Rating: 
Summary: well written, but definitely one-sided
Review: A well written book which makes a good case for an intelligent cause of the universe, and dispels the ludicrous idea that everything came out of random nothingness. (To the critic who likened Strobel's book to mythology as an explanation for the unexplainable, and mentioned that we might someday know more about DNA enough to preclude the automatic 'God argument', that entirely misses the point; the fact is, a growing preponderance of scientific evidence and scientific consensus IS pointing to an intelligent design argument, not Zeus or Helios).
Still, I was uncomfortable with the 'checklist' approach Strobel used to argue his case during his conversations with William Craig, a philosopher and theologian who summarily dismissed every devil's advocate rebuttal Strobel threw at him, and whose explanations forms a central case for the book. Alternative theories of the universe, both philosophical and/or scientific, such as the Eastern theory of an eternal universe, or the Russian theory of an oscillating universe, or Guth's inflation theory, etc., are simply dismissed because Craig says they are unjustified and offers a few reubttals. But just who is Craig, and why should *his* rebuttals form the all-encompassing demise of world renowned theoreticians or physicists who disagree with him? The reason is, Craig is a believer and a Christian and his arguments---however compelling they may be---lean toward his belief system which seems to uphold the idea of a first cause, or as he himself alludes to, a God who may very well have said "let there be light". To underscore this point, when Strobel asks Craig to explain what that first cause may have been, Craig confidently answers a higher being with obvious intelligence, akin to the concept of an intelligent mind at work. But Craig is inferring a conclusion based on his own deductive logic and what he sees as holes in opposing scientific views. I can also offer a different view other than the Christian one, that holds a dialectic view of God as an eternal force, and of an infinitely coexisting universe based on the idea that an eternal God couldn't at SOME POINT decide on creating a universe, lest that God depart his eternal stature for a *moment* in time (impossible if you believe God is timeless). This hearkens back to Hegel's dialectic or Sartre's idea of being and nothingness, both valid suppositions based on logical arguments; and it also parallels theoretical scientific views of oscillating universes and the like. But Strobel's book---while trying to appear objective and unbiased (after all, the author was an agnostic who with great skepticism, decided on investigating this God issue at the behest of his wife who was transformed by a born-again experience), doesn't allow for opposing views.
All in all, a book I thought I would thoroughly enjoy and was considering purchasing, never left the bookstore with me after I'd read the points and gotten the jist. Great books make their case without going out of their way to tell you they're not trying to make a case, and they don't offer quick rebuttals of opposing viewpoints that would otherwise fill volumes, in a few short, cute sentences.
Rating: 
Summary: God of DNA
Review: Basically: If science cannot explain something now, if we don't know the answers now, then the only explanation can be God. The same kind of thinking brought us Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Neptune, etc. That's what mythology does--explain the inexplainable. Don't understand the complexity of planetary movement? Jeez, it must be Helios who carries the sun across the sky! Don't understand the complexity of the double helix? Jeez, it must be an intelligent creator who designs humans! We've known DNA existed for only 50 years...do you think possibly, just possibly, that one day science will know more about it than they do today? Or should we just immediately "cry god" and end of story?
This is the book for you if you like...
-circular logic
-one-sided "evidence" (there is no debate)
-science presented by a biased non-scientist
-short-sighted, shallow thinking
-science by creationist scientists
-ridiculous conclusions
This is disappointing. When I picked up the book, I actually had a little hope that there might be some real evidence. But, nope, fooled again.
Rating: 
Summary: The Case for a Creator is a Slam Dunk
Review: For decades, many scientists, educators and the media have portrayed the theories of Darwinian evolution and the naturalistic formation of the universe as the products of proven science. Public schools and universities continue to teach these theories as the exclusive explanations for the formation of the universe, living creatures and human consciousness. As recently as last month a scientist believing in a Creator was scratched from an NPR program discussing creation, and teachers are still prohibited from criticizing Darwinism or favorably discussing intelligent design theories in public schools. But is science really backing up Darwin and the spontaneous creation of the universe? Is belief in God as the Creator of all things consistent with the latest discoveries in science? Lee Strobel's latest book, The Case for a Creator, attempts to determine and explain whether the arrow of science is pointing in the direction of God or Darwin. Strobel presents solid scientific and philosophical evidence supporting the idea that God as Creator is the only reasonable theory for creation. Strobel's case is built on information garnered from interviews with several experts in the fields of biology, physics, cosmology, astronomy, biochemistry and the human mind. Strobel's latest book follows the patterns of his previous books, The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith. In all three books Strobel creates a narrative of investigative journalism delving into the mysteries in question. The Case for a Creator begins with Strobel providing an introduction to the conflict between theories of Darwinian evolution and intelligent design. He gives his own history of buying into the godless theories of creation hook, line and sinker during his years in high school and college. It was his faith in these theories that led him to accept atheism as a reasonable approach to life. His later investigations into the evidence for Christ and faith led him to reject atheism and to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. The premise for this book is found in a quote by Stephen Meyer, Ph. D, one of the experts interviewed by Strobel. He says, "Science and faith are not at war. When scientific evidence and biblical teaching are correctly interpreted, they can and do support each other. I'd say to anyone who doubts that: investigate the evidence yourself." The Case for a Creator invites readers to investigate the evidence. Strobel lays it out for you in as readable a manner as I think possible. Critics claim that Strobel sets the table in favor of a Creator by interviewing only experts who believe in the Creator rather than other theories. It is true that he does not interview any atheistic scientists, but he uses many of their arguments to query the experts he interviews. In fact, he regular quotes Darwin and his supporters. He quotes several other opposing scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Stephen Jay Gould. Strobel presents many of the theories opposing theism. What becomes clear while reading this book is that many educators and researchers are committed to keeping God out of the equation at all costs, even at the cost of clinging to outdated and imaginative theories of creation. Strobel gives his readers plentiful ammunition to attack the theories espoused by the evolutionists and atheists in any arena. As he shows, the holes in atheistic theories require much more faith to fill than is required to believe that an intelligent God created all things according to Biblical truths.
