Surts – Page 13 – SURTSTruth

Day 63: Rest…Relax…Reflect.

Activity and rest are two vital aspects of life. To find a balance in them is a skill in itself. Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have. Finding them in each other, activity in rest and rest in activity, is the ultimate freedom. (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar)

Thinking about the musings from Day 62: Resurrection Theories – Part 4 – Conclusion.…

I would submit to you that it is important to take some rest.

Just like the ninth week winding down at school, week 9 is winding down here. I end with the quote: “I will give you Sunday’s off, it’s a God thing….”

The more I think about it, I don’t really know if it is really just a ‘God thing’. I mean, don’t animals, insects, birds, plants, the rest of Mother Nature and even Atheists, believe in the importance of rest? Whether they think it’s a ‘God thing’ or not, rest is necessary for all of us on this Earth, to restore, and to rejuvenate, our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. I think, most importantly, because Monday’s can be brutal, on a good Monday….

Bottom line no matter where you stand on the issue of God…get some rest.

Spend some time if you want to do some reviewing, reflecting, and/or meditating, on the week that has just ended. To be mindful perhaps of the from last week:

Day 57: Resurrection Theories Part 1 – Conclusion. – Two additional bible verses and 4 additional questions are covered to help one to come to a logical conclusion regarding the Swoon Theory. The Swoon Theory is first of 5 major theories out there disputing the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth;

Day 58: Resurrection Theories – Part 2. – The Hallucination or Vision Theory is the second theory that is presented that disputes the resurrections of Jesus of Nazareth. Once you understand both the definition of the term hallucination and the five attributes that psychiatrists would add to the definition, determining a logical conclusion regarding this theory becomes clear;

Day 59: Resurrection Theories – Part 3. – The Stolen Body theory is presented next that disputes the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The case for the Stolen Body theory actually comes from the Gospel of Matthew itself…however, 9 questions must be asked first before a logical conclusion can be considered;

Day 60: Resurrection Theories – Part 3 – Conclusion. – There are 3 additional questions presented that need to be asked when discussing the Stolen Body theory. In addition, the fate of the 10 original disciples are also presented to help the reader come to a logical conclusion regarding this theory;

Day 61: Resurrection Theories – Part 4. – The Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory is the next theory to be presented. This theory, like the Like the Stolen Body Theory, also stands, (or falls), on the writings in the Gospel of Matthew;

Day 62: Resurrection Theories – Part 4 – Conclusion. – There are 8 questions that must be asked regarding the Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory. In addition, once you understand the definition of the term guard and how it is applied approximately 2,000 years ago in the Roman Empire, the case for coming to a logical conclusion becomes self-evident;

Are you ready to get some rest?

Do not feel discouraged if you don’t know how to rest. Do not feel discouraged if you power down your mind and body that wishes to forge ahead, so many things to do, so little time. Instead, embrace the idea that rest is rejuvenating. Embrace the idea that rest restores and recharges. 10-15 minutes. Do nothing regarding the upcoming workweek…for 10-15 minutes. Then, 7 days later, extent your rest time out 5 minutes. Deep breathing exercises. Simple yoga poses. Watching cute little puppies on your social media feed. All unrelated to work and your job(s). Something, some things, to clear your mind.

⁶And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. (Psalm 55:6 KJV)

Was today’s blog a little confusing at times? Was the content perhaps a little overwhelming? Did you feel lost not understanding some or most of the subject matter?

Those feelings are totally understandable and it is ok to have one or more of those feelings. Remember that you are reading Day 63: Rest…Relax…Reflect.

If you haven’t been in class since the first day of school…or when the project began…or when the contract was first signed, etc., these feelings make perfect and logistical sense.

Please feel free to go back to where all of this began:

Day 1: What Is A Mid-Life Crisis?

Day 62: Resurrection Theories – Part 4 – Conclusion.

