Answering Objections: Answering Objections: “The Resurrection of Jesus “The Resurrection of Jesus

did not happen”did not happen”

Help students use the critical Help students use the critical thinking questioning technique to thinking questioning technique to answer common objections about answer common objections about

the Resurrection of Jesusthe Resurrection of Jesus

Jesus didn’t actually die, he only faked Jesus didn’t actually die, he only faked his death and revived in the tomb.his death and revived in the tomb.

Romans were experts in executions.Romans were experts in executions. Romans beat and whipped Jesus relentlessly Romans beat and whipped Jesus relentlessly

prior to crucifixion.prior to crucifixion. Factors of crucifixion include asphyxia, Factors of crucifixion include asphyxia,

dehydration, heart failure- person not likely to dehydration, heart failure- person not likely to survive.survive.

Romans guards killed if made a mistakeRomans guards killed if made a mistake NT describes Jesus being stabbed in heart with NT describes Jesus being stabbed in heart with

blood and water coming out of his side.blood and water coming out of his side. Why would disciple give up their Jewish faith for Why would disciple give up their Jewish faith for

a false Messiah who faked his death? What a false Messiah who faked his death? What inspiration of defeating death would Jesus give inspiration of defeating death would Jesus give after the Roman crucifixioin? Would you follow after the Roman crucifixioin? Would you follow him?him?

Jesus didn’t actually die, he only Jesus didn’t actually die, he only faked his death and revived in faked his death and revived in

the tomb.the tomb. What do you mean by that?What do you mean by that? How did you come to that conclusion?How did you come to that conclusion? Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand

your position. You are saying…your position. You are saying… Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that

position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position) position)

The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that evidence using questions not statements. For example, evidence using questions not statements. For example, “Are you familiar with the way Romans executed people?”“Are you familiar with the way Romans executed people?”

If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,Say,

““That is a great question, and I want to give you a great That is a great question, and I want to give you a great answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to you.”you.”

The Disciples stole the bodyThe Disciples stole the body Disciples had no motivation to steal the body. Disciples had no motivation to steal the body.

Why would they suffer and die for something Why would they suffer and die for something they KNEW was a lie?they KNEW was a lie?

Elite Roman Guards were at the sealed tomb. Elite Roman Guards were at the sealed tomb. Any attempt would be suicide for the thieves Any attempt would be suicide for the thieves and if successful, death for the guards.and if successful, death for the guards.

NT describes disciples as being scared, NT describes disciples as being scared, stunned, disillusioned after death of Jesus. They stunned, disillusioned after death of Jesus. They were in no condition to steal body.were in no condition to steal body.

Weeks later they put their lives on the line by Weeks later they put their lives on the line by preaching passionately about the Resurrection. preaching passionately about the Resurrection. Why the change?Why the change?

Does not explain the many appearances of Does not explain the many appearances of Jesus.Jesus.

The Disciples stole the bodyThe Disciples stole the body What do you mean by that?What do you mean by that? How did you come to that conclusion?How did you come to that conclusion? Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand your Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand your

position. You are saying…position. You are saying… Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that

position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position) position)

The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that evidence using questions not statements. For example, evidence using questions not statements. For example, “What would be the motivation for the Disciples to steal the “What would be the motivation for the Disciples to steal the body?”body?”

If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,““That is a great question, and I want to give you a great That is a great question, and I want to give you a great

answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to you.”you.”

The tomb was not empty. The The tomb was not empty. The witnesses went to the wrong tombwitnesses went to the wrong tomb

Does not explain the many appearances of Does not explain the many appearances of Christ or the Christ or the empty tombempty tomb..

Does not explain how disciples went from Does not explain how disciples went from cowards to missionaries for Jesus’s Resurrectioncowards to missionaries for Jesus’s Resurrection

The Jewish/Roman authorities would have The Jewish/Roman authorities would have gladly shown them the “right” tomb, but they gladly shown them the “right” tomb, but they said the disciples stole the body.said the disciples stole the body.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were at Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were at the tomb when Jesus was buried.the tomb when Jesus was buried.

The Roman guards would have been a good The Roman guards would have been a good landmark to know the location of the tomb.landmark to know the location of the tomb.

It was light enough to for the women to see the It was light enough to for the women to see the “gardener” (Jesus) and later Peter and John saw “gardener” (Jesus) and later Peter and John saw the grave clothes.the grave clothes.