Rating:
Summary: It is written in the stars...
Review: Great book, Lee Strobel is a delight to read. This is a persuasive book for the common man looking to understand the pros of the intelligent design and the cons of evolutionary theory. Mr. Strobel chooses to boil his points down to the common man mentality, so it will not lose those of us without degrees in science. It is sad to scan the few negative reviews of this book only to find A.) People who obviously didn't read the whole book. (or at least did not comprehend its message) B.) Those who attack the validity of the book simply because it wasn't written to appeal specifically to the scientific community. C.) Those whose own biases will never allow them to take any work which challenges the scientific status quo seriously.
Rating:
Summary: Well written introduction
Review: Having a very different academic background (social sciences), I was looking for an introductory work to understand the main discussions derived by the interaction of Science and Faith. Lee Strobel's book turned out to be a great source in that sense. Strobel uses his usual method: interviews with high-level personalities on the scientific landscape to answer various suggestive questions: is there a way to establish connections between Science and Metaphysics? Is Science pointing towards God or away from Him? Is it really possible to talk about an Intelligent Designer or a Creator of the Universe based on scientific grounds? In short, this Case for a Creator is a cumulative case built from the discoveries and evidence of several fields of knowledge. Strobel addresses a set of multidisciplinary issues: the doubts about Darwinism (implications of the Cambrian Explosion), the discoveries of cosmology (analyzes the Big Band theory), physics (anthropoic fine-tuning of the Universe), astronomy, biochemistry (explains molecular design), DNA information, and human consciousness. Strobel's conclusion is compelling: the testimony of science clearly supports theism, it enlightens what naturalistic evolutionary theories fail to explain. In that sense, the main objectives of the book are well achieved. The author describes some overlapping territories between Faith and Science, brings a fine introduction to the Intelligent Design scientific movement, explains the thought and work of some important contemporary's scientists and philosophers like Jonathan Wells, Stephen C. Meyer, Robin Collins, William Lane Craig and J.P. Moreland, to name a few -all Christian sources, it must be said-, and recommends further readings on the specific topics. Engaging, easy readable and well written, Strobel's book was a very valuable source for me as an introduction to this unknown landscape: it opened new windows in my quest to know God. And it left me wanting for more.
Rating:
Summary: If Darwin read this book...he would abandon his theory
Review: I believe in a form of evolution. This book offers a lot of insight. I'm not going to explain the details, however, I can't help to be awed by the materials within this book. Nonetheless, read it and understand it.
You decide
Rating:
Summary: The Case for a Creator
Review: I enjoyed this book very much. Could not put it down and I am ordering copies for my family and friends as I do not want to give out my copy and take a chance of not getting it back. This book uses todays scientific advances to show why the "thinking" person should consider the Creator God as being the cause of the creation of all visible and invisible things. If you are a believer this book will strengthen your faith. If you are not, then it will make you consider the possibility that God does exist and did create all we see and is still in contact with the whole of his creation.
Rating: 
Summary:
Review: Interesting questions raised; but ultimately unsatisfying. The final conclusion is: "well, it doesn't make sense, so it musta been God!!!"
