The Case for Christ (2017)

An investigative journalist and self-proclaimed atheist sets out to disprove the existence of God after his wife becomes a Christian.

Director:

Jon Gunn

Writers:

Brian Bird (screenplay by), Lee Strobel (based on the book by)

Stars:

Erika Christensen, Faye Dunaway, Frankie Faison

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Erika Christensen	...	Leslie Strobel
Faye Dunaway	...	Dr. Roberta Waters
Frankie Faison	...	Joe Dubois
Robert Forster	...	Walt Strobel
Brett Rice	...	Ray Nelson
L. Scott Caldwell	...	Alfie Davis
Mike Vogel	...	Lee Strobel
Meredith Andrews	...	Worship Leader
Rus Blackwell	...	Dr. William Craig
Tracey Bonner	...	ICU Nurse
Matthew Brenher	...	Dr. Phillip Singer (as Matthew Brehner)
Mark Campbell	...	Judge (as Mark Alan Campbell)
Jordan Cox	...	Bill Hybels
David de Vos	...	Tribune Colleague
Renell Gibbs	...	James Hick

Storyline

An award-winning investigative journalist -- and avowed atheist -- who applies his well-honed journalistic and legal skills to disprove the newfound Christian faith of his wife... with unexpected, life-altering results.

---

Plot Keywords:

atheist | reference to jesus christ | christian film | investigation | religious conservatism | 

---

Taglines:

One man's journey to solve the biggest mystery of all time

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama

---

Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Trivia

The various claims made in the film have been criticized by many Atheist groups online, such as Hugo & Jake on YouTube.

---

Goofs

In Chapter 9, minute 55.6, when Lee and family are driving home their station wagon front license plates are orange/yellow with dark lettering. The Illinois plates for that year (1980) were dark blue letters on a reflective white background.

---

Quotes

Lee Strobel: Lee Strobel- Okay God, you win

---

Connections

Referenced in The Cinema Snob: God's Not Dead 3: A Light in Darkness (2019)

---

Soundtracks

Help Me Believe
Written and Performed by Strahan Coleman
Courtesy of Strahan Coleman
Published by Strahan Coleman

User Reviews

Fair, Thoughtful, and Cinematic

"Christian" movies have a reputation of being artificial, unprofessional, and only appealing to those who are already indoctrinated. "The Case for Christ" breaks these stereotypes, delivering the best piece of Christian filmography that I've seen, as well as a good biographical drama by more general standards.

As mentioned, "The Case" avoids the pitfalls that the majority of Christian films fall into. It does not vilify atheists, make Christians appear impossibly pious, stuff the script with corny and unnatural dialogue (or significantly lack any other production quality), or contrive situations in order to "prove" Christianity (this is a biography, after all).

While the primary character, Lee Strobel, isn't a very nice person for most of the movie, he is no more flawed than most protagonists, and these flaws are never blamed on atheism, per se. Mike Vogel's portrayal of a man doing what he feels is best for his family and dealing with life's stresses, especially those that come from having one's worldview challenged, is genuine and moving.

I don't think many folks will come into the movie theater as skeptics and walk out as Christians, but I think the movie's producers were mature enough that that's not what they were intending or expecting. The movie likely won't answer all of a skeptic's questions (though the questions they do address are relevant, not straw men), but it answers enough of them that they should realize that (some) people do indeed have reasons for their beliefs.

Altogether, Christians and non-Christians alike should walk away from this movie with the desire to learn more, and they'll have experienced a good piece of cinema in the process.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 April 2017 (Canada)

Also Known As:

The Case for Christ

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,967,885, 9 April 2017

Gross USA:

$14,682,684

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$18,175,663

Company Credits

Production Co:

Triple Horse Studios, Pure Flix Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1