Consider this: what if Mohammed, Buddha and other great religious founders never really existed, or at least not in the way that we currently recognize them? Suppose their followers used those now-famous names to develop literary characters to present their teachings, much like Plato did with Socrates in his philosophical dialogues. Would that make those religions any more or less true? It might mean something about how they were presented, but wouldn't the principles be just as valid, or invalid, as they are now? The same cannot be said for Christianity. If Jesus never lived, died and resurrected then Christianity has no validity. And it is specifically the Resurrection that answers the question of who Jesus is. If He did indeed rise from the dead, we are compelled to answer as the apostle Peter did when asked, "Who do you say that I am?"
Cruci-fiction and Resuscitation: The Greatest Hoax in the History of Humanity? Russ Wise A campus newspaper runs an advertisement claiming that the Resurrection is an elaborate hoax. This author gives a comprehensive response to that ad.
The Historicity of the Empty Tomb of Jesus William Lane Craig Is the Resurrection story an embarrassment to Christians? The author considers the historical legitimacy of this event with a scholarly approach.
Evidence for the Resurrection Josh McDowell For centuries many of the world's distinguished philosophers have assaulted Christianity as being irrational, superstitious and absurd. Many have chosen simply to ignore the central issue of the resurrection. Others have tried to explain it away through various theories. But the historical evidence just can't be discounted.
Contemporary Scholarship and the Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ William Lane Craig During the last century liberal theology had no use for the historical resurrection of Jesus. Liberal theologians retained the presupposition against the possibility of miracles.
Easter: Myth, Hallucination, or History? Edwin M. Yamauchi That the Resurrection of Christ is the core of Christianity can hardly be denied. Whether that conviction is rooted in myth, in hallucination, or in history has often been debated.
The Disciples' Inspection of the Empty Tomb William Lane Craig Although all four gospels recount the Resurrection, only two mention the disciples examining the empty tomb. There are scholarly differences on how these accounts in "Luke" and "John" relate. The author considers the merit of each position.
The Guard at the Tomb William Lane Craig Only one gospel mentions a guard at the tomb of Jesus. Does this mean that there might not have really been one there?
An Easter Quiz Dale Taliaferro Do you know what gospel records which events related to the Passion and Resurrection? Take this Easter Quiz to test your knowledge. It is fun and informative.
Smoke and Mirrors at the Crystal Cathedral Michael R. Linton Could there be a Passion Play with a non-Christian message? Examining such a possibility brings us back to the essentials.
The Gospels as Historical Sources for Jesus, The Founder of Christianity R. T. France Various writings outside of the New Testament are considered for their historical merit regarding the life of Christ. After sorting through them, we are left with the gospel accounts. How accurate are they? Should they be trusted?
Miracles and Modern Scientific Thought Norman Geisler This article explores the subject of miracles by examining the many objections against them by Enlightenment thinkers. Are miracles simply matters of fluke or faith?
The Deity of Christ Don Closson Does Jesus claim to be God? Is he God? This article considers these questions by examining the passages from the Bible and other early Christian writings.
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