The tomb was not empty. The The tomb was not empty. The witnesses went to the wrong tombwitnesses went to the wrong tomb

What do you mean by that?What do you mean by that? How did you come to that conclusion?How did you come to that conclusion? Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand

your position. You are saying…your position. You are saying… Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that

position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position) position)

The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that evidence using questions not statements. For example, evidence using questions not statements. For example, “What did the Jewish leaders at the time say about the “What did the Jewish leaders at the time say about the empty tomb?”empty tomb?”

If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,Say,

““That is a great question, and I want to give you a great That is a great question, and I want to give you a great answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to you.”you.”

Jesus’ resurrection is only a legendJesus’ resurrection is only a legend Early creed from I Corinthians 15:3-9 includes the Early creed from I Corinthians 15:3-9 includes the

Resurrection. It is only 3-7 years after Jesus’ Resurrection. It is only 3-7 years after Jesus’ death.death.

It takes generations for legends to develop. There It takes generations for legends to develop. There was not enough time for a legend to develop.was not enough time for a legend to develop.

Resurrection account began in Jerusalem where it Resurrection account began in Jerusalem where it could have been easily corrected/refuted by Jews could have been easily corrected/refuted by Jews or Romansor Romans

Does not explain the early accounts by Jews that Does not explain the early accounts by Jews that the tomb was empty and the Disciples stole the the tomb was empty and the Disciples stole the body.body.

The Resurrection is written like a history account, The Resurrection is written like a history account, with specific details, not a legend.with specific details, not a legend.

Why include embarrassing details (women at Why include embarrassing details (women at tomb first, fear of disciples) in the account?tomb first, fear of disciples) in the account?

Jesus’ resurrection is only a Jesus’ resurrection is only a legendlegend

What do you mean by that?What do you mean by that? How did you come to that conclusion?How did you come to that conclusion? Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I

understand your position. You are saying…understand your position. You are saying… Have you ever considered a different way of looking Have you ever considered a different way of looking

at that position? For example,…(Present evidence at that position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position) against the position)

The advanced tactic is to do your best to present The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that evidence using questions not statements. For that evidence using questions not statements. For example, “How long do you think it takes for a example, “How long do you think it takes for a legend to develop?”legend to develop?”

If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,fake it. Say,

““That is a great question, and I want to give you a That is a great question, and I want to give you a great answer. Let me think about it, look into it and great answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to you.”get back to you.”

The Disciples were hallucinatingThe Disciples were hallucinating

Hallucinations are rare, personal and not Hallucinations are rare, personal and not shared experiencesshared experiences

Jesus appeared before large number of Jesus appeared before large number of people, at various times. Were they are people, at various times. Were they are hallucinating?hallucinating?

Does not explain the empty tomb. Jews or Does not explain the empty tomb. Jews or Romans could end it by producing the body.Romans could end it by producing the body.

Jesus’ followers were not expecting him to Jesus’ followers were not expecting him to rise from the deadrise from the dead

Does not explain why skeptics(James, Paul) Does not explain why skeptics(James, Paul) would have a hallucinating. would have a hallucinating.

The Disciples were hallucinatingThe Disciples were hallucinating What do you mean by that?What do you mean by that? How did you come to that conclusion?How did you come to that conclusion? Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I

understand your position. You are saying…understand your position. You are saying… Have you ever considered a different way of Have you ever considered a different way of

looking at that position? For example,…(Present looking at that position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position) evidence against the position)

The advanced tactic is to do your best to present The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that evidence using questions not statements. For that evidence using questions not statements. For example, “Are you aware how hallucinations example, “Are you aware how hallucinations work?”work?”

If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,fake it. Say,

““That is a great question, and I want to give you a That is a great question, and I want to give you a great answer. Let me think about it, look into it great answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to you.”and get back to you.”

It wasn’t Jesus on the CrossIt wasn’t Jesus on the Cross

No 1No 1stst century evidence to back it up. century evidence to back it up. This is a Muslim explanation of the This is a Muslim explanation of the

Resurrection- it was Judas on the crossResurrection- it was Judas on the cross Contradicts eyewitness testimony and Contradicts eyewitness testimony and

testimony from non-Christian sourcestestimony from non-Christian sources This theory came 600 years after the event. This theory came 600 years after the event.

