Was the Resurrection a Historical Event? Part 13

What is the best explanation of the facts?

Disciples suffered from hallucinations

Some try to object to the resurrection by stating the disciples had some sort of hallucination when they saw Jesus alive.  A key argument against hallucinations is they cannot be shared.  Even if all the disciples had wished strongly for Jesus to be alive, hallucinations [...]

Was the Resurrection a Historical Event? Part 12

What is the best explanation of the facts?

Jesus didn’t die theory

The Discovery Channel recently had a special where “scholars” identified an herb that could mask the death of Jesus and hide the fact he was still alive.  They believe he was taken down off the cross only appearing to be dead; for them this would [...]

Was the Resurrection a Historical Event? Part 11

What is the best explanation of the facts?
Overall the 5 facts give us an historical framework for testing explanations.  The best explanation is the one that can account for all 5 accepted historical facts.  Remember the 5 facts are:

Fact #1: Jesus was killed by crucifixion
Fact #2: Jesus’ disciples believed that he rose and appeared to [...]

Was the Resurrection a Historical Event? Part 10

Was the Resurrection a Historical Event? Part 10
Fact # 5: Jesus’ tomb was empty
Again an overwhelming majority of scholars, both liberal and conservative believe the empty tomb is a historical fact (75%)[1].  Here are 3 key reasons:

The Jerusalem factor – Jesus was publicly executed and buried in Jerusalem and the resurrection is proclaimed in the [...]

Was the Resurrection a Historical Event? Part 9

Fact #4: The conversion of the skeptic James, Jesus’ half-brother
The Gospels tell us Jesus had at least 4 half-brothers; James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon; as well as half-sisters whose names we don’t know (Mark 6:3-4).  Concerning the brothers we read in John 7:3-5 “Jesus’ brothers said to him, ‘You ought to leave here and go [...]

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