At the heart of Christian faith is the story of Jesus death and resurrection. (John Ortberg)

Thinking about the musings from Day 61: Resurrection Theories – Part 4.…

I would submit to you that when considering the Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory as a possible option to counter the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, there are ultimately 8 more questions that must be answered first. The first 3 questions were already addressed in Day 61: Resurrection Theories – Part 4. and now the final 8 questions must now be considered.

Before those questions must be asked, please consider the following from Matthew 27:62-66 (KJV):

⁶²The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ⁶³“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ ⁶⁴So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” ⁶⁵“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” ⁶⁶So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

So, according to Matthew 27:62-66, Pilate gave specific instructions to:

“Take a guard…they went and made the tomb secure…by…posting the guard.”

‘Guard’ sounds like a single person, while ‘they’ clearly implies more than one guard.

One the surface, that appears to be a pretty obvious grammar error.

Well…is it?

The most obvious and logical way to answer that question is by answering question 4:

4) What exactly is a guard?

That question can be answered by reading the following from Josh McDowell’s book, Evidence That Demands A Verdict:

The guard numbered from ten to thirty men……they were not the kind of men to jeopardize their Roman necks by sleeping on their post…they were Roman soldiers, not mere Jewish temple guards…The soldiers had very strict discipline…the punishment for deserting one’s post was death…the fear of punishments produced faultless attention to duty, especially in the night watches…refusing to protect an officer was punishable by death…one soldier who had fallen asleep on duty was executed by being hurled from the cliff of the Capitolium. (pp. 218 – 224)

Now at first, after reading the information above, the answer to question 4, on the surface, seems elusive.

However, I would now submit to you that you re-read the same information again, this time focusing on the words that I underlined and italicized:

The guard numbered from ten to thirty men….they were not the kind of men to jeopardize their Roman necks by sleeping on their post…they were Roman soldiers, not mere Jewish temple guards…The soldiers had very strict discipline…the punishment for deserting one’s post was death…the fear of punishments produced faultless attention to duty, especially in the night watches…refusing to protect an officer was punishable by death…one soldier who had fallen asleep on duty was executed by being hurled from the cliff of the Capitolium. (pp. 218 – 224)

There is no grammar error.

At the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth were at least 10 guards, although a ‘Roman guard’ could consist of up to 30 Roman soldiers. These Roman soldiers at this tomb were given specific instructions to not sleep, even though at least one third of their job description was to be performed at night. To not pay attention to this simple duty could cost you your life. And as an added incentive to not fall asleep, the Roman guard saw one of their own hurled off of a cliff for…

Falling asleep.

Whether the Roman guard consisted of 10…or 30…or some number in between, it would be hard to imagine letting anything or anyone go in…or out…of the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth during those three days and nights while standing, (not sleeping), on guard.

Day 61: Resurrection Theories – Part 4.

No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good. (Josh McDowell)

Thinking about the musings from Day 60: Resurrection Theories Part 3 – Conclusion…

I would submit to you that after covering the Swoon:

Day 55: Resurrection Theories – Part 1. and;

Day 57: Resurrection Theories Part 1 – Conclusion.;

Hallucination or Vision:

Day 58: Resurrection Theories – Part 2. and;

Stolen Body Theories:

Day 59: Resurrection Theories – Part 3. and;

Day 60: Resurrection Theories – Part 3 – Conclusion.…

all questioning the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, it is clear that some over the centuries have come up with some interesting and creative counter arguments. Determining if one or more of those theories are logical, well that is a decision that you must come to on your own.

There are still two more theories that must be discussed before you can come to a logical conclusion regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The 4th theory that tries to discredit the Gospels account of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory.

4) Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory. Like the Stolen Body Theory, this theory is perhaps the oldest of them all, dating back to the first century, formulated only decades after the incident in question occurred. Also, like the Stolen Body Theory, the reason for this is simple…

The theory begins in the Gospel of Matthew itself.

The Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory seems simple on the surface…The claim is that Jesus Christ’s body was stolen from the tomb that he was buried in. Therefore, when the women investigate the tomb and find no body, the theory states that this is in fact true, because the tomb is in fact…

Empty.

The Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory includes a secondary component, the guards at the tomb either fell asleep, were bribed, or both, thus ensuring that the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth never happened.

Like the Stolen Body Theory, the theory continues by claiming that Christians and Jews have been lied to regarding Jesus of Nazareth rising from the dead, as the resurrection was faked due to the soldiers fell asleep, were bribed, or both, and thus were able to deny the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth from ever happening.

Is the Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory possible? Does it make logistical sense?

Let’s look at the evidence.

Consider the following, and especially what words I intentionally put italics, in Matthew 28:4 and 28:11-15 (KJV):

“⁴And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.…¹¹ Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. ¹²And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, ¹³Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. ¹⁴And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. ¹⁵So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”

Like the Stolen Body Theory, it seems like a no brainer here, doesn’t it?

It appears that Matthew himself is admitting that the guards fell asleep while the body of Jesus of Nazareth disappeared from the tomb. It could be argued then that this theory is even stronger than the Stolen Body Theory based on the evidence presented in both Matthew 28:4 and 28:11-15.

Case closed…right?

I am not so sure about that.

Regarding the Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory, I have a few questions for you to consider regarding the sleeping part of this theory. Consider the 2 of the same questions I asked you to think about regarding the Stolen Body Theory from Day 59: Resurrection Theories – Part 3:

1) How much wealth would it take to bribe the multiple guards at the tomb to keep them quiet while the body is removed?

2) How did the disciples acquire this wealth to keep these guards quiet in the first place?

I would submit to you that you re-read 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 (KJV):

⁵And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: ⁶After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. ⁷After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. ⁸And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Next, I further submit to you that you re-read Matthew 28:4, 11-15, focusing on the words that are I intentionally put italics:

So the next logical question is this:

3) Was there a single guard or were there multiple guards guarding the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth?

Based on the 9 clues presented in italics, from 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, the answer is quite clear:

There was more than one guard.

Are there more questions that need to be considered before determining if the Soldiers Falling Asleep And/Or Bribed Theory is to be considered as a counter argument to the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth?

Yes.

What are those next questions that need to be asked?

They will be covered next time.

Do not feel discouraged if you are still having a difficult time believing in the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Do not feel discouraged if you are still confused if you still have more questions that need to be asked and answered. Instead, embrace the idea that the amount of questions that may be entering your mind regarding all of this are coming with simple solutions to the contrary.

⁴And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.…¹¹ Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. ¹²And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, ¹³Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. ¹⁴And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.¹⁵So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. (Matthew 28:4, 11-15 KJV)

Was today’s blog a little confusing at times? Was the content perhaps a little overwhelming? Did you feel lost not understanding some or most of the subject matter?

Those feelings are totally understandable and it is ok to have one or more of those feelings. Remember that you are reading Day 61: Resurrection Theories Part 4.

If you haven’t been in class since the first day of school…or when the project began…or when the contract was first signed, etc., these feelings make perfect and logistical sense.

Please feel free to go back to where all of this began:

Day 1: What Is A Mid-Life Crisis?

Day 60: Resurrection Theories – Part 3 – Conclusion.

Perhaps the transformation of the disciples of Jesus is the greatest evidence of all for the resurrection. (John R. W. Stott)

Thinking about the musings from Day 59: Resurrection Theories – Part 3.…

I would submit to you that when considering the Stolen Body Theory as a possible option to counter the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, there are ultimately 3 more questions that must be answered first. The first 9 questions were already addressed in Day 59: Resurrection Theories – Part 3. and the last three questions, perhaps the most telling of them all, must now be considered.

First however, consider the following in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 (KJV):

So, in addition to re-reading the first 9 questions I brought up earlier, here is the 10th question to ask:

10) What would compel all of the people mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 to agree to lie about the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, knowing the consequences in supporting this lie?

Is there a way to actually attempt to answer this question?

Yes there is.

