indications of an intelligent source behind the creation of life, while refuting counter-arguments proposing self-organization.
Deep dives
Lee Strobel's Journey from Atheism to Christianity
Lee Strobel, a former investigative journalist and atheist, shares his personal journey of converting to Christianity after investigating the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. He explains how his initial skepticism led him to a two-year investigation into the historical, scientific, and philosophical evidence for Christianity. Strobel highlights the significance of intelligent design and DNA in pointing towards the existence of God as the creator of the universe. He also touches on the problem of evil and suffering, emphasizing that while suffering exists, God can use it for good and promises a future without suffering in Heaven.
The Evidence for God's Existence in Cosmology and Fine-Tuning
Strobel explores the evidence for God's existence in the fields of cosmology and fine-tuning. He discusses the argument that the beginning of the universe and the precise fine-tuning of its physical constants point to the existence of a transcendent, powerful, and intelligent creator. Strobel interviews experts in these fields, such as William Lane Craig, who argue that the complexity and precision of the universe suggest a purposeful design. He also delves into the concept of the multiverse theory as a counter-argument and discusses its limitations and lack of scientific evidence.
The Case for God in DNA and Biological Information
Strobel examines the evidence for the existence of God through the lens of DNA and biological information. He highlights the complexity and informational content of DNA, discussing how the specific order and instructions within it strongly suggest an intelligent source behind the creation of life. Strobel interviews biologists and geneticists, such as Francis Collins, who argue that the presence of information in DNA points towards a supernatural creator. He addresses counter-arguments that propose self-organizational qualities, highlighting the lack of scientific evidence for such theories and the necessity of an intelligent explanation.
Dealing with the Problem of Evil and Suffering
Strobel grapples with the difficult question of why God allows evil and suffering in the world, particularly focusing on the problem of moral evil. He explains that God, being a loving and relational God, gave humans free will, which allowed for the possibility of evil choices and suffering. Strobel emphasizes that God does not cause evil but provides a way out through His love and redemptive plan. He acknowledges that the problem of evil is a challenge for all worldviews and discusses the Christian understanding of suffering as a part of a fallen world, with the promise of ultimate justice and restoration in the future.
Summing Up the Case for Christianity
Strobel summarizes the various lines of evidence discussed throughout the podcast episode, highlighting the cumulative strength they present for the existence of the Christian God. He acknowledges the presence of unanswered questions and doubts but asserts that the affirmative evidence outweighs them. Strobel emphasizes the unique message of Christianity in its revelation of a God who became human, experienced suffering, and provided redemption through Jesus Christ. He encourages an open and intellectually honest approach to faith, recognizing that the Christian worldview provides the most meaningful and coherent explanation for the world's existence and purpose.
Lee Strobel is a former atheist and investigative journalist, who came to faith by trying to disprove the faith, which is documented in his well-known book A Case for Christ. In his most recent book, Is God Real?Lee looks at the best arguments for the existence of the God of the Bible and responds to some of the best counterarguments to this.
In this conversation, we begin by discussing the historical evidence for the resurrection of Christ, and then we wrestle with the argument from design, specifically DNA, and the so-called problem of Evil.
