CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS

Objectives: 1.   To examine some of the classical arguments against the
                 resurrection of Jesus.
            2.   To formulate a rational and Biblically-informed defense
                 against these arguments.


ARGUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN LEVELED AT THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS:

1.     Swoon Theory:
 Jesus did not die on the cross, but due to tremendous physical suffering
 had passed out and only appeared dead.  Subsequently, he was buried alive
 in the tomb where he revived and escaped.  This theory attempts to explain
 the post-resurrection appearances and the empty tomb.

2.     Hallucination Theory:
 The post-resurrection appearances could be explained as hallucinations
 experienced by the followers of Jesus which were possibly triggered by
 their anguished longing for his presence.  This theory, of course, simply
 ignores the evidence of the empty tomb.

3.     Mistaken Identity Theory:
 The appearance of the resurrected Jesus are considered cases of mistaken
 identity on the part of the distraught disciples.  Mary Magdalene who
 mistakes Jesus for the gardener in John 20:11-18 is an example.

4.     Wrong Tomb Theory:
 Sometimes coupled with the mistaken identity theory, suggests that the
 disciples and the women went to the wrong tomb which happened to be empty.

5.     Stolen Body Theory:
 This is the oldest theory, dating back to the New Testament (Matt 28:11-
 15).  The disciples simply stole the body and fabricated the accounts of
 the appearances of resurrected Jesus.


1.     Swoon Theory:
 Jesus experienced:
 -    Six trials to make sure he obtained capital punishment
 -    Whipping, struck by a staff on the head again and again
 -    Crown of thorns, more spitting and beating
 -    Crossbar burden: 110 lbs
 -    Crucifixion with nails: with supporting archaeological evidence 
 -    Spare from breaking the legs: he must die to be spared
 -    A spear was thrusted into His side, blood and water came out
 -    Certified to be dead before handed to Joseph
 -    75 lbs of spices was used for His dead body, the graveclothes could
      not easily be removed
 -    Could a weak man like this survive three days without food or water
      in a damp tomb, take off the graveclothes, push the heavy stone,
      overcome the Roman guards, and walk miles on feet that had been
      pierced with spikes, and give His disciples the impression that He
      is a conqueror over death?

2.     Hallucination Theory:
 -    At one time Jesus was witnessed to be alive by more than 500 people
 -    The variety of locations and people at different times over a
      period of 40 days
 -    The reactions of these people were different
 -    Appeared to Paul: a hostile and unconvinced person
 -    The Romans and the Pharisees could have presented the true dead
      body to refute the Christians' claim about Jesus's resurrection
 -    Generally, these psychic experiences occur over a long period of
      time with some regularity.  But these experiences happened during
      a period of 40 days, and then stopped abruptly.  No one ever said
      they happened again.
 -    Hallucination happens when a person wants to believe something not
      true.  However, these people reported seeing Christ against their
      will: Mary came with spice to anoint the dead body, the disciples
      were frightened that Jesus had to tell them to touch Him, Thomas
      did not believe at all at first

3.     Mistaken Identity Theory:
 See Hallucination Theory.

4.     Wrong Tomb Theory:
 -    A new tomb
 -    Those people had been in the tomb when the body of Jesus was put in
 -    The Romans and the Pharisees could have gone to the right tomb and
      presented the true dead body to refute the Christians' claim about
      Jesus's resurrection
 -    The owner of the tomb Joseph would solve the problem

5.     Stolen Body Theory:
 -    The stone weighs 1.5 to 2 tons, and was stuck in a grove
 -    Guarded by Roman guard (at least 16 soldiers), they would not
      survive if they lost Christ's body while it was under their guard
 -    The tomb has a Roman seal, the disciples were frightened at first
 -    Stealing the body of Christ is against Christian principles, this
      lie was responsible for deaths of thousands of people.  Each of the
      disciples faced the torture and martyrdom for his statements and
      beliefs.