There is documented evidence that 10 of the original 12 disciples, “then of the twelve”, died martyred deaths. The two disciples who did not die martyred deaths were Judas, who killed himself after betraying Jesus of Nazareth, and John, who died of natural causes while in exile on the island of Patmos.

This now leads us to consider question 11:

11) So happened to the other 10 disciples after the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth?

There are two individuals that are known to have documented the lives of the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. They are:

1) Hippolytus of Rome who died around 236 AD and;

2) Eusebius, known as the “Father of Church History”, who lived around 260-341 AD.

The fate of the other 10 are as follows:

1) (Simon) Peter, preached in Pontus, Galatia, and Cappadocia (all in Turkey), and then Italy, was believed to have been crucified upside down by Emperor Nero in Rome.

2) Andrew, preached to the Scythians, (known today as Georgia) and Thracians, (known today as the area around Bulgaria, Georgia and Turkey). Andrew was crucified and suspended on an olive tree at Patrae, (Greece), and was buried there.

3) James son of Zebedee, preached in Judea, was put to death with the sword as recorded in Acts 12:1-2 (KJV):

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. ²And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

4) Philip, scourged, through into prison, and later crucified;

5) Bartholomew, preached in India, was crucified upside down in Armenia (known today as Georgia).

6) Thomas, preached to the Parthians, Medes, Persians, and Hyrcanians (all in Iran), Bactrians (Afghanistan), and Margians. Thomas was killed by a pine spear that was thrust through the four members of his body at Calamene, the city of India, and was buried there.

7) Matthew, according to a third source, John Foxe’s, Book of Martyrs, written in 1563, preached in Parthia, (known today as Iran), and in Ethiopia, and was slain with a halberd, (sword), in the city of Nadabah, Ethiopia.

8) James son of Alphaeus, preached in Jerusalem, was stoned to death by the Jews and was buried there beside the temple.

9) (Jude) Thaddaeus, preached to the people of Mesopotamia (known today as Southwestern Asia). Although it was not documented by either Hippolytus or Eusebius, it is traditionally believed that (Jude) Thaddaeus was martyred in Syria on his missionary journey with Simon the Zealot.

10) Simon (the Zealot), according to a 4th source from the fifth century, Moses of Chorene, wrote that Simon (the Zealot) was martyred in the Kingdom of Iberia.

Now, after reading and considering what happened to those closest to Jesus of Nazareth during his lifetime, a final question must be considered:

12) Why would 10 of the original disciples willingly die horrific deaths, all being martyred for their belief in the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, if it was a lie?

Or put another way:

Would you be willing to die a horrific death if you knew what you believed in…was all a lie?

So let’s summarize the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth with two statements:

1) The Gospels. The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth as written in the 4 Gospels from the Middle East over 2,000 years ago, or;

2) The Stolen Body Theory. Based off of Matthew 28:11-13, while ignoring the rest of the accounts surrounding the resurrection not only the rest of the Gospel of Matthew, but the entirety of the New Testament as well.

Now, a question for you to consider:

Which set of facts takes more faith to believe in?

Do not feel discouraged if you are still wrestling with the resurrection of Jesus after three counter theories. Do not feel discouraged if you are still confused if you are unsure as to whether the Gospels or the Stolen Body Theory makes more sense. Instead, embrace the idea that you are much closer to reaching a conclusion than you were prior to reading about any of these counter theories.

²⁵Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: ²⁶And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:25-26 KJV)

Was today’s blog a little confusing at times? Was the content perhaps a little overwhelming? Did you feel lost not understanding some or most of the subject matter?

Those feelings are totally understandable and it is ok to have one or more of those feelings. Remember that you are reading Day 60: Resurrection Theories Part 3 – Conclusion.

If you haven’t been in class since the first day of school…or when the project began…or when the contract was first signed, etc., these feelings make perfect and logistical sense.

Please feel free to go back to where all of this began:

Day 1: What Is A Mid-Life Crisis?

Day 59: Resurrection Theories – Part 3.

