The Case for Miracles Read online

  I flat-out defy anyone to read The Case for Miracles and not see that miracles exist. This book constitutes what any fair-minded person must be obliged to call “proof,” and I recommend it to anyone wondering whether they can really know if God is real and still working among us today.

  ERIC METAXAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of

  If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty

  If your faith was renewed and strengthened by The Case for Christ, you will fall on your knees in worship as you read The Case for Miracles. Once again, Lee Strobel lays out a clear, perfectly reasoned argument—this time, showing that God is alive and working in miraculous ways in our world right now.

  SHEILA WALSH, singer, speaker, TV host, and bestselling author

  Here’s a masterpiece on miracles—a powerful and persuasive book that refutes skeptics and builds a convincing case that God is still in the miracle business today.

  JOSH D. MCDOWELL, author and speaker

  Once again, Lee Strobel uses his brilliant mind, calm logic, clear prose, and compelling storytelling to untangle a complex topic. This time he focuses on the fascinating subject of miracles. Both skeptics and believers—actually, anyone who is intellectually honest—will benefit from this fair-minded investigation of the possibility of miracles, their meaning, and the implications for our lives.

  DR. RICK WARREN, The Purpose Driven Life

  The Case for Miracles is an entertaining, fast-paced defense of God’s miraculous action in the world. Lee Strobel’s treatment is commendable for its balance, including not only positive evidence for miracles but a skeptic’s case against miracles; examining not only stories of contemporary healing but also miraculous works of creation and historical events connected with life of Jesus; and not shying away from cases in which a desperately needed and long-sought miracle was not forthcoming. A moving and convincing treatment.

  WILLIAM LANE CRAIG, research professor of

  philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and professor

  of philosophy at Houston Baptist University

  Just when you thought Lee Strobel had covered all the bases in his Case books, he writes this one. I couldn’t put it down! The Case for Miracles is magnificent in its presentation of the facts and over the top in its engaging style. I doubt very much that you will read a more encouraging book anytime soon. God is very much in the miracle business in our day, and Strobel demonstrates that beyond a reasonable doubt.

  CRAIG J. HAZEN, PhD, founder and director of

  the MA program in Christian apologetics at Biola

  University and author of Five Sacred Crossings

  The Case for Miracles is a wonderful addition to Lee Strobel’s Case series. With his usual journalistic flair and integrity, Strobel chases down the best sources, stories, and evidence for the miraculous. He makes a powerful case for their reality and yet doesn’t shy away from addressing the tough issues, such as unanswered prayers. This book is stimulating to the mind and moving to the heart. It’s a must-read for believers and skeptics alike.

  SEAN MCDOWELL, PhD, professor, speaker,

  and author or coauthor of more than fifteen books,

  including Evidence That Demands a Verdict

  Lee Strobel hits another home run as he welcomes us alongside in his honest investigation. For anyone wondering about miracles, this is the book to start with.

  CRAIG S. KEENER, PhD, F. M. and Ada Thompson professor

  of biblical studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and author

  of Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts

  The Case for Miracles is almost a miracle in itself. I mean that it is an astonishingly powerful case for the reality of miracles—including reports on scientific research with which most people are no doubt unfamiliar. Every person interested in the subject of the supernatural must read this book. It demolishes claims that science disproves miracles.

  ROGER E. OLSON, PhD, Foy Valentine professor of

  Christian theology and ethics at George W. Truett

  Theological Seminary, Baylor University

  I had a front-row seat watching Lee Strobel walk into our church as an ardent atheist and eventually become a pastor on our senior staff and now a world-renowned Christian apologist. Only God! This book will catalyze your faith!

  BILL HYBELS, founder of Willow Creek Church

  and the Global Leadership Summit

  I love this book! Lee Strobel takes us on a page-turning journey through the elation of documented modern-day miracles to the anguish felt when God is silent. Lee addresses all the hard questions, and even allows the publisher of Skeptic magazine to make his best case against miracles. So whether you are a true believer or a seasoned skeptic open to evidence, you’ll be enlightened and challenged by this brilliant book.

  FRANK TUREK, PhD, coauthor of

  I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

  Lee Strobel’s latest book is thick with striking examples of medically verified physical healings and of God’s life-changing, supernatural intervention in the lives of ordinary people. The evidence is simply stunning. As usual, Strobel gives the skeptic lots to think about and the Christian lots to be confident in—with a riveting chapter for those whose miracles stay missing. The Case for Miracles will certainly change your prayers. It might just change your life.

