Lee Strobel with Jane Vogel
Zondervan, 2015, 144 pp., $9.99
The Case for Grace for Kids
Lee Strobel with Jesse Florea
Zondervan, 2015, 176 pp., $7.19
Lee Strobel has made a name for himself as an apologist and investigator of God’s truths. While his previous works focused on an intellectual and historical understanding about Christ, The Case for Grace is a compilation of personal stories meant to stir the emotions and open readers’ hearts to experience God’s grace. Both versions of this book—for kids and students—begin with Lee’s story about his hostile relationship with his father and the lack of grace both men expressed toward each other. Lee goes on to share interesting biographies of people who have experienced and given grace: an orphan from Korea, a professor, a drug addict, a prodigal and a former Khmer Rouge leader.
Both editions focus on personal narratives and experiences of forgiveness and grace. All the stories are interesting, though many are similar in essence—a person is brought to the end of his or her rope only to experience God’s grace through the unmerited kindness and forgiveness of others. There isn’t much exploration of a theology of grace or biblical stories, though both editions have a section featuring relevant Bible references about grace.
Overall, both editions are affecting and simple collections of stories about grace, and Strobel fans won’t be disappointed.
