Opposing Theories

Question 1

Legend?

Opposing Theory #1: The resurrection stories are legends. What are 3 reasons this cannot be true?

Answer 1

1. The resurrection accounts can be traced back to the original disciples. There was insufficient time for a legend to develop.
2. A legend still doesn’t explain the empty tomb.
3. Does not explain the conversions of Paul and James.

Question 2

Genre?

Opposing Theory #2: The resurrection stories are a non-historical literary genre. What are 2 reasons this cannot be true?

Answer 2

1. The text claims to be historical. See below.
2. A non-historical genre not account for the empty tomb or the conversions of Paul and James.

Luke 1:3 “Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,”
Acts 1:1-2 “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven.”

Question 3

Fraud #1?

Opposing Theory #3: The disciples lied or stole the body. What are 2 reasons this cannot be true?

Answer 3

1. Would anyone be willing to suffer and die for what he or she knew to be a lie?
2. Does not explain the conversions of Paul and James.

Question 4

Fraud #2?

Opposing Theory #4: Someone else stole the body. What are 3 reasons this cannot be true?

Answer 4

1. The disciples’ claim to Jesus’ resurrection was based on his appearances, not merely that the tomb was empty.
2. The disciples clearly did not expect the resurrection and did not believe the initial reports.
3. Does not explain the conversions of Paul and James

Question 5

Wrong Tomb?

Opposing Theory #5: They went to the wrong tomb. What are 4 reasons this cannot be true?

Answer 5

1. The appearances to the disciples cannot be accounted for.
2. No source claims they went to the wrong tomb.
3. Burial by Joseph of Aramethea indicates the tomb’s location was known.
4. Does not explain the conversions of Paul and James

Question 6

Opposing Theory #6: Jesus only apparently died. He survived the cross. What are 3 reasons this cannot be true?

Answer 6

1. JAMA (3/21/86 says this is physically impossible.
2. Spear wound with blood and water (John 19:34-35) shows the rupture of the sac surrounding the heart.
3. A severely wounded Jesus could not have rolled away the stone from the inside with nail pierced hands, fought off the guards, walked a long distance on pierced and wounded feet and then convinced the disciples he was the risen prince of life.

Question 7

Psychhological Phenomena?

Opposing Theory #7: Everyone was hallucinating. What are 3 reasons this cannot be true?

Answer 7

1. Hallucinations do not occur to groups, only individuals.
2. Does not explain the empty tomb.
3. Does not explain the conversions of Paul and James.

Question 8

Combination of Opposing Theories?

Opposing Theory #8: A combination of the other opposing theories. What are 3 reasons this cannot be true?

Answer 8

1. Combinations of theories lead to higher improbabilities. If two theories each have a 50% probability, then together their probability is 25%.
2. The problems with each opposing theory still remain.

Question 9

Sparse Records?

Opposing Theory