Was all the 1Was all the 1stst century evidence wrong? century evidence wrong? Does not explain the empty tomb. No body Does not explain the empty tomb. No body

ever produced to crush claim of Resurrection.ever produced to crush claim of Resurrection.

It wasn’t Jesus on the CrossIt wasn’t Jesus on the Cross What do you mean by that?What do you mean by that? How did you come to that conclusion?How did you come to that conclusion? Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I

understand your position. You are saying…understand your position. You are saying… Have you ever considered a different way of Have you ever considered a different way of

looking at that position? For example,…(Present looking at that position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position) evidence against the position)

The advanced tactic is to do your best to present The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that evidence using questions not statements. For that evidence using questions not statements. For example, “Are you aware of when that theory was example, “Are you aware of when that theory was started?”started?”

If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,fake it. Say,

““That is a great question, and I want to give you a That is a great question, and I want to give you a great answer. Let me think about it, look into it and great answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to you.”get back to you.”

New Testament writers copied Pagan New Testament writers copied Pagan Resurrection mythsResurrection myths

New Testament account of Resurrection written New Testament account of Resurrection written like history (with specific people, places) not like history (with specific people, places) not like a myth. These were historical claims, not like a myth. These were historical claims, not myth.myth.

Pagan myth theory can’t explain the empty Pagan myth theory can’t explain the empty tomb, martyrdom of eyewitnesses, non-tomb, martyrdom of eyewitnesses, non-Christian corroboration of eventsChristian corroboration of events

The only pre-Christian pagan account of god The only pre-Christian pagan account of god surviving death (cult god Osiris) is NOTHING surviving death (cult god Osiris) is NOTHING like the account in the Gospels like the account in the Gospels

The first real parallel of the Gospel account of The first real parallel of the Gospel account of the Resurrection came 100 years after the the Resurrection came 100 years after the origin of Christianity.- they ripped off origin of Christianity.- they ripped off ourour story story

New Testament writers copied New Testament writers copied Pagan Resurrection mythsPagan Resurrection myths

What do you mean by that?What do you mean by that? How did you come to that conclusion?How did you come to that conclusion? Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand your Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand your

position. You are saying…position. You are saying… Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that

position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position) position)

The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that evidence using questions not statements. For example, evidence using questions not statements. For example, “What is the myth of Osiris and does it sound like the “What is the myth of Osiris and does it sound like the Resurrection described in the Bible?”Resurrection described in the Bible?”

If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,““That is a great question, and I want to give you a great That is a great question, and I want to give you a great

answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to you.”you.”

It was disciples faith that led to their It was disciples faith that led to their belief in Resurrectionbelief in Resurrection

No 1No 1stst century evidence for this theory century evidence for this theory The scared, skeptical, stunned disciples not in The scared, skeptical, stunned disciples not in

the mind to invent and die for false the mind to invent and die for false Resurrection story.Resurrection story.

The Resurrection appearances of Jesus gave the The Resurrection appearances of Jesus gave the disciples boldness.disciples boldness.

Does not account for the multiple appearances Does not account for the multiple appearances in Jeruselum where it could be disputed.in Jeruselum where it could be disputed.

Does not acccount for empty tomb and why the Does not acccount for empty tomb and why the Jewish authorities said the disciples stole the Jewish authorities said the disciples stole the body.body.

It was disciples faith that led to their It was disciples faith that led to their belief in Resurrectionbelief in Resurrection

What do you mean by that?What do you mean by that? How did you come to that conclusion?How did you come to that conclusion? Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand Fast Food Technique- I Want to make sure I understand

your position. You are saying…your position. You are saying… Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that Have you ever considered a different way of looking at that

position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position? For example,…(Present evidence against the position) position)

The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that The advanced tactic is to do your best to present that evidence using questions not statements. For example, evidence using questions not statements. For example, “Why didn’t the Jewish authorities produce the body and “Why didn’t the Jewish authorities produce the body and crush Christianity in its infancy?”crush Christianity in its infancy?”

If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. If you don’t know the answer to a question. Don’t fake it. Say,Say,

““That is a great question, and I want to give you a great That is a great question, and I want to give you a great answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to answer. Let me think about it, look into it and get back to you.”you.”