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As we look at the Resurrection, even those casually acquainted with the bible have to know that this remarkable event is crucial to the Christian faith. The bible says that if Christ wasn't raised, then our faith is in vain and that we are still in our sins. 2 (Note: For those who would accuse me of circular reasoning on this (i.e. "Jesus has been resurrected because the bible tells me so, the bible is true because the bible says it's true", etc.), there are secular, non-Christian sources that acknowledge the resurrection.) Because of these strong warnings from scripture, clear-thinking Christians should examine the evidence for the Resurrection and be aware of and prepared to answer the challenges that have been/are presented to the historical accuracy of this event.
It is important here to note that out of 12 historic events, virtually all critical scholars agree on the first eleven:
(1)Jesus died due to the rigors of crucifixion and (2) was buried. (3) Jesus' death caused the disciples to despair and lose hope. (4) Although not as frequently recognized, many scholars hold that Jesus was buried in a tomb that was discovered to be empty just a few days later. Critical scholars even agree that (5) at this time the disciples had real experiences that they believed were literal appearances of the risen Jesus. Because of these experiences, (6) the disciples were transformed from Doubters who were afraid to identify themselves with Jesus to bold proclaimers of his death and Resurrection even being wiling to die for this belief. (7) This message was central in the early church preaching and (8) was especially proclaimed in Jerusalem, where Jesus had died shortly before. As a result of this messge, (9) the church was born and grew, (10) with Sunday as the primary day of worship. (11) James, the brother of Jesus and a skeptic, was converted to the faith when he also believed he saw the resurrected Jesus. (12) A few years later Paul the persecutor of Christians was also converted by an experience that he, similarly, believed to be an appearance of the risen Jesus. 3
SOME COMMON ARGUMENTS/OBJECTIONS AGAINST THE RESURRECTION
There are various conclusions that are drawn concerning the eleven points/events mentioned above. This is of course with the exception of those who will not/do not acknowledge the existence of Jesus at all.
See this article showing evidence against Christ being a mythical figure. Again, because the first eleven are rarely disputed by even the enemies of
Christianity is a good sign. Let's take a look at some of the more famous alternate conclusions found to be presented in lieu of Christ being buried in the tomb:
Swoon Theory
This theory in a nutshell says that Jesus did not really die on the cross, but instead passed out (swooned) from loss of blood. This is a regurgitation of The Passover Plot written 1965 4. He then,
after being placed in the tomb, subsequently escaped, appearing to the multitudes with a fabricated story of being resurrected. This theory is obviously a stretch. Jesus' state after being tortured by the Roman Soldiers
was one that could not be taken lightly. After reading of the beatings, the crown of thorns, the carrying of the cross, the piercing of His hands and His feet, the spear in His side... How could he have been able to simply get
up and walk around after this? Not to mention that He would have had to remove a 1.5 ton stone that sealed His tomb, which, by the way was being heavily guarded by two Roman soldiers who, back in the 1st century
would have been killed if that body came up missing.
Disciples Stole the Body Theory
This theory states that the disciples stole Jesus' body. The scriptures make it quite clear that the disciples were confused concerning Christ's mission even during the later stages of His public ministry
and never really "got" the fact that He was going to die. They were not even present at the crucifixion (with the exception of John). Why would a group of dejected, disillusioned men get together to steal
Jesus' body? It simply doesn't make sense. The last we hear of the disciples, Peter is cursing a woman out who rightfully pointed him out as being a part of Jesus' crew.
Jesus Had an Identical Twin Theory
This is an actual theory proposed by Robert Greg Cavin during a debate with William Lane Craig, a Christian apologist. It states that Jesus had an identical twin by the name of Hurome and came into town during the
time of the crucifixion.5 Hurome is separated from Jesus at birth and does not see
him again until the time of the crucifixion. Upon stumbling into Jerusalem, he sees his mirror image on the cross and realizes that the Jesus of Nazareth he had previously heard so much about was in reality his identical twin. he immediately
concocts a messianic mission for Christ and carries it out by stealing the body and pretending to be the resurrected Christ.6
Again, like the Swoon Theory, I think that this is a bit of a stretch. Easily refuted as not being in line with the historical documents that we have. Another interesting note that we can find in this story that was pointed out by Craig, is that
this story is necessary based on the conclusion of Cavin's own research. He too has found that Christ was fatally tormented, the tomb was empty, the disciples were Jesus had appeared to them, and that as a result of the resurrection their lives were
utterly transformed.7
The Gospel Accounts Can't Be Harmonized
Actually, the NT documents are accused of being 'contradictory' when contradictions do not exist. The definition of contradiction: 1. to say that (a statement) is not true; deny.
Ex.He contradicted the rumor that he was moving to another town. 2. to say the opposite of what (a person) has said. Ex. It is rude to contradict a guest. 3. to be contrary to; disagree with; go counter to.
None of these things occur in the NT. There may be additional accounts in one gospel vs. another, however one does not discount of preclude the other from having actually occurred. It is the same thing
with the resurrection. Check out this grid to see how the gospels harmonize the resurrection account.
Jesus Was Raised Spiritually and Not Bodily
Popularly used by Jehovah's Witnesses and other cults who deny the bodily resurrection of Christ. Christ was indeed raised bodily according to Luke 24:39:
See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have. (NASB)Go here to check out an article that debunks the notion that Christ did rise spiritually... The two sets of scriptures commonly misinterpreted by cultists to deny the bodily resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:44-50 and 1 Peter 3:18.
Miracles Are Not Scientifically Possible
Are miracles possible? Can a rational person believe in the miraculous. Seekers, Humanists, Naturalists, Atheists, etc. will often box a believer in when discussing the supernatural claims of the bible. Christians, in their eagerness to communicate
with non-Christians, have often adapted their argumentation to the rules as laid out by the non-Christian. This is commendable, but there comes a time when you have to realize that the non-Christian has boxed you into a corner.
He or she has invented rules that are specifically designed to keep you from ever being able to make your case. (i.e. 'Miracles are by definition impossible, can you prove to me that miracles can happen?')8
When looking at miracles in the context of the bible, we have to accept first that God is present and active in the world. Our basic experience of nature is still just as uniform and unbending; but we must allow for the fact that there is a higher
power behind it, namely the God who created nature with its laws and who is not subject to those laws.9 Check out this article concerning
science and miracles for more information.