Seeing the Supernatural: Investigating Angels, Demons, Mystical Dreams, Near-Death Encounters, and Other Mysteries of the Unseen World

by Lee Strobel

Discover solid biblical answers to the provocative questions you have been asking about the supernatural world--healings, angels, demons, mystical dreams, near-death experiences, heaven, hell, and more--through the investigative work of a former spiritual skeptic.

We hear stories all the time about the supernatural--miraculous healings, unexplained sightings, near-death experiences--but how do we know what is real? Are rumors of spiritual beings, healings, and prophetic dreams dangerous deceptions, or is there something important for us to explore? Join investigative journalist and former atheist Lee Strobel as he examines the evidence and considers how we should think about the unseen world--and the God who made and rules over it.

As the bestselling author of the popular Case For series, which has sold millions of copies, Lee Strobel has interviewed some of the most brilliant scientists and philosophical thinkers in the world on topics of apologetics and faith. In Seeing the Supernatural, Lee weaves together his best material from several previous books with dynamic new and never-published interviews to investigate what the Bible really teaches about the unseen world.

As he asks scholars the very questions you have about otherworldly experiences, Lee will help

Better understand how God chooses to work in the fascinating supernatural realm--and why it is importantAvoid common mistakes people make, including both ignoring the supernatural and becoming obsessed with itHave answers ready for when you face objections or deceptions that are common in a world of supernatural counterfeitsDraw closer to God as you catch glimpses of his power and glory in ways you don't typically experience 

Written for skeptics and believers alike, Seeing the Supernatural is a transformative exploration of how the supernatural can shape our understanding of God's character and our own faith.

Genres: Nonfiction, How To, Psychology, Philosophy, Christian, Productivity, Personal Development

320 pages, Hardcover

Published March 18, 2025

About the author

Lee Patrick Strobel is an American Christian author and a former investigative journalist. He has written several books, including four that received ECPA Christian Book Awards (1994, 1999, 2001, 2005)[2] and a series which addresses challenges to the veracity of Christianity. He also hosted a television program called Faith Under Fire on PAX TV and runs a video apologetics web site.

Reviews

[Steve Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm rating this book highly, even though I honestly really didn't like it. It almost feels heretical not to like a Strobel book, I doubt any recent author has done more for the kingdom with apologetic books. I've read and love most of his previous books, which I think is actually what I didn't like about this book. Most of the content has already been covered in his other books, so much so, that I didn't really think this one covered any new ground at all? For example he interviewed John Burke about NDEs, but this was covered in his book 'the case for heaven'. He also interviewed Paul Copan about hell, which was almost the same interview he did with him in the Heaven book. Perhaps the main issue though, was that I've (coincidentally) read books by most of the guys he met or quoted, Copan, Burke, Storm, Willard, McKnight, Gregg and Keener. So I was familiar with just about all the content presented.

The last thing that grinded me, was that I find it difficult hearing Strobel ask questions that I KNOW he knows the answers to, and act surprised with the answers given. I know that's his style of book, but I think its probably run its course in his series.

Anyway, I'm rating this a 4 star because I think the content is actually good, and would suit someone seeking answers that hasn't read his other books or isn't familiar with all his interviewees.

[Kayley Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so overall, I thought this was very thorough. I didn’t love the interview format but that’s just a personal preference. The interviews did add a lot of credibility. I didn’t check every Bible reference but nothing red-flagged me. I actually really appreciated the final chapter on ghosts and psychics so I can have an answer to questions my kids might ask me someday.

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super intriguing subjects in this book!!!

[Nathan Bozeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this a 4-star just because I thought there were some chapters that were absolutely 5-star worthy, and then others worth 3 in my opinion. The vast majority of the book is great - I only really disagreed with the chapter on hell (I'm an annihilationist, and I don't think they steelmanned that view), and a few comments here and there throughout.

Overall, great book for learning about the world beyond the physical one.

[Danielle Dammeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the conclusion, Lee Strobel shares the story of Elisha facing the massive Assyrian army coming to attack Israel. His servant is terrified, but Elisha knows something he doesn’t. Elisha asks God to reveal the secret to his servant, and the servant then sees the angel army surrounding them. Strobel then says, “…when [the servant] caught sight of this otherwise veiled realm, suddenly his faith was restored, and his courage bolstered. The vision reassured him of the love and protection of the God who created it all. I hope something similar has happened to you as you’ve read…” (p. 250). It did for me.

This book has assuredly deepened, strengthened and bolstered my faith. My faith in many ways felt very abstract, intangible and untethered before reading this book. My faith now feels like reality, not just something I hope is true. I am more convinced than ever that our world poses many questions that only Christianity can answer.

The sections I found most encouraging and convincing were on the existence of the soul, mystical dreams, death bed visions and near death encounters. In my opinion, most of the other sections lacked good evidence, which is why I gave only 4 stars. There were a few times evidence was mentioned but not given, or the evidence given wasn’t as convincing for me.

Overall, this is worth the read.

Note: This is the first book by Lee Strobel I have read.

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (= good)

Strobel here investigates claims of miraculous healings, near-death experiences, end-of-life visions, encounters with angels, and other experiences that cannot be satisfactorily explained in a naturalistic way. Of course most people will (and should) regard any stories of this sort with a skeptical eye, but it turns out that there are many many documented cases that cannot be easily brushed aside. Like people who have out-body experiences while clinically dead and later report conversations heard in other rooms, or things they saw while hovering over their bodies (like a red sticker on the top side of a ceiling fan, or a sneaker on the roof) that were later confirmed to be true. These events cannot be satisfactorily explained unless humans have immaterial souls.

He also discusses the significant number of Muslims who have converted to Christianity after having dreams/visions of Jesus.

Now I realize that some folks are critical of Strobel’s “Case for...” franchise, accusing him of failing to address the “best” objections, and I would agree that his books generally provide only a first pass coverage of the arguments. Strobel writes starter apologetics books and he answers many of the first tier objections to Christianity. They are written in a format to appeal to many people who may not otherwise read a more in-depth treatise. But for many it may whet the appetite for further study.

Having said that, I did find it irritating that he repeatedly reports that studies were published in such-and-such peer-reviewed journals, but doesn’t actually cite the journal articles.

Overall, I found this an interesting exploration. It’s probably more useful as a guide for believers wondering how these phenomena should be understood from a Christian theological perspective, rather than as a persuasive pro-Christian apologetic.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a believer in the spiritual world -- a realm apart from the physical. In fact, I am most comfortable living in a place of mystery and unanswered questions. This book offers interesting discussions and examples to reinforce the idea of the supernatural from a Biblical perspective.

[Will Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you #goodreadsgiveaway for the opportunity to read and review this book. Stroebel's exploration of the seen and unseen gives us an insight into how Christianity can relate to the existence of angels, demons and beings beyond this realm. An overall unusual book, it is complicated in that the writing style feels more academic than a typically nonfiction work. While it's not something I would reread myself, it would be of interest to others who seek an evidential approach.

[Anna Lund · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Strobel book. Heard of him, just never read his stuff. The supernatural realm fascinates me and I've seen what the power of prayer can do during an attack.

To start I'll say the miracle chapter was uplifting and encouraging to hear stories of people being healed with evidence to back it up. Also, really enjoyed the chapter on supporting Christ's resurrection. Again just encouraging to see things support what the Bible says.

However, I found the writing a little dumbed down. It felt like the author could have gone deeper and I wish he had. He glosses over so many topics. Spent a good chunk on psychic would have loved to see more on the paranormal. A couple of the people he interviewed felt off, not sure why though.

Interesting book, but can't say I loved it.

[Tammy Hancock · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This topic of the supernatural is very interesting to me. I’m fascinated by true accounts of near death experiences and proof of heaven and the afterlife. Gives me great hope of what is to come! The reason i only gave it 3.5 stars is i didn’t like the set up of the book and how it was written. I felt like it didn’t flow smoothly. Lots of interviews in the writing. Which isn’t bad, i just think it would fair better in a podcast format. But overall very interesting read. I recommend it if you want more knowledge of the supernatural!

[Barbara Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reserve 5 star ratings for books that affect me enough to create change in my heart and mind, and this one did. It answers questions we should all be asking. The interviews with so many experts are faith-bolstering, and I found a lot of comfort in the chapters about death, NDEs, and heaven.

[Tommie · Rating 3 out of 5]

the parts where he wrote about medical conditions -- i think it was in chapter 2 -- could have been edited better by a medical professional. he said some things that aren't right, like shocking a "flatlining" patient -- it goes against american heart association guidelines to defibrillate asystole. little things like that bugged me as a nurse. but other things i found to be really profound. i highlighted and dog-eared pages 153, 196, & 225.

[Amunet · Rating 3 out of 5]

ANALYTICAL REVIEW: SEEING THE SUPERNATURAL

With appreciation to Zondervan Books for providing the review copy 📚

INTELLECTUAL FRAMEWORK & METHODOLOGY
Lee Strobel, former legal journalist and renowned for his conversion from atheism to Christianity, applies his investigative skills to examine phenomena beyond ordinary perception. Through structured interviews with theological scholars and experts, Strobel methodically analyzes supernatural occurrences—angelic manifestations, demonic encounters, prophetic dreams, afterlife experiences, and inexplicable healings—against biblical texts and contemporary accounts.

The work employs journalistic inquiry techniques while maintaining a distinctly Christian epistemological foundation. Strobel constructs his arguments using a combination of testimonial evidence, scholarly interpretation, and scriptural analysis to build a case for supernatural reality.

SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS: STRENGTHS (4/5)
Strobel's investigative background proves valuable in his systematic approach to supernatural inquiry. His methodology incorporates:

• Rigorous interrogation of primary sources and witness accounts
• Comparative analysis of theological interpretations
• Historical contextualization of supernatural phenomena
• Logical examination of competing explanations
• Integration of contemporary case studies with traditional biblical narratives
• The text succeeds in presenting complex theological concepts through accessible language and • narrative structure. For readers interested in Christian perspectives on metaphysical reality, Strobel • provides substantial intellectual material for consideration.

CRITICAL ASSESSMENT: LIMITATIONS (3/5)
Despite its scholarly merits, several aspects warrant critical examination:

• The epistemological framework presupposes biblical authority rather than establishing it
• Evidential standards occasionally shift between empirical and faith-based criteria
• Certain arguments reflect circular reasoning within theological paradigms
• Alternative explanations outside Christian frameworks receive insufficient examination
• The density of theological references may challenge readers without background knowledge
• These limitations do not necessarily diminish the work's value but rather define its appropriate • audience and interpretive context. ✝️

AUDIENCE CONSIDERATIONS (2/5)
This text requires critical engagement from readers, particularly:

• Those with minimal exposure to Christian theological concepts may find certain premises challenging
• The work demands active rather than passive reading engagement
• Apologetic purpose supersedes objective investigation at key junctures
• Prior familiarity with Christian doctrine enhances comprehension
• Analytical thinking helps separate rhetorical persuasion from evidential demonstration
• Non-religious readers will encounter a perspective that, while intellectually stimulating, operates from foundational assumptions they may not share. 🔍

SCHOLARLY ASSESSMENT
Strobel's work represents a sophisticated attempt to reconcile modern investigative methods with traditional Christian supernatural claims. While not adhering to purely secular academic standards, it exemplifies intellectual rigor within faith-based inquiry.

The text contributes meaningfully to contemporary Christian apologetics through its structured examination of supernatural phenomena, though its conclusions remain firmly anchored within doctrinal boundaries rather than expanding beyond them.

For readers seeking theological explanations of supernatural experiences within a Christian intellectual framework, this volume offers substantial material for reflection and consideration. 🧠

Evaluation: A competent theological examination best suited for readers with interest in Christian perspectives on metaphysical phenomena. ⭐⭐⭐

[Indra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Zondervan Books for the copy! 📚✨

📖 Premise

In Seeing the Supernatural, investigative journalist and former skeptic Lee Strobel explores the mysteries of the unseen world through a Christian lens. With a mix of scholarly research and interviews, he examines topics such as angels, demons, mystical dreams, near-death experiences, and miraculous healings. Is the supernatural real? How do we separate truth from deception? Strobel seeks to provide biblical and evidential answers to these provocative questions. 👀✨

TROPES & THEMES

✔ Investigative journalism 📰
✔ Supernatural encounters 👻✨
✔ Biblical interpretation 📖
✔ Skeptic turned believer 🤔➡️🙏
✔ Near-death experiences & miracles 💫
✔ Apologetics & faith-based reasoning 🙏💡

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Thought-Provoking Exploration

✔ Well-researched and backed by interviews with scholars 🎓
✔ Engaging investigative approach—reads like a journalistic inquiry 🔍
✔ Interesting case studies on supernatural events 🌌
✔ Great for those who enjoy faith-based perspectives 🙌
✔ Challenges common misconceptions about the unseen world 🤯

Strobel’s background in journalism makes this an interesting read, particularly for those curious about how Christian theology interacts with supernatural claims. He presents a structured, evidence-based argument for believers and skeptics alike.

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ A Few Hurdles for Non-Religious Readers

✔ A deep dive into supernatural claims from a Christian worldview ✝️
✔ Thought-provoking, even for skeptics 🧠
❌ Very apologetics-heavy—leans on faith-based conclusions rather than purely objective evidence
❌ Some parts feel repetitive or drawn from previous works 🔄
❌ The writing can be a bit dense and academic for casual readers 📚

While I appreciated the structured approach, the book is clearly written for an audience that already accepts Christian doctrine as a foundation. As a non-religious reader, I found some arguments leaned more on faith than on pure investigation.

⭐⭐☆☆☆ Not for Everyone

✔ A serious look at supernatural claims through biblical analysis 👁️
✔ Provides insights into Christian perspectives on the unseen world 🏛️
❌ Assumes a belief in God and biblical authority as a starting point ✝️
❌ Less accessible for those without a theological background 📜
❌ Not a book I would personally reread, but others may find it compelling 📖

If you’re looking for a strictly scientific or neutral take on supernatural phenomena, this may not be the book for you. However, for those interested in how Christianity explains these mysteries, it’s a thorough and engaging read.

Final Thoughts

As someone who is not Christian or religious, Seeing the Supernatural was an unusual but thought-provoking read. Strobel presents an investigative yet faith-driven approach to the supernatural, which will resonate with those who seek answers within a biblical framework. While I wouldn't revisit it personally, I can see its value for readers exploring these topics from a Christian perspective.

⭐⭐⭐ Recommended for those who enjoy faith-based supernatural exploration! ✨

[Deirdre Clancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tend to have an inbuilt admiration for people who write about the subject matter of the supernatural, because it is a brave act in the current world. This was hammered home recently when I saw first hand the hostility with which discussions of such matters can be treated by some people. It seems that, today, many feel justified in displaying rudeness and dismissiveness, and even rage, at even a bare mention of the ideas that Strobel explores. Having an inner life that is open to such areas is positively taboo for some (the same individuals will, shamelessly, still go to church for weddings and funerals). Despite this admiration, Strobel's writing style is not my cup of tea. He covers a wide range of already widely documented areas here, including dreams, deathbed visions, near-death experiences, and more. The issue for me is that something jars about using the methodology of an invistigative journalist to try to convince readers of the reality of these phenomena.

Strobel is a former investigative journalist who wrote a previous bestseller relating how he used his training to investigate the case for Christianity. As a result of this investigation, he became an evangelical Christian. He seems to have decided that he hit on a great formula and continued in that vein for further books. It may work for his target audience, whoever they are, but ultimately it seems unlikely that those already unconvinced by either Christianity or the general existence of a supernatural realm will be suddenly converted to belief in both due to this methodology. It may be great for rooting out human corruption or solving a crime, but religious belief ultimately requires a leap of faith that goes beyond the bare facts.

In relation to the near-death experiences and deathbed visions, there are any number of works by health professionals that are more informative and convincing. When highly trained doctors (Bruce Greyson, Raymond Moody) risk their careers to document phenomena that patients relate to them, it tends to be easier to see the patterns in what these individuals are telling doctors, separately, across continents and even centuries (the first recorded near-death experience featuring a soul travelling through tunnel with a light at the end was documented by Plato, as told by a Roman soldier who had almost died).

Like Strobel, it continually stumps me how anyone can look at the world around them and think it just sprang out of chaos without any deliberate creative force behind it. Similarly, it seems obvious to me that there is a supernatural realm. But concessions must be made to those who have decided this is not the case, and who have bought into the prevailing deep cynicism about such matters, which is by no means 'normal' for human beings as a whole. The era in which we reside is an anomaly in terms of human history. This book is fine for true believers (with a few theological caveats, if your view is more catholic) but it doesn't work as an apologetic in favour of the supernatural.

[Tim Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction – Exploring the World Beyond

The Intro set the stage for a balanced investigation into supernatural claims—from angels to near-death experiences—framed by Strobel’s transformation from skeptic to believer, emphasizing discernment, humility, and a biblical worldview.

Part 1: The Supernatural Among Us


Ch 1. The Invisible You: The Existence of Your Soul

Explores the non-material nature of human consciousness, arguing that brain activity alone cannot fully explain the immaterial soul.

2. Astounding Miracles Today

Examines contemporary miraculous healings, presenting stories and expert interviews that affirm such events as credible and life-altering.

3. Life-Changing Spiritual Encounters

Delivers testimonies where individuals dramatically encounter God—through supernatural comfort, direction, or transformation.

4. Mystical Dreams and Visions

Surveys powerful dreams and supernatural visions (some even among non-Christians), suggesting divine communication beyond conventional sensory experience.

5. The Encouraging Truth about Angels

Clarifies the biblical role of angelic beings as genuine servants of God, actively engaged in carrying out His purposes.

6. The Sobering Reality of Satan and Demons

Serves as a warning: demonic forces are acknowledged in Scripture, and their presence should not be dismissed.

Part 2: The Supernatural That Awaits Us


7. Deathbed Visions: Glimpses of the Afterlife?

Looks at near-death and end-of-life experiences, exploring their potential to reveal glimpses of heaven or spiritual truth.

8. Extraordinary Near-Death Experiences

Analyzes NDEs more generally, wrestling with their authenticity and whether they point beyond the natural to divine truth.

9. What Can We Know About Heaven?

Addresses biblical descriptions of heaven through theology and spiritual insight.

10. The Logic of Damnation

Discusses hell and eternal judgment—not as a scare tactic, but as a consistent and necessary extension of God's justice.

11. Life after Death: Evidence for the Resurrection

Builds a rational, evidence-based case for the physical resurrection of Jesus, a cornerstone for hope beyond death.

12. Ghost Stories, Psychics, and the Paranormal

Cautions readers about paranormal phenomena that are deceptive or ungrounded, while providing discernment tools for navigating them.

Conclusion – What the Unseen World Means to You Today

Encourages readers to approach the supernatural with a balance—neither denying its existence nor obsessing obsessively over it—but embracing it as a path to deeper knowledge of God’s power and presence.

[Steve Eubanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this book had been written 15 or 20 years ago, I would have dismissed it as hooey, even though I am a devout believer in Christ, the resurrection, heaven and hell. But angels and demons I had always dismissed like Ebenezer Scrooge - undercooked beef or bad wine. No more. In the last five years, upon seeing the systematic demonization of western culture and studying the ancient degradations, paganism, and death-cult practices that we have repackaged as "progressive," I understand that what we are witnessing is spiritual, supernatural warfare. We humans are the vehicles for those battles. That's why those pushing darkness seem so vicious, relentless, and emotionally unhinged: the evil one never rests and reacts like a rabid animal when confronted with the truth. When you see today's divisions through that lens, everything makes sense.

This is my third Lee Strobel book, and it's just as good if not better than the others. Unlike most modern authors, Lee has maintained his journalistic instincts, even when he is coming at a subject from a particular point of view. He doesn't start his interviews arguing a spurious premise, nor does he insult the reader's intelligence. If you are not a believer, Lee has offered your persecutive in much of his questioning. You might disagree with what his interview subjects say, but if you feel a boiling anger at them (or him) you are actually proving his point: those feelings originate somewhere. Maybe you should spend time in silent reflection to figure out the source.

I lead a men's group through my church and this is the first book outside the Bible that we will read and discuss. I recommend it for all.

