Lee Strobel's book 'Is God Real?' addresses the question of God's existence by presenting affirmative evidence and addressing objections like the problem of evil and divine hiddenness.
Strobel utilizes interviews with top scholars and experts to explore tough questions and make complex academic arguments accessible, providing clear and persuasive reasons for the truth of Christianity.
Deep dives
The Book's Purpose: Exploring the Ultimate Question of Life
In this podcast episode, Dr. Frank Turic interviews Lee Strobel about his new book, 'Is God Real?' The book addresses the question of God's existence, exploring the ultimate question of life. Strobel explains that the book was prompted by the high number of Google searches about God's existence and the curiosity of a whole generation seeking answers. Drawing on his previous works and new interviews, Strobel aims to present the affirmative evidence for God's existence and also address the biggest objections, particularly the problem of evil and the hiddenness of God.
Lee Strobel's Approach: Interviewing Top Scholars and Making Complex Arguments Understandable
Strobel discusses his approach to writing the book, which involves interviewing scholars and experts in various disciplines to address tough questions and explore the evidence for God. He emphasizes that as a journalist, his role is to ask the tough questions and bridge the gap between these brilliant thinkers and the general public. By doing so, he aims to make complex academic arguments accessible and understandable for readers, providing them with clear and persuasive reasons for the truth of Christianity.
The Assurance of God's Existence: Arguments from Cosmology and Fine-Tuning
Strobel highlights the powerful arguments presented in the book, starting with the cosmological argument which establishes that the universe had a beginning and therefore requires a transcendent, eternal, and powerful cause behind it. He references scientific discoveries and the work of scholars like William Lane Craig to demonstrate the evidence for a Creator and the specific attributes that match the God of the Bible. Additionally, Strobel delves into the fine-tuning argument that reveals the precise parameters and conditions necessary for life, pointing to a purposeful and intelligent design.
Addressing Skeptical Objections and Exploring the Pyramid of Apologetics
Strobel acknowledges common objections to Christianity, such as the problem of evil and the hiddenness of God. He highlights interviews with scholars like Chad Meister, who developed the apologetics pyramid, which starts with the broad question of truth and narrows down to worldviews, revelation, the resurrection, and ultimately the Gospel. By systematically examining these areas, Strobel and the scholars he interviews provide logical and coherent responses to objections, reinforcing the overall affirmative evidence for the truth of Christianity.
The statistics show that skepticism, atheism, and agnosticism are on the rise among American adults today, along with hostility towards the Christian faith. But what if these current statistics aren't telling the whole story? Could it be that people are just as curious about God today as they've always been?
It's the final podcast episode of 2023 and we're going out with a bang! This week, Frank talks with the one and only Lee Strobel about his brand-new book, 'Is God Real: Exploring the Ultimate Question of Life.' Aiming to answer today's biggest objections to God's existence (the problem of evil and divine hiddenness), Lee uses his latest book to unpack some of the best philosophical, scientific, and historical evidence for God. During their conversation, Frank and Lee will answer questions like:
What makes this book unique in comparison to Lee's previous work?
How has the attitude towards atheism evolved in recent decades?
Why doesn't God make His existence more obvious?
Which top scholars did Lee interview for the book?
Why is faith in God (seemingly) on the decline in America?
Which argument for God is most difficult for atheists to counter?
What is the Apologetics Pyramid and how do you use it as a tool for evangelism?
As you'll hear during the episode, not a second goes by without someone (about 200 someones to be exact!) Googling the question: "Is God Real?" which leads to a digital tidal wave of information that generates more confusion than answers. On the contrary, Lee's book is an easy, yet compelling and logical explanation that pulls the apologetic cookies from the top shelf to the bottom shelf for anyone open and interested in learning more about the evidence we have for God's existence. And for those who want to go even further in their studies, consider enrolling in the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University!
To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.
You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.
Resources mentioned on the podcast:
Lee's Book: Is God Real?
Lee's website: LeeStrobel.com
The Lee Strobel Center at Colorado State University
Download Transcript
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode