The Case for the Resurrection

Over at the LTI Blog, they have a quick post on some points you can brush up on in order to share your faith in the coming week with those who doubt the Resurrection of Jesus. Its five points are summarized as such: (A) Christian resurrection differs radically from Greek thought about the afterlife. (B) Christian resurrection builds on Jewish traditions, but differs from them. (C) Christian resurrection differs significantly from the dying and rising Gods (cyclical) of ancient mystery religions. (D) Christian resurrection differs from the alleged resurrection stories about Alexander the Great. (E) Even if the NT accounts of resurrection were similar to a given ancient legend that alone would not prove them wrong. EXCERPT:The minimal facts generally accepted by a majority of both liberal and conservative scholars include: 1) Jesus died due to crucifixion. 2) Jesus was buried. 3) The disciples despaired after the crucifixion. 4) Jesus’ tomb was found empty. 5) The disciples had real experiences that convinced them of a risen Jesus. 6) As a result of these real experiences, the disciples were completely transformed. 7) The disciples proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus early, in the very city where he was crucified. 8 ) The early gospel message centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus. 9) Paul and James—initially skeptics—become Christians based on what they thought were real experiences of the resurrected Jesus. Given the majority of scholars accept these minimal facts, it’s difficult to see why the question of origins is even relevant. The better question is, “Given these facts—all with multiple attestation—what’s the best explanation for them?”