[Diane Stultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because my pastor referred to it as one he was currently reading. He assured me that it was Bible based. In this book, the author explores the often misunderstood topic of the supernatural through the lens of Christian faith.

As an investigative reporter, Strobel addresses the reality of spiritual warfare, the presence of angels and demons, and the ways God interacts with the world in miraculous ways. He uses a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to explore these topics. He grounds his exploration in Scripture, theological scholarship, and firsthand accounts. The format of the book consists of many interviews that Strobel conducted with various theologians, scholars, and witnesses on the topic.

Strobel emphasizes the importance of discernment when it comes to supernatural experiences. He explains that while some spiritual encounters are genuine and can be signs of God’s presence, others may be deceptive or misunderstood. The book highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers distinguish between divine truth and counterfeit manifestations. He urges readers to test everything against Scripture and remain anchored in biblical truth.

This book encourages believers to live with greater spiritual awareness. The book challenges skeptics and affirms the faithful, offering both intellectual insight and spiritual encouragement for navigating the unseen realities of the supernatural realm. It was worth the time to read and ponder the content of this book.

[Malin Friess · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into some things that are hard to describe and certainly hard to prove:
How do we know the soul exists?
Are miracles real?
Does God use dreams to reveal himself?
Are angels real? Do they have wings? Why do they appear?
Are demons and Satan real?
What about near-death experiences?
Is heaven real? Is hell real?

Fascinating look as a journalist examines the supernatural. I'm skeptical as anyone should be about the supernatural, but can it at times be the most rational explanation?
The most remarkable stories for me were those patients that had near death experiences on the operating room table. The patients left their body and were hovering above and watching the doctors work. They were able to describe a few scenarios that should not have been possible under GA, beyond who was in the room, what the doctors were doing. One patient described a shoe left on the roof of the hospital (and it was verified), and another patient a sticker on the ceiling side of a fan) and it was verified.

4 stars.

[Jeff Brawner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Strobel wrote one book that would be a top 15 book I’ve ever read- The Case For Christ. He wrote another book that would be in the top 50- The Case For Faith. So seeing this book immediately drew my interest.

My review of this book is somewhat skewed by my experience so I’m going to try to review this from different perspectives.

If you are someone who dismisses the supernatural, you are either going to hate this book, or you are going to view it with some degree of interest just because of the many examples given in this work.

If you are a new believer or a younger believer, the theology in this book will help you understand concepts such as heaven, hell, death, resurrection and the soul.

If you are an older believer who has spent time in the study of theology and have a healthy view of the miraculous, this book will give you some nice reminders and a few pointed tips, but will contribute nothing earthshaking.

My gut is that Lee did not write this book for the third group of individuals, so I can readily affirm that this book is wonderful for the first two.

[Blaire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was honestly disappointing as the vast majority of the interviews came straight from Lee Strobel’s other books (Case for Miracles and Case for Heaven). Only about 4 of the interviews were unique for this book. While the subject matter of those repeat interviews pertained to the book, there was no preface or disclaimer saying that these interviews are from his previous works. It felt like watching a filler episode for a tv show where it’s like “let’s reminisce our favorite moments from the show.”
Now the interviews that were new were very interesting, though I felt he could have expounded on certain things. For instance, in the chapter about demons he says there is a way to tell the difference between actual demonic possession vs fake possession/mental illness, but does not explain what the difference is.
Lee, I love your work but this just fell short :(

[The Geeky Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Strobel is a great investigative journalist, having been one of the top members of the writing staff on the Chicago Tribune. He was also an avowed atheist, and his conversion to Christianity came when he spent two years trying to prove to his wife, who had just become a Christian, that the whole thing was a con. At the end of that two year period, Lee published the seminal book 'The Case for Christ' and became a devout Christian, giving his life over to the our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

He turned that investigative eye on Christianity and has published a series of books delving into the faith from the lens of journalistic truth. They're absolutely brilliant and his latest, 'Seeing the Supernatural' is no exception. Strobel delves into everything here from Angels to demons, mystical dreams and near-death experiences. It's great stuff, and his no-nonsense style of writing really pulls you into his thesis. Well worth the read.

[Audra Falk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was SO excited to see that this book was coming out and am so glad Strobel took on this topic!

