Fact Check: "Jesus rose from the dead"
What We Know
The claim that Jesus rose from the dead is a central tenet of Christianity, supported by various historical and theological arguments. According to A Scientist Looks at the Resurrection, there are three key historical claims that form the basis for this belief:
- Jesus was crucified and died: This fact is widely accepted among historians, including skeptics like Bart Ehrman, who affirm that Jesus lived and was executed by the Romans.
- His body was buried in a tomb that was found empty: While some scholars, including Ehrman, argue that Jesus' body may have been disposed of in a common grave, many others maintain that the accounts of his burial by Joseph of Arimathea and the subsequent discovery of the empty tomb are credible.
- His disciples experienced encounters with the resurrected Jesus: The majority of scholars agree that the disciples reported experiences of seeing Jesus alive after his death, which are documented in various New Testament texts.
The resurrection is described as foundational to Christian faith, as noted in Resurrection of Jesus, where it is emphasized that Jesus' resurrection is seen as a pivotal event that confirms his divine nature and the truth of Christian teachings.
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the resurrection is a subject of extensive scholarly debate. Proponents of the resurrection, such as William Lane Craig and Gary Habermas, argue that the historical evidence is strong, citing the early accounts of Jesus' death and resurrection as reliable (Historical Evidence for the Resurrection - Desiring God). They argue that the empty tomb and post-resurrection appearances are best explained by the resurrection itself rather than alternative theories, such as body theft or hallucinations.
On the other hand, critics like Bart Ehrman provide counterarguments, suggesting that the resurrection narratives may be based on later theological developments rather than historical events (Jesus' Resurrection: The Case for (And Against) His Rising). Ehrman and others point out that the lack of contemporary accounts and the potential for mythologizing in the early Christian community complicate the claim's historical reliability.
The sources supporting the resurrection, particularly those from religious contexts, may carry inherent biases, as they often aim to affirm faith-based beliefs. However, the historical consensus acknowledges that while the resurrection is a matter of faith, there are plausible historical claims that warrant serious consideration.
Conclusion
The claim that "Jesus rose from the dead" is Partially True. While there is substantial historical evidence supporting the crucifixion, burial, and post-death appearances of Jesus, the interpretation of these events as a literal resurrection remains a matter of theological belief rather than universally accepted historical fact. The evidence is compelling but not definitive, leading to varying interpretations among scholars and theologians.