Rating:
Summary: Great read and summary for scientific evidence for Creator
Review: Is the case for evolution clearly a shut case? Are all the basic aspects of evolutionary theory known to be correct? Can the entire universe be explained simply in terms of matter and energy? Do science and religion conflict? Do people who believe in a Creator suffer from an inability to rationally comprehend the brute facts of the world around them? If you've ever pondered these questions, then this book is for you. If you are looking for a summary book with highlights of intelligent design, along with several key evidential problems with evolutionary theory, this is it. In a wonderfully engaging style, Lee Strobel takes you through his investigation for the scientific evidence for a Creator. But do not feel like you need to be scientifically sophisticated to follow the extremely informative interviews with leading academics - the down-to-earth and always practical approach exemplified in Strobel's first two books (The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith) is refined further in this work. Tough, contemporary questions, the hallmark of Strobel's investigative approach, are ever present and address conundrums from eminent skeptics. The framework for this book follows a logical and well-thought-out progression. Strobel poses the questions hard skeptics ask on such broad topics as: evolution, faith and science, the Big Bang, fine-tuning of the universe, Earth's privileged place in the cosmos, biochemical complexity, the origin of life, DNA and, finally, the mind. He interviews many of the top minds in each of these topics, including many prominent ID personalities, such as Michael Behe, Jonathan Wells, Stephen Meyer, Jay Richards, Guillermo Gonzalez, and J. P. Moreland. The material in his interviews often covers very recent work, such as Richards' and Gonzalez's Privileged Planet, which came out approximately the same time as The Case for a Creator. Strobel gets at the heart of the scientific issues for the various topics, even such esoteric concepts as superstring theory and Stephen Hawking's supposedly "non-singularity" universe. Though reading those words may cause your eyes to cross, the book provides easy to follow examples, analogies, and explanations to drive home the basic ideas. For example, when considering Hawking's "non-singularity" universe (that is, a universe without a beginning) interviewee William Lane Craig, Ph.D., shows how Hawking attempts to deny a beginning point for the universe. However, to do so, Hawking has to employ an imaginary number (i.e. the square root of negative one), which appears to mathematically address the issue, but cannot be valid for the real world - in reality, the beginning has just been masked behind a mathematical model. Craig exposes Hawking's mathematical slight of hand for what it is. Reflections, anecdotes and big picture summaries are interspersed throughout the book along with the engaging interviews. One noteworthy story is from Strobel's own life, where he recalls his early days as a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He was a self-proclaimed atheist at the time and was assigned to cover a local dispute over the teaching of evolution in West Virginia. Various Christians opposed the teaching of evolution, and at the time, Strobel wondered, "Why couldn't these people get their heads out of the sand and admit the obvious: science had put their God out of a job!" 30 years later, Strobel gives a compelling account of how the scientific evidence does not support the naturalist worldview, and points out that ironically, "My road to atheism was paved by science ... but, ironically, so was my later journey to God." Similar to Strobel's past works, this book is very well referenced and provides great information for further reading after each chapter. In fact, there's even a website specifically aimed at helping people to learn more about and promote intelligent design: www.caseforacreator.com. The website includes highlights from the book and an entertaining audio program online, complete with sound effects to help visualize Strobel's personal recollections of events past.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, well researched
Review: Is there a God? Did he/she/it design the universe, delicately place Earth within it and then carefully create humanity? One of the best-known apologists for orthodox Christianity says yes, of course, in a book subtitled A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God.
Mr. Strobel, a former Chicago Daily News reporter, certainly did his homework tackling the subject. He interviews eight God-believing PhD heavy thinkers from the halls of academia and, in a conversational style that puts him and his ego right in the thick of things, gets down to the nitty gritty of existence.
It's an easy and fascinating read, ranging from exploring if there is a parallel universe to describing the complex makeup of protein to the question of whether or not consciousness and the mind are separate things. Educational? Definitely.
At one point Mr. Strobel and author/professor Michael Behe ponder bacterial flagellum, a propeller-like biological machine for transporting bacteria. According to Mr. Behe, flagellum can spin at 10,000 revolutions per minute, then stop within a quarter turn and spin in the opposite direction at the same speed.
Flagellum are so complex between 30 and 35 proteins are needed to create a functioning unit and, Mr. Strobel writes, no Darwin-loving scientist has ever been able to propose a step-by-step evolutionary process that would lead to its creation. It was God, they both say. And I agree.
Wading through this can sometimes be a bit heavy, but Mr. Strobel's journalistic roots usually pull things back to a level most of us can understand while still feeling intellectually challenged.
But there are two problems. First, how many atheists are really, really out there? Not many, I suggest. A majority of Canadians, brought up in a society that discourages pondering deeper, important issues of existence, simply figure there's probably a God. And that's that.
So Mr. Strobel goes overboard, especially in taking veiled shots at "Darwinists" (as he likes to call scientists who believe evolution will eventually explain everything) to prove something that doesn't need proving.
Secondly, the subtitle of this book is wrong. Mr. Strobel hasn't been a journalist for 20 years or more. He's an evangelical Christian making a very good living writing books (Most notably, The Case for Faith and The Case for Christ) defending his faith. As a fellow Christian, I have no problem with his books or the income he's earned from them. As a journalist, however, I raise the flag of protest.
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