This is like a 30,000-foot view of supernatural phenomena, analyzed through the worldview of Biblical Christianity. For Christians who tend to have more of a materialistic mindset, or who have maybe never thought that supernatural stuff actually happens, this is a great intro. Strobel covers a wide range of topics from near-death experiences to miracles to visions to evidence for the resurrection and the dangers of paranormal practices.

Although the book covers a lot of ground, it doesn't go very deep into any one topic. Readers who are already familiar with these themes are probably not going to find anything new here.

Perfect for those who are looking for a logical, non-sensationalized study of the supernatural. Because weird stuff does happen.

[Erin Seeders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an interesting read in the same style as the author’s usual investigative writings on the topic of the supernatural. I wouldn’t recommend this book to an unbeliever or a new believer because it was not clear at times when he was quoting sources that should not ever been recommended that he was merely positing their view of the subject and not endorsing it himself.

I also disagree with the author’s agreement with an interviewee that God doesn’t send people to hell, rather its people who send themselves to hell because they rejected Christ, but that God “reluctantly lets them go.” There is Scripture upon Scripture that refutes this inaccurate view of hell. God is perfectly just and righteous, and He absolutely is the one who sends humans to hell who have not been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

[Bret Branson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some points the book brings up that I've been thinking about:

Our thoughts themselves are, in a way, proof of the supernatural - shows our brain is only part of the story of consciousness

The stories of modern miracles are moving and very conveniencing (God is still in the miracle business)

Stories of angels are always so epic. Kid falls out of a moving car - "Didn't you see the man catch me?"

We extrapolate so much from Scriptures in regards to angels. The bible is constantly mentioning them but rarely provides any detail, and any explanation given normally provokes more questions than answers

The book repeates some ideas and doesn't give enough time to some things I was hoping it would, but it's still a fantastic book

[Gayle Fairless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overview of many doctrines and belief backed up by several interviews and references and research

Lee Strobel interviews quite a few people with credentials and research available online. The reader can look up these researches online and do an online research and enquiry independent of the the book. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly presented. The first Christians, as presented in the Bible, are Jews and did not leave the Jewish faith. Gentiles were not required to become Jews. Those who revere their ancestors need not repudiate them. The last two statements are not explicitly stated in the book but seem to follow from the discussion in the opinion of the reviewer.

[C.A. Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard a guest sermon from Strobel in which he discussed this book, and picked it up, curious to see how an investigative journalist would be able to especially parse through various near-death experience tales with an objective eye. I've always been kind of confused by anecdotal tales I've heard second or third-hand that seemed to contradict what I think the Bible teaches.

Strobel did a great job dealing with these, once I got to that section; I hadn't realized that so much objective research had actually already gone into this. He also discusses both what scripture says about ghosts, and treats the spiritualist movement and its modern iterations with a similarly objective eye, which I likewise found refreshing.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the whole this is a very enjoyable read. The data he has collected about out of the body experiences, near death and actual dying experiences are very well presented.
His desire to square all this with biblical faith is also well done except for his inclusion of the idea of hell. The data he presented didn’t seem to have anything to do with
hell. So why include it? Further his “authorities” on what the Bible says about hell are disingenuous. Although this may scandalize some, the Bible is actually ambiguous. Everyone today admits God’s universal desire to save all mankind. We will see how this turns out at the Last Judgment and not before to the consternation of many.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent read... but nothing too in depth. Subjects were lightly touched upon, just general knowledge more or less. Nothing new or groundbreaking here. He interviews supposed "experts" who offer their take on the various subjects and these single interviews are usually the sole source of information. I think he could have expanded a bit more and dug a little deeper for some really interesting and maybe not so well known information. I feel like I basically ready a summary of all the books on these subjects I already read.

[Erin Henriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting ideas to contemplate and study!
The author, Lee Strobel, is an atheist turned Christian. He explores real accounts and interviews experts and examines the Bible to explore the following:
The existence of your soul
Miracles
Spiritual encounters
Dreams and visions (found this to be especially interesting how God works thru specific dreams to call people to him in places of the world where the Bible is not available)
Angels and Demons
Satan
Hell
Deathbed visions
Heaven
Life after death