Why would the apostles lie? Liars always lie for selfish reasons. If they lied, what was their motive, what did they get out of it? What they got out of it was misunderstanding, rejection, persecution, torture, and martyrdom. Hardly a list of perks! (Peter Kreeft)

Thinking about the musings from Day 58: Resurrection Theories – Part 2.…

I would submit to you that the issue at hand still is, did the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth really happen. Two of these well-known theories, the Swoon, (covered in Day 55: Resurrection Theories – Part 1. and Day 57: Resurrection Theories Part 1 – Conclusion.), and Hallucination or Vision Theories, (covered in Day 58: Resurrection Theories – Part 2.), have so many unanswered questions between them, that they cannot possibly be considered as viable options regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

The next theory that tries to discredit the Gospels account of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the Stolen Body Theory.

3) Stolen Body Theory. This theory is one of the oldest of them all, dating back to the first century, only decades after the incident in question occurred. The reason for this is simple…

The theory begins in the Gospel of Matthew itself.

The Stolen Body Theory seems simple on the surface. It begins with the claim that Jesus Christ’s body was stolen from the tomb that he was buried in. Therefore, when the women investigate the tomb and find no body, the theory states that this would explain why the tomb is empty when they arrive.

So who would have stolen the body?

There are two groups of individuals who would have been motivated the steal the body: the apostles, or some other unknown person or persons.

In other words, Christians have been lied to regarding Jesus of Nazareth rising from the dead, as the resurrection was faked due to the body being stolen.

This lie potentially began with the disciples of Jesus of Nazareth themselves.

Is the Stolen Body Theory possible? Does it make logistical sense?

Let’s look at the evidence.

Consider the following in Matthew 28:11-15 (KJV):

¹¹Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. ¹²When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, ¹³saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ ¹⁴And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. ¹⁵So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

It seems like a no brainer here, doesn’t it? Matthew himself is admitting that the body was stolen.

Case closed…right?

I am not so sure about that.

Regarding the Stolen Body Theory, I have a few questions for you to consider:

1) How much wealth would it take to bribe the multiple guards at the tomb to keep them quiet while the body is removed?

2) How did the disciples acquire this wealth to keep these guards quiet in the first place?

3) If there were additional witnesses that saw what the disciples were doing, were they aware of these additional witnesses and were they bribed as well?

4) How many potential, additional witnesses would have needed to be bribed in total to keep the stolen body of Jesus of Nazareth a secret?

5) Knowing that a single person cannot remove the body and dispose of it in another location, (literally dead weight), how many people were needed to remove, drag or carry, and find a new location for it?

6) For those involved in this part of the Stolen Body Theory, were they bribed as well?

7) Knowing what they were doing ahead of time, and knowing that their lives and the lives of their families would most certainly be in danger if caught, was it worth it to go to these lengths to steal the body?

8) Knowing that the disciples were witnesses to the death of Jesus of Nazareth from crucifixion, why would they risk dying that way if they stole the body, yet still claimed Jesus was resurrected?

9) Why would the disciples, already known by both the Roman and Jewish leaders, wish to continue spreading the idea that Jesus of Nazareth was resurrected, knowing that their social, economic, and overall standing in the region would be in serious jeopardy for them, or perhaps completely destroyed, not only for them, but for their families?

After re-reading the first 9 questions I brought up above, there are three more questions that still need to be asked when considering the Stolen Body Theory regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

So what are these three, final questions that needs to be asked?

That will be covered next time.

Do not feel discouraged if you are still having a difficult time believing in the resurrection of Jesus after reviewing the third counter theory. Do not feel discouraged if you are still confused if you are unsure as to whether the Gospels still stand up to the Swoon, Hallucination or Vision or Stolen Body Theories. Instead, embrace the idea that your conclusions are being based off of interesting facts that you may never have been exposed to in your life.

²⁷Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. ²⁸And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. ²⁹Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:27-29 KJV)

Was today’s blog a little confusing at times? Was the content perhaps a little overwhelming? Did you feel lost not understanding some or most of the subject matter?