  GREGORY KOUKL, president of Stand to Reason

  and author of The Story of Reality and Tactics

  Lee Strobel takes an unconventional approach in The Case for Miracles as he confronts head-on the skeptics’ arguments and systematically demolishes all of them. But he doesn’t stop there; he presents a powerful case for the actual occurrence of miracles and other divine intervention in our lives. He doesn’t dodge any of the nagging questions but provides comforting and satisfactory explanations for why God doesn’t supernaturally resolve every problem we face and erase all human suffering this side of eternity. This is not merely a feel-good book for hungry believers; it’s a thoughtful treatment covering the full scope of the subject—from the subjective, experiential, and anecdotal to the objective, rational, and theological. This book is first-rate—and another superb contribution to Lee’s invaluable body of work.

  DAVID LIMBAUGH, New York Times

  bestselling author of Jesus On Trial

  With his usual flair and readable style, Lee Strobel deals at length with the issue of miracles through a series of interesting interviews, making it clear that it would indeed be a miracle if one could explain all the myriads of testimonies of miracles through the ages by a theory that doesn’t involve God. Highly recommended!

  BEN WITHERINGTON III, PhD, Amos professor of New Testament

  for doctrinal studies at Asbury Theological Seminary

  Lee Strobel has done it again. In The Case for Miracles, he pulls off a theological and apologetic hat trick with respect to topic, evidence, and style. First, the overall question addressed in the book requires courage, if not sheer audacity. He tackles one of the thorniest issues perennially embedded within the arguments between belief and unbelief—the question of miracles. Second, he looks head-on at the evidence for and against(!) miracles in today’s world—and the stories are amazing. Finally, as to style, Lee sets forth his case by developing historical, scientific, and biblical materials in a way that not only is readable for a popular audience, but has substantial theological and philosophical content undergirding it. Lee Strobel has, once again, done his homework. I highly recommend this book!

  ROBERT B. SLOAN, president of Houston Baptist University

  Lee Strobel’s new book, The Case for Miracles, is a resource that has been needed in the apologetics field for years. The dismissal of Christianit
y by many young adults is due to the strong bias against the supernatural so prevalent in the classroom and culture. Strobel is known for meticulous research, gripping one-on-one interviews, and compelling apologetic conclusions—and The Case for Miracles powerfully delivers on these points. The book offers fresh research about God and the possibility of his intervention in the world. I am confident that Strobel’s work is tangibly helping people see beyond the naturalistic bias that has gripped academia for far too long.

  ALEX MCFARLAND, director of apologetics and

  Christian worldview at North Greenville University

  This may be my favorite book among the many favorites Lee Strobel has written. Without the miraculous, Christianity crumbles under the weight of its own claims. Once again, Lee brings the curiosity of an investigator, the skill of a legal editor, the mind of a scientist, and the heart of a pastor to make the case for miracles in a way that will compel skeptics, strengthen doubters, and embolden people of faith.

  GENE APPEL, senior pastor of Eastside Christian Church,

  Anaheim, California

  Lee Strobel turns his investigative mind toward the question of modern-day miracles, interviewing both Christians and non-Christians to provide a balanced approach. I’m glad to recommend The Case for Miracles because I believe that our God still works in the world, both to demonstrate his power to unbelievers and to strengthen the faith of Jesus followers.

  ED STETZER, PhD, Billy Graham distinguished

  chair at Wheaton College

  One of the most troubling verses in the Bible says that Jesus taught in his hometown, but “did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” Could this be true of my life? Of yours? A great way to expand your faith is by reading The Case for Miracles. This exciting new book will increase your expectancy for God’s miraculous activity—even in your own life.

  MARK MITTELBERG, bestselling author of Confident Faith and

  The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (with Answers)

  Over the years, I’ve struggled with how to thoughtfully articulate a belief in miracles. Some of my struggle comes from having been generally raised with atheistic naturalism. My tendency is to disbelieve first and then ask questions. After reading The Case for Miracles, I now see I lacked cohesion to my view of miracles. My attempts at understanding were disjointed and incidental. Lee Strobel investigates miracles from many vantage points, including atheistic skepticism, eyewitness testimony, historical evidence, scientific testability, visions and dreams, evangelical embarrassment, and unanswered prayers. It’s a whirlwind of angles written at an accessible level, with Strobel’s usual dry wit peppered in along the way. If you’ve ever wondered about God’s miraculous work in his creation, this book is for you.

