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Evidence for Jesus' Resurrection

Spartan

Well-Known Member
The crux of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without the resurrection, Christianity collapses. Here is a scholarly, well-researched series that includes evidence for, and objections, etc., against. Skeptics / atheists, etc., have all demanded evidence for the resurrection. Well here it is, in spades. Biblical and extra-biblical historical sources included. This is a 10 Part series - all links below.

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 1: Why it Matters
https://crossexamined.org/evidence-jesus-resurrection-part…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 2: How to do History
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 3: Fact (1) Jesus died by Crucifixion
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 4: Fact (2) The Empty Tomb
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 5: Fact (3) The Postmortem Appearances to the Disciples
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 6: Facts (4) and (5) The Postmortem Appearances to Paul and James
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 7: Reasoning to the Resurrection
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus Resurrection – Part 8: Some Unanswered Questions
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 9: Probabilities and Plagiarism
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 10: Conclusion
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/
 

WalterTrull

Godfella
Ya think??
I consider myself Christian. but that belief doesn't revolve around Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was an outstanding evidence of the "Christ".
There are many others, but not nearly as newsworthy.
 

Audie

Veteran Member
The crux of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without the resurrection, Christianity collapses. Here is a scholarly, well-researched series that includes evidence for, and objections, etc., against. Skeptics / atheists, etc., have all demanded evidence for the resurrection. Well here it is, in spades. Biblical and extra-biblical historical sources included. This is a 10 Part series - all links below.

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 1: Why it Matters
https://crossexamined.org/evidence-jesus-resurrection-part…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 2: How to do History
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 3: Fact (1) Jesus died by Crucifixion
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 4: Fact (2) The Empty Tomb
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 5: Fact (3) The Postmortem Appearances to the Disciples
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 6: Facts (4) and (5) The Postmortem Appearances to Paul and James
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 7: Reasoning to the Resurrection
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus Resurrection – Part 8: Some Unanswered Questions
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 9: Probabilities and Plagiarism
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 10: Conclusion
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/


Evidence that "believers" will believe anything.
 

Spartan

Well-Known Member
Ya think??
I consider myself Christian. but that belief doesn't revolve around Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was an outstanding evidence of the "Christ".
There are many others, but not nearly as newsworthy.

Have you reviewed the evidences presented above?
 

Brickjectivity

Turned to Stone. Now I stretch daily.
Staff member
Premium Member
The crux of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
No, not as far as I can see. The crux I think is his obedience for all of his life even obediently accepting his own death. Also we aren't supposed to look for signs. Anyone can believe anything, but how many people are willing to give up their own lives to be like Jesus is? Not many!
 

Audie

Veteran Member
Part of the basis for this thread is the "Minimum Facts" approach, championed by scholar Gary Habermas.

"In The Case for the Real Jesus by Lee Strobel (p. 112), Mike Licona said, "[Gary] Habermas has compiled a list of more than 2,200 sources in French, German, and English in which experts have written on the resurrection from 1975 to the present. He has identified minimal facts that are strongly evidenced and which are regarded as historical by a large majority of scholars, including skeptics. We try to come up with the best historical explanation to account for these facts. This is called the Minimal Facts Approach."

"William Lane Craig (sadly, a non-OSASer) does confirm Habermas recorded 1400 scholars (both skeptics and non-skeptics alike) whom 75% agree the tomb was empty and nearly all agree the original disciples truly believed they had seen Jesus alive from the dead bodily, for a vision wouldn't convince the disciples of resurrection."

"Gary Habermas said (2009) on the John Ankerberg Show, "I just did a count recently of what scholars say. First of all you can count guys on one hand of the 2400 sources since 1975 on the resurrection [in] French, German, English...who think apparent death [is true]. When scholars respond they still cite David Strauss. I think we would all like to have that kind of influence in our writings. His critique has been around almost 200 years." Habermas was referring to Strauss's argument that Jesus wouldn't look much like a risen Messiah to the disciples all battered and bruised."

12 Historical Facts - Gary Habermas

1. Jesus died by crucifixion.
2. He was buried.
3. His death caused the disciples to despair and lose hope.
4. The tomb was empty (the most contested).
5. The disciples had experiences which they believed were literal appearances of the risen Jesus (the most important proof).
6. The disciples were transformed from doubters to bold proclaimers.
7. The resurrection was the central message.
8. They preached the message of Jesus’ resurrection in Jerusalem.
9. The Church was born and grew.
10. Orthodox Jews who believed in Christ made Sunday their primary day of worship.
11. James was converted to the faith when he saw the resurrected Jesus (James was a family skeptic).
12. Paul was converted to the faith (Paul was an outsider skeptic).

The Book of Mormon also hss a set of facts about
how it got started.

And hey, christianity has noahs ark. You can go
see it, in Turkey.


https://www.google.com/search?q=noah's+ark+park+turkey&prmd=vin&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH2bCkqs_mAhWFZM0KHaZrAjIQ_AUoAnoECA8QAg&biw=1280&bih=800

If your object is preachin' to the choir, fine, but
the more specious "evidence" you present, the
more ridiculous your religion looks.
 
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shunyadragon

shunyadragon
Premium Member
By the definition as to what is evidence there is nothing new here nor does it constitute as evidence. It is the retread of old arguments. There is absolutely no First person nor historical record during the life of Jesus Christ for even the existence of Jesus Christ.

All the references may be considered subjective and anecdotal evidence of why people believe nothing more.

It is generally accepted by historians that Jesus Christ existed at the time the gospels describe, but exact dates are not known. It is also accepted he made the claim of being the promised Messiah, and was tried, convicted, and executed by crucifixion for rebellion against Rome and claiming t be the King of the Jews.
 