Those feelings are totally understandable and it is ok to have one or more of those feelings. Remember that you are reading Day 59: Resurrection Theories – Part 3.

If you haven’t been in class since the first day of school…or when the project began…or when the contract was first signed, etc., these feelings make perfect and logistical sense.

Please feel free to go back to where all of this began:

Day 1: What Is A Mid-Life Crisis?

Day 58: Resurrection Theories – Part 2.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is one of the best attested facts on record. There were so many witnesses to behold it, that if we do in the least degree receive the credibility of men’s testimonies, we cannot and we dare not doubt that Jesus rose from the dead. (Charles Spurgeon)

Thinking about the musings from Day 57: Resurrection Theories Part 1 – Conclusion…

I would submit to you that if you are still wondering which belief system makes the most sense, then the issue regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth must be fully explored before making a final decision. This exploration must include a deeper dive into the 5 widely considered theories that have developed over the past 2,000 years, that counter the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

The next theory that tries to discredit the Gospels account of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the Hallucination Theory.

2) Hallucination or Vision Theory. This theory was created in the 1800’s by David Friedrich Strauss, a German, liberal Protestant. The Hallucination or Vision Theory has gained some support in the late 20th century by another German, a scholar and historian, named Gerd Ludemann. This theory incorporates similar theories that all revolve around this theme, that the sightings of Jesus of Nazareth after his death and resurrection were nothing more than visionary experiences.

In other words, those who claimed to have seen Jesus of Nazareth after his death saw a ghost.

Is the Hallucination or Vision Theory possible?

Does it make logistical sense?

Let’s look at the evidence.

Remember that this theory was first proposed in the 1800’s, in the same century as the Swoon Theory covered in:

Day 55: Resurrection Theories – Part 1. and;

Day 57: Resurrection Theories Part 1 – Conclusion.

Both the Swoon and Hallucination or Vision theories were written almost 1,800 years after the incident itself. So, like Paulus of the Swoon theory, Strauss and his 20th century cohort, Ludemann, cannot be considered primary sources due to the fact that they are almost 1,800 years removed from what they are writing about. So, like Paulus, Strauss and Ludemann, must also be considered secondary sources. The reason for this is simple: They could not have experienced the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth first-hand, because they were not there in witnessing the resurrection itself.

One must also consider that the Strauss, original creator of the Hallucination or Vision Theory, denied the divine nature of Jesus of Nazareth. In addition, Ludemann claimed that of all the writings attributed to Jesus of Nazareth in the Bible, only five percent of these writings are genuine. I am unsure as to how Ludemann to that five percent.

Consider this…if Strauss is denying that Jesus of Nazareth was not divine, and Ludemann is saying only five percent of the biblical writings regarding him are factual, will that not skew their overall conclusions regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth?

In other words, Strauss and Ludemann were not reading the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth as neutral, independent or non-biased, parties.

Secondly, I wish to submit to you the definition of the term hallucination, as found on dictionary.com:

noun

1) A sensory experience of something that does not exist outside the mind, caused by various physical and mental disorders, or by reaction to certain toxic substances, and usually manifested as visual or auditory images.

2) The sensation caused by a hallucinatory condition or the object or scene visualized.

3) A false notion, belief, or impression; illusion; delusion.

Finally, I would submit to you that psychiatrists would add the following five attributes to this definition regarding an individual, or individuals, who are currently, or have experienced, a hallucination or hallucinations:

1) They tend to occur to individuals who are overly nervous;

2) They subjective;

3) They are individual;

4) They happen once, unless induced under extreme circumstances like those who are insane;

5) They are a lot like dreams.

Now, let’s go back to the Hallucination or Vision Theory. If someone is to consider the Hallucination or Vision Theory, then these 5 questions must be asked…and answered:

1) If hallucinations are created by various physical and mental disorders, where is the evidence of these disorders mentioned in the Gospels?