  MARY JO SHARP, apologetics professor, author,

  and director of Confident Christianity

  Also by Lee Strobel

  The Case for Christ

  The Case for Christ audio

  The Case for Christ—Student Edition (with Jane Vogel)

  The Case for Christ for Kids (with Rob Suggs and Robert Elmer)

  The Case for Christ curriculum (with Garry Poole)

  The Case for Christ Devotional (with Mark Mittelberg)

  The Case for Christmas

  The Case for a Creator

  The Case for a Creator audio

  The Case for a Creator—Student Edition (with Jane Vogel)

  The Case for a Creator for Kids (with Rob Suggs and Robert Elmer)

  The Case for a Creator curriculum (with Garry Poole)

  The Case for Easter

  The Case for Faith

  The Case for Faith audio

  The Case for Faith—Student Edition (with Jane Vogel)

  The Case for Faith for Kids (with Rob Suggs and Robert Elmer)

  The Case for Faith curriculum (with Garry Poole)

  The Case for Grace

  The Case for Grace—Student Edition (with Jane Vogel)

  The Case for Grace for Kids (with Jesse Florea)

  The Case for Hope

  God’s Outrageous Claims

  In Defense of Jesus

  Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage (with Leslie Strobel)

  Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage audio

  The Unexpected Adventure (with Mark Mittelberg)

  ZONDERVAN

  The Case for Miracles

  Copyright © 2018 by Lee Strobel

  Requests for information should be addressed to:

  Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

  Epub Edition February 2018 9780310343349

  ISBN 978-0-310-25924-4 (international trade paper edition)

  ISBN 978-0-310-35169-6 (audio)

  ISBN 978-0-310-34334-9 (ebook)

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Names: Strobel, Lee, 1952- author.

  Title: The case for miracles : a journalist investigates evidence for the supernatural / Lee Strobel.

  Description: Grand Rapids, Michigan : Zondervan, [2018] | Includes bibliographical references and index.

  Identifiers: LCCN 2017048503 | ISBN 9780310259183 (hardcover)

  Subjects: LCSH: Miracles. | Supernatural.

  Classification: LCC BT97.3 .S77 2018 | DDC 231.7/3—dc23

  LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017048503

  All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

  Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

  Cover design: Curt Diepenhorst

  Cover photo: caracterdesign / Getty Images

  Interior design: Kait Lamphere

  First printing January 2018 / Printed in the United States of America

  For Emma Jean Mittelberg

  Miracle Girl

  Information about External Hyperlinks in this eBook

  Please note that footnotes in this ebook may contain hyperlinks to external websites as part of bibliographic citations. These hyperlinks have not been activated by the publisher, who cannot verify the accuracy of these links beyond the date of publication.

  Contents

  INTRODUCTION: Investigating the Miraculous

  PART 1: The Case against Miracles

  An Interview with Dr. Michael Shermer

  CHAPTER 1: The Making of a Skeptic

  CHAPTER 2: The Knockdown Argument

  CHAPTER 3: Myths and Miracles

  PART 2: The Case for Miracles

  An Interview with Dr. Craig S. Keener

  CHAPTER 4: From Skepticism to Belief

  CHAPTER 5: From Hume to Jesus

  CHAPTER 6: A Tide of Miracles

  PART 3: Science, Dreams, and Visions

  CHAPTER 7: The Science of Miracles

  An Interview with Dr. Candy Gunther Brown

  CHAPTER 8: Dreams and Visions

  An Interview with Missionary Tom Doyle

  PART 4: The Most Spectacular Miracles

  CHAPTER 9: The Astonishing Miracle of Creation

  An Interview with Dr. Michael G. Strauss

  CHAPTER 10: Our Miraculous Universe and Planet

  Continuing the Interview with Dr. Michael G. Strauss

  CH
APTER 11: The Miracle of the Resurrection

  An Interview with Detective J. Warner Wallace

  PART 5: Difficulties with Miracles

  CHAPTER 12: Embarrassed by the Supernatural

  An Interview with Dr. Roger E. Olson

  CHAPTER 13: When Miracles Don’t Happen

  An Interview with Dr. Douglas R. Groothuis

  CONCLUSION: Reaching Your Verdict

  Acknowledgments

  Meet Lee Strobel

  Recommended Resources for Further Investigation

  Guide for Group Discussion and Personal Reflection

  Notes

  Index

  My guide must be my reason, and at the thought of miracles my reason is rebellious. Personally, I do not believe that Christ laid claim to doing miracles, or asserted that he had miraculous power . . . There is no supernatural.

  Thomas A. Edison1

  Events that we commonly call miracles are not supernatural, but are part of a spectrum of more-or-less improbable natural events. A miracle, in other words, if it occurs at all, is a tremendous stroke of luck.

  Richard Dawkins2

  A scientific law is not a scientific law if it holds only when some supernatural being decides not to intervene.

  Stephen Hawking3

  Miracles in fact are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.

  C. S. Lewis4

  If [an unbeliever] is confronted with a miracle as an irrefutable fact he would rather disbelieve his own senses than admit the fact.

  Fyodor Dostoyevsky5

  God is not a prisoner of the laws of nature . . . God, who set the regularities there, can himself feed a new event into the system from outside. Science cannot stop Him from doing that.

  John Lennox6

  If miracles exist at all, they exist not for their own sake but for us, to point us toward something beyond. To someone beyond.

  Eric Metaxas7

  “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”

  Jesus, in John 4:48

  The most incredible thing about miracles is that they happen.

  G. K. Chesterton8