Brief Summary
Gary Habermas talks about the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, focusing on using data accepted by skeptical scholars. He highlights the importance of the Apostle Paul's writings, particularly 1 Corinthians 15 and Galatians, as key historical sources. Habermas argues that the belief in Jesus's deity, death, and resurrection was central to early Christian preaching and that the resurrection offers hope in the face of suffering and loss.
- Using skeptical data to argue for the resurrection.
- Apostle Paul's writings as reliable historical sources.
- Early Christian creedal statements and their significance.
- The resurrection as a source of hope and eternal life.
Introduction: Using Accepted Texts
Gary introduces his approach to discussing the resurrection of Jesus, which involves using texts and data that are widely accepted even by skeptical scholars. He specifically mentions 1 Corinthians 15 and Galatians 1-2 as primary sources, noting that these are almost universally accepted within the critical scholarly community. Gary clarifies that while he will be using New Testament texts, he can also support his arguments with ancient secular writings if preferred.
Why These Texts?
Gary explains why he uses 1 Corinthians and Galatians: these texts are considered authoritative by virtually all scholars, including atheists and agnostics. He gives the example of atheist Michael Martin, who acknowledged Paul as the only eyewitness source for the resurrection appearance. Gary points out that even skeptical scholars like Bart Ehrman concede the authenticity of several Pauline epistles, which are dated through archaeological sources and linguistic analysis.
Methodology: Critical Data and Skeptical Arguments
Gary outlines his method, which involves using skeptical data and arguments to make his case for the resurrection. He aims to use data conceded by 90-100% of scholars in the field. He shares an anecdote about New Testament scholar Dale Allison, often considered a skeptic, who acknowledges that Jesus's disciples saw him after his death. Gary emphasizes that he will rely on arguments that even skeptics are compelled to accept based on the available data.
The Average Christian's Argument vs. the Scholarly Approach
Gary contrasts the typical Christian argument for the resurrection, which relies on the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John, with the approach he will use. He notes that the average Christian often cites the Gospels as evidence, but skeptics may argue that these were written too long after the events they describe. Gary then compares the timeline of the Gospels to those of ancient historians writing about figures like Alexander the Great and Tiberius Caesar, showing that the Gospels are comparable in terms of their proximity to the events they record.
Paul as a Key Source: Timeline and Authority
Gary shifts the focus to the Apostle Paul, whom he considers a key source due to his early writings and his status as a scholar and eyewitness. He establishes a timeline starting with Jesus's crucifixion around 30 AD and highlights that Paul's first letter to the Corinthians was written about 25 years later, between 53 and 58 AD. Gary emphasizes that Paul's writings are considered authoritative by scholars across the theological spectrum.
1 Corinthians 15: The Gospel and the Creed
Gary analyses 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul discusses the gospel he preached to the Corinthians. He defines the core elements of the gospel as Jesus's deity, death, and resurrection. Paul states that he passed on what he had received, which Gary identifies as an early creedal statement. This creed includes the death, burial, resurrection and appearances of Jesus to Peter, James, the twelve, over 500 brothers, and finally, to Paul himself.
Dating the Creed: Paul's Visit to Jerusalem
Gary addresses the dating of this creedal material, arguing that Paul received it around 35 AD during his visit to Jerusalem, five years after Jesus's crucifixion. He supports this claim by referencing Galatians 1, where Paul mentions his conversion and subsequent trip to Jerusalem to meet with Peter and James. Gary cites scholar C.H. Dodd, who suggests that Paul and the apostles likely discussed the gospel during this time.
Galatians 2: Verifying the Gospel
Gary continues his analysis of Galatians, pointing to Galatians 2 where Paul recounts returning to Jerusalem 14 years later to present the gospel he was preaching. The purpose was to ensure he was not running in vain. During this visit, Paul met with Peter, James, John, Barnabas and Titus. Gary emphasizes that Paul's goal was to verify that he was preaching the same gospel as the other apostles.
Consensus and Early Dating
Gary highlights the consensus among scholars that the events described in 1 Corinthians 15 and Galatians provide strong evidence for the early dating of the belief in Jesus's resurrection. He mentions scholars like Larry Hurtado, Richard Bauckham, and James D.G. Dunn, who argue that the deity of Christ and the resurrection were preached from the very beginning of Christianity. Dunn suggests that the creedal material in 1 Corinthians 15 was formulated within six months of Jesus's death.
Modern Scholarship and the Empty Tomb
Gary contrasts the current state of New Testament scholarship with that of the mid-1970s, noting that today, a significant majority of scholars accept the empty tomb. He mentions Dale Allison, who concedes the empty tomb, and E.P. Sanders, who states that it is a given among New Testament scholars that Jesus's disciples saw him after his death. Gary also references Bart Ehrman, who acknowledges that the earliest disciples had experiences they believed were appearances of the risen Jesus.
Naturalistic Alternative Theories and Personal Reflection
Gary addresses naturalistic alternative theories, which attempt to explain the resurrection without invoking supernatural causes. He notes that only a small percentage of scholars today propose such theories, as the available data make it difficult to support them. Gary concludes with a personal reflection on the death of his wife and how his belief in the resurrection provides hope and meaning in the face of loss. He emphasizes that the resurrection offers the promise of eternal life and reunion with loved ones.
