Read Along: Christian Apologetics Ch22
Today we continue with chapter twenty-two of Read Along with Apologetics315, a weekly chapter-by-chapter study through Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Christianity
[Audio Intro] – Dr. Groothuis introduces this chapter.
[Chapter 22 Study Questions] (with kindle locations) – PDF study guide.
[Podcast Feed RSS | Podcast in iTunes] – Click to subscribe to the audio.
Summary
Chapter Twenty-Two: The Resurrection of Jesus
(pages 527-563)
Chapter twenty-two is relatively lengthy, dealing with the focal point of history: the resurrection of Jesus. Groothuis describes the significance of the resurrection to Christianity, then lays some groundwork for a case for the resurrection of Jesus. He notes that theism as a worldview increases the probability of miracles and the resurrection. After this, Groothuis looks at miracle claims themselves, defining miracles, looking at their credibility, and addressing David Hume’s famous objections to miracles.
The author then describes what can be called a “minimal facts” approach to arguing for the resurrection. However, in addition to these facts, Groothuis offers additional evidence to support the resurrection, making an even more robust case that incorporates more data. Each of the four facts are supported, then defended against common objections. Once a case is made, other naturalistic explanations are put to the test and shown to fail in various ways.
Notable quotes:
A biblical miracle is an act of divine agency whereby a supernatural effect is produced for the purpose of manifesting God’s kingdom on earth.Biblically, miracles are signs of the in-breaking of God’s kingdom. They are never merely extravagant or spectacular episodes, but rather reveal God’s supernatural character. (Christian Apologetics, p. 532)
The evidence for the resurrection is better than for claimed miracles in any other religion. It’s outstandingly different in quality and quantity, I think, from the evidence offered for the occurrence of most other supposedly miraculous events. (Antony Flew and Gary Habermas, “My Pilgrimage from Atheism to Theism: A Discussion Between Antony Flew and Gary Habermas,” Philosophia Christi 6, no. 2 (2004): 209, quoted in Christian Apologetics, p. 539)
The affirmation of the death and resurrection of Christ was so firmly established just a few years after his death that it was formulated in a creed, a brief summary and confession of the community’s essential beliefs. (Christian Apologetics, p. 549)
When taken together, these multiple lines of evidence, both documentary and circumstantial, lead us to a Christless tomb, a dead man found supernaturally alive and a dynamic group of followers who turned the ancient world upside down. (Christian Apologetics, p. 555)
Discuss
- What evidence for the resurrection is most persuasive for you, and why?
- What would you say to someone who claimed that the resurrection was simply a myth; a copycat of other pagan religions?
- How would you respond to the claim that the appearances of Jesus were just hallucinations?
Chapter Twenty-Three: Religious Pluralism
Brian Auten
Brian Auten is the founder emeritus of Apologetics315. He is also director of Reasonable Faith Belfast. Brian holds a Masters degree in Christian Apologetics and has interviewed over 150 Christian apologists. His background is in missions, media direction, graphic design, and administration. Brian started Apologetics315 in 2007 to be an apologetics hub to equip Christians to defend the faith.
