Contemporary Scholarship and the Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Truth: The Journal of Modern Thought ^ | 1985 | Professor William Lane Craig

[L,TOWM]

The best discussion I have read on this theory; "The fainting theory" was from The Case For Christ. Simply put, there is no way that Y'shua of Nazareth was pulled off of the execution stake at Golgotha alive.

The account was reviewed by a Medical Examiner who traced through the trauma inflicted on the person of Jesus. From the beard pulling, beating, being struck with a Roman "flagellum" 39 times, being marched across Jerusalem and back three seperate times, and going without water or food for 18 hours prior to being even nailed on the cross, the conclusion reached is that Christ was in critical condition before even being nailed on the cross.

The crucifiction account itself has no historical flaws. The thieves needed to have their legs broken (to hasten death by suffocation) because they were not bleeding from a massive back trauma and in Hypovolemic Shock. The "Blood and Water" reference in John's account is consistent with Pulmonary Edema, brought on by Hypovolemic Shock and the Carbonic Acid buidup from being unable to properly exhale.

Finally, understand that the Romans that actually did the execution were well schooled in what dead people looked like, and that the usual penalty for a botched execution was replacing the intended victim with your incompetent self. The Romans would have made sure that Jesus was dead; hence the coup de gras administered with a spear driven into the heart.

He was dead alright. See the Case for Christ by Lee Strobel for additional (gory) details...

[L,TOWM]

Actually, not true. Their are six extra biblical accounts of the existence of Christ, as well as a large monument to his existence that can be seen today.

The work of Luke as a historian is actually one of the best in antiquity. Since the Bible has been proven correct by any corraborating archeology, it is an unstable peg to hang your hat on; especially consideration the extra biblical corraboration.

[lasereye]

There is no historical evidence that Jesus lived, let alone was resurrected. What about the 500 other people thet were supposedly ressurected along with him? Did they ascend into heaven too, or did they die again?

You're mighty confused. There weren't 500 other people who were resurrected with him. There was an appearance of the resurrected Christ to about 500 people.

The Gospels are the main, but not only, historical evidence that Jesus lived. The historical authority of the Gospels has been verified by a slew of scholars who have examined it by applying the same tests that are used to determine the accuracy of any other historical account.

[MissAmericanPie]

Paul seems like a very educated desciple and a man that was far too grounded in reality to allow himself to be crusified for a lie.

Peter was crusified upside down, Paul was crusified, Stephen was bitten half to death then stoned, while the unbelieving Paul held the coats of the men that killed Stephen. James was sawed in half. I would never go through that for a lie, no one would, what would be the point? If these men really believed they were supporting a lie, then they would be well aware that this life is all they get of life and would cling to it. The very manner of their deaths are a testimony to their unshakeable belief in the ressurection of Jesus.

[lasereye]

Just look at human nature and think about the apostles. Would you die for a lie?

Did Mohammed Atta?

You're missing the point. Mohammed Atta was lied to. If the Apostles died for a lie, it was they themselves who were doing the lying.

[lockeliberty]

Thanks for the help Mom. I'll be back later.

[Mikerow]

Though not a mom, please add me to the Christian bump list. Thanks

[RnMomof7]

done :>)

[lockeliberty]

Is there any way I could get this in Chinese--in both traditional and simplified characters?

That's beyond my limited capabilities. Do not computers have the capability to translate?

[Quix]

To some degree . . . but in something so important, a human is a pretty good priority.

thanks for your response.

[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

Mid-day bump.

[lockeliberty]

There is no historical evidence that Jesus lived

That is actually one of the easiest contentions to prove. There is secular Roman documents that mention Jesus and I would be happy to provide a link if you desire.

[lockeliberty]

I would be interested in your opinion of this article.

[Bobby777]

good post ...

Bobby

SufferingMessiah.Com

[Fantasywriter]

Thanks so much for the ping. I have read similar evidences/arguments in Evidence that Demands a Verdict and other books by Josh McDowell, as well as in related apologetic works, but this is certainly one of the most succinct and compelling articles I have ever seen. I very much appreciated the opportunity to read it.

[RnMomof7]

You are on my Christian ping list..so you will be pinged a lot *grin*

[bigmamma]

I thought of that too. But the apostles were not murdering thugs either. They wanted to live. The apostles as well as Christ Jesus were murdered by those who did not like what they had to say and believed. Turth has a way of making individuals uncomfortable. Thanks for reply

[marbren]

I'm not sure but they were probably like Lazurus. God brought them back but then they died again and are awaiting their final resurrections. Jesus is still bringing back people from the dead even today for his glory.

[Ace's Dad]

"either Jesus Christ is exactly who he said he was-or he was the greatest liar in all of human history..."
Well, we now know who was the greatest liar; der slickmeister!