Each year, I look at the evidences for the bodily resurrection of Jesus on what is now called Easter Sunday almost 2,000 years ago. During that time, various reasons have been given as to why Jesus did not rise from the dead. During this week after Easter I want to examine them.
Part 1 examines: Jesus did not actually die on the cross.
It is safe to say that if Jesus went up on that cross, he didn’t come down alive. No where in history do we have any kind of support for this position. In fact, all we have is support for the opposite – Roman guards were trained killers. They would know how to kill someone. What type of evidence is there that Jesus was not dead when he came down from the cross?
The Romans took great pride in their ability to bring about a torturous death. (In fact, death by the cross was so intense and painful a new word had to be made up just to describe it – excruciating literally means out of the cross.) Did they just happen to mess up with Jesus of all people?
If there was any doubt that Jesus died from the crucifixion, the spear to the side should have done the trick. In John’s Gospel, he describes “blood and water” flowing out of Jesus’ side after the spear was thrust through his side and was removed. This is consistent with what we know today about what would happen if a spear goes through the lung and into the heart. The pericardial effusion and pleural effusion would appear as a clear fluid, like water, followed by a large amount of blood.
The Gospels talk about Pilate asking about Jesus’ death. Do you honestly believe Pilate would not be certain of Jesus’ death after all that just transpired – the crowds screaming for Jesus’ crucifixion, the potential for a revolt and chaos, etc.
There is no evidence, logical or otherwise, to support the assertion that Jesus did not die on the cross just as the Gospels and other non-Christian period sources claim.
The “swoon theory” would fall under this. Can supporters of this theory please explain how Jesus survived a scourging and crucifixion, then laid in a cold, damp sealed tomb for a couple days, and somehow he managed to remove the heavy grave clothes, roll away a giant stone, over power trained Roman guards and appear to his disciples all over Jerusalem in such a state as to inspire them to leave their locked doors behind and go and preach His resurrection, ultimately giving their lives for it? That takes way more faith to believe that than what historical Christianity teaches.
I believe that death happens to everyone. Statistics seem to support this assertion. Christians want to believe that Jesus is an exception. That is wishful thinking. We celebrate this wishful thinking every Easter. Next thing you know, Christians will assert that Jesus didn't pay taxes either. Death and Taxes, get it?
Actually, the whole of Christianity hangs on whether or not Jesus rose from the dead, and lives now in us upon invitation. Paul the Apostle said that if Jesus did nor rise from the dead, then we are pitiable fools.
In fact, this historical claim is what makes Jesus unique from other supposed or real prophets – he was not just a man, but has the power to conquer death, and for those who believe, the fear of death. No small claim.
Of course you find it wishful thinking. For you, faith does not really exist. Faithlessness used to be considered a character flaw. Perhaps it should be again ;)
Of course you find it wishful thinking. For you, faith does not really exist. Faithlessness used to be considered a character flaw. Perhaps it should be again ;)
I can easily see the makings of another Cin vs. Seeker free for all. And I will, for the time being, sit back and watch.
– Silver
Sure Silver, count me in…
Faithlessness used to be considered a character flaw. Perhaps it should be again ;)
Though you are right I did lose faith in Santa, to pacify Seeker’s self-righteousness I will say that I do maintain devout faith in His noodleyness, the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I have a feeling though that any old faith just won’t do. Seeker wants people to worship his ridiculous interpretation of God instead.
I don't know anymore whether the ;) is a heartfelt chide or if Seeker actually means it.
That was a half jest. People who lack faith certainly can display character, even character and virtue superior to self-proclaimed Christians.
However, as discussed previously, lack of faith is associated with a relative deficit in generosity, and may be associated, in general, with other character flaws. I am suggesting, but not claiming, that the lack of faith may need to be viewed as a personal lack, despite what other substantial pluses a person has.
I suggest this because most atheists and secularists view their position as a superior one to faith, which they confuse with superstition.
Cineaste, after I get done with the options (this week). I want you to either give me a new one or describe why my reasons for rejecting the other reasons are wrong.
Like with this explanation. Do you believe that Jesus came down from the cross alive?
Do you believe that Jesus came down from the cross alive?
I believe he came down dead and stayed that way. Why did he stay dead? Because it's a fact dead people stay dead when they die. Don't forget about Lazarus!
Okay, I just wanted to get where you were coming from.
I dont’ forget about Lazarus (neither did first century leaders, who wanted to kill him with Jesus), but my relationship with God is not dependent on Lazarus.
Our lesson this Sunday gave a good point. It said Lazarus’ experience was a simply resusitation (sp?). He would die again and stay dead, whereas Jesus’ was a true resurrection. He would never die again.
Eventually, I think I’ll get to your explanation of the resurrection and I am interested to see what you think.