Myth or the greatest bluff in history? Arguments for the resurrection of Jesus Christ

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Learn about the minimal facts that convince even skeptics. Why are alternative theories about the empty tomb untenable? Looking at the reasons why the resurrection is the best explanation opens up new perspectives. Explore how this event shapes our Christian worldview.

Even today, there are still people who deny the historical existence of Jesus. However, the life, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus are among the best-attested historical facts of the first century. The following people wrote about Jesus in their works during the first century:

• Talmud
• Josephus (Jewish historian)
• Cornelius Tacitus (Roman historian)
• Thallus (Samaritan historian)
• Lucian (Greek historian)

A thorough analysis of the statements made by historians about Jesus can be found in the book No Reason for Skepticism.

Minimal Facts

The American historian Garry Habermas compared more than 2,200 sources from French, German, and English-speaking countries in which experts have written about Jesus' resurrection since 1975. In doing so, he identified so-called "minimal facts" that are considered highly evident by virtually the entire world (including skeptics). In short, these facts are as follows:

• Jesus actually lived and is not a myth.
• Jesus was crucified by Pontius Pilate.
• The grave was found empty by women.
• The disciples believed that He had appeared to them.
• The proclamation of the resurrection was spread from the very beginning.
• Saul of Tarsus (his life transformation)

Why are many explanations for the empty tomb not legitimate?

The Romans knew how to kill people on the cross. Roman history clearly shows that if soldiers were unable to carry out an order to crucify someone, they were crucified in the condemned person's place. For further information on this topic (including the medical perspective on the crucifixion of Jesus), I refer you to Lee Strobel's book *The Case for Jesus*.

Thus, theories such as the fainting theory, the substitution theory, and the hallucination theory are invalid. One of the established facts is the discovery of the empty tomb, which renders all theories inadequate. Either the theories cannot explain the empty tomb or the appearance of the resurrected Christ—or they cannot explain both. An example of an alternative theory, which is nevertheless inconclusive, is the fainting theory:

1. It does not explain the empty grave.
2. The Romans knew how to kill.

“It is impossible that a being who had been stolen half-dead from a tomb, who crawled around weak and sick, who needed bandages, strengthening, and care, and who still had to bear at least some of his suffering, could have given the disciples the impression that he was the victor over death and the grave, the king of life, an impression that formed the basis for future veneration” (David Strauss). Gary Habermas aptly said of the skeptics' view that they must provide more than just alternative theories of the resurrection; they must present evidence from the first century for these theories. If the story had been invented, the disciples would never have been willing to give up their lives for it and die as martyrs, and the transformation of some individuals—from doubter to believer, like that of James, the brother of Jesus, who also died as a martyr (according to Josephus)—would be unthinkable.

The resurrection – the best explanation for the empty tomb?

Unlike all other religions, Christianity stands or falls on the event of the crucifixion. If the crucifixion and resurrection truly occurred, they answer not only the question of whether God exists, but also the question of what kind of God He is (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). The resurrection does not fit into postmodern, naturalistic, secular, or skeptical thinking. If the Easter story is true, it is the cornerstone for a completely new worldview—a cornerstone that can serve as a foundation or as a catalyst.

It is highly improbable that the first Christians could have invented the death and resurrection of Jesus. No follower of Jesus would risk being killed by the Jews to defend a new religion if it were not true. The apostles were prepared to die for the fact of the resurrection. Historical accounts from extra-biblical sources show that all the apostles except John died as martyrs for their beliefs.

Thomas Fenske

Tellig municipality

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