Salvador

RF's Swedenborgian
The crux of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without the resurrection, Christianity collapses. Here is a scholarly, well-researched series that includes evidence for, and objections, etc., against. Skeptics / atheists, etc., have all demanded evidence for the resurrection. Well here it is, in spades. Biblical and extra-biblical historical sources included. This is a 10 Part series - all links below.

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 1: Why it Matters
https://crossexamined.org/evidence-jesus-resurrection-part…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 2: How to do History
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 3: Fact (1) Jesus died by Crucifixion
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 4: Fact (2) The Empty Tomb
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 5: Fact (3) The Postmortem Appearances to the Disciples
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 6: Facts (4) and (5) The Postmortem Appearances to Paul and James
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 7: Reasoning to the Resurrection
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus Resurrection – Part 8: Some Unanswered Questions
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 9: Probabilities and Plagiarism
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 10: Conclusion
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/


By the definition as to what is evidence there is nothing new here nor does it constitute as evidence. It is the retread of old arguments. There is absolutely no First person nor historical record during the life of Jesus Christ for even the existence of Jesus Christ.

All the references may be considered subjective and anecdotal evidence of why people believe nothing more.

It is generally accepted by historians that Jesus Christ existed at the time the gospels describe, but exact dates are not known. It is also accepted he made the claim of being the promised Messiah, and was tried, convicted, and executed by crucifixion for rebellion against Rome and claiming t be the King of the Jews.

There's zero scientific evidence for the resurrected Christ; Heresay is very weak evidence at best, such conjecture for the resurrected Christ is simply a matter of Christian faith.
 

ChristineM

"Be strong", I whispered to my coffee.
Premium Member
The crux of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without the resurrection, Christianity collapses. Here is a scholarly, well-researched series that includes evidence for, and objections, etc., against. Skeptics / atheists, etc., have all demanded evidence for the resurrection. Well here it is, in spades. Biblical and extra-biblical historical sources included. This is a 10 Part series - all links below.

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 1: Why it Matters
https://crossexamined.org/evidence-jesus-resurrection-part…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 2: How to do History
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 3: Fact (1) Jesus died by Crucifixion
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 4: Fact (2) The Empty Tomb
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 5: Fact (3) The Postmortem Appearances to the Disciples
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 6: Facts (4) and (5) The Postmortem Appearances to Paul and James
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 7: Reasoning to the Resurrection
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus Resurrection – Part 8: Some Unanswered Questions
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 9: Probabilities and Plagiarism
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 10: Conclusion
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/

Not evidence but hearsay stories.

Evidence : the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
The crux of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The crux of Christianity is the example of His Life and His Teachings and the positive and profound influence He can have on the hearts of those follow Him. The resurrection narrative is essential to understand Christ. However its not necessary IMHO to take it literally and no evidence outside the New Testament. Why not present two or three of your best arguments in your own words. I doubt if too many of us will have the time and inclination to read your book.
 

danieldemol

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection – Part 6: Facts (4) and (5) The Postmortem Appearances to Paul and James
https://crossexamined.org/the-evidence-for-jesus-resurrect…/
The only primary testimony we have is from Paul, and I see no reason why his references couldn’t be metaphorical given his reference to Christians being the “body of Christ”.

But assuming the creed he received was from others there is a good clip on how quickly rumours are added to stories here in the following OP: Miraculous shenanigans - or, a Miracle debunked

I can also think of scriptural reasons not to believe in the resurrection which I may not have time to post today, but will consider posting later.
 

dybmh

דניאל יוסף בן מאיר הירש
Merry Christmas, Spartan! I am looking forward to reviewing the links in the OP and reading the replies / contributions from RF'ers of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and non-belief.

Sincerely,
 

McBell

Resident Sourpuss
Not evidence but hearsay stories.

Evidence : the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
Seems the definition being used is the theistic definition: That which convinces
 

shunyadragon

shunyadragon
Premium Member
The only primary testimony we have is from Paul, and I see no reason why his references couldn’t be metaphorical given his reference to Christians being the “body of Christ”.

But assuming the creed he received was from others there is a good clip on how quickly rumours are added to stories here in the following OP: Miraculous shenanigans - or, a Miracle debunked

I can also think of scriptural reasons not to believe in the resurrection which I may not have time to post today, but will consider posting later.

I do not consider Paul a primary witness. He is the earliest testimony of 'belief' we have in writing. He did not witness anything concerning the life of Jesus Christ.
 
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Spartan

Well-Known Member
Not evidence but hearsay stories.

That's a lame argument. The vast majority of ancient history is hearsay. So what you should do, Christine, is start ripping out major sections of your history books, because most of the eyewitness accounts and commentary for other people in antiquity is also "hearsay".

So you appear to have two standards - one for the New Testament, and another for other people in history.
 

shunyadragon

shunyadragon
Premium Member
You're evidence that skeptics will automatically kick anything Christianity to the curb without doing their proper due-diligence.

That is not evidence. You are the one claiming anecdotal subjective third hand testimony is evidence.
 

Spartan

Well-Known Member
I do not consider Paul a primary witness. He is the earliest testimony of 'belief' we have in writing. He did not witness anything concerning the life of Jesus Christ.

Well, he had his blinding "Road to Damascus" experience that was witnessed by others. He also met with James and Peter in Jerusalem and relayed their eyewitness accounts. And many other things. His 1 Corinthians creed is traced back to only a handful of years of the resurrection.

Earliest Mention of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
 
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