2) If hallucinations are created by certain toxic substances, where is the evidence of these toxic substances mentioned in the Gospels?

3) If hallucinations are created by a hallucinatory condition, where is the evidence of these conditions mentioned in the Gospels?

4) If hallucinations are created by a false notion, beliefs or impressions, where is the evidence of these false notion, belief or impressions, mentioned in the Gospels?

5) If hallucinations are created by illusions or delusions, where is the evidence of these illusions or delusions mentioned in the Gospels?

Consider the following in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 (KJV):

And from Acts 1:3 (KJV):

³To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

So according to the verses from 1 Corinthians and Acts, Jesus was seen after his resurrection, by:

1) Cephas, then;

2) Of the twelve, then;

3) Above 500 at once, then;

4) James, then;

5) All of the apostles, then;

6) ‘He was seen of me also’.

All of these witnesses experiencing the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, over the course of forty days….

So let’s review what we have learned so far:

1) We know the definition of the term hallucination.

2) We know what psychiatrists would add regarding the definition of the term hallucination.

3) We have read the verses of 1 Corinthians and Acts regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

There are two more questions that now must be asked at this point:

6) How is it possible that 1, (Cephas), then 12, then 500, then James, then all of the apostles, then ‘he’, over a period of 40 days, all saw the exact same thing regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth?

7) How is it possible that over 500 people, all different ages, gender, occupations, social, economic and educational levels, on multiple days, at multiple times, all saw the exact same thing?

So let’s summarize the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth with two statements:

1) The Gospels. The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth as written in the 4 Gospels from the Middle East over 2,000 years ago, or;

2) The Hallucination or Vision Theory. From Strauss and later Ludemann, both second-hand sources, writing from present day Germany, almost 2,000 years after the event happened?

Now, a question for you to consider:

Which set of facts takes more faith to believe in?

The third theory trying to disprove the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth will be covered next time.

Do not feel discouraged if you are still having a difficult time believing in the resurrection of Jesus after two counter theories. Do not feel discouraged if you are still confused if you are unsure as to whether the Gospels or the Hallucination or Vision Theory makes more sense. Instead, embrace the idea that we have the freedom to research and read and come to our own conclusions.

Was today’s blog a little confusing at times? Was the content perhaps a little overwhelming? Did you feel lost not understanding some or most of the subject matter?

Those feelings are totally understandable and it is ok to have one or more of those feelings. Remember that you are reading Day 58: Resurrection Theories Part 2.

If you haven’t been in class since the first day of school…or when the project began…or when the contract was first signed, etc., these feelings make perfect and logistical sense.

Please feel free to go back to where all of this began:

Day 1: What Is A Mid-Life Crisis?

Day 57: Resurrection Theories Part 1 – Conclusion.

The tomb of Christ is famous because of what it does NOT contain. (Sam Morris)

Thinking about the musings from Day 56: Rest…Relax…Reflect.…

I would submit to you that after reading through the following belief systems:

Polytheism/Animism:

Day 18: The Basics Of Polytheism/Animism. and

Day 19: The Validity Of Polytheism/Animism.;

Hinduism:

Day 20: The Basics Of Hinduism. and

Day 22: The Validity Of Hinduism.;

Buddhism:

Day 23: The Basics Of Buddhism. and

Day 24: The Validity Of Buddhism.;

Confucianism:

Day 25: The Basics Of Confucianism. and

Day 26: The Validity Of Confucianism.;

Daosim/Taoism:

Day 27: Daoism…Or Is It Taoism? and

Day 29: The Validity Of Daoism…Or Is It Taoism?;

Judaism:

Day 30: The Basics Of Judaism – Part 1.

Day 31: The Basics Of Judaism – Part 2. and

Day 32: The Validity Of Judaism.;

Christianity:

Day 33: The Basics Of Christianity.

Day 34: Jesus Of Nazareth…What Do His Friends Think?

Day 36: Jesus…The Outside, Independent Corroboration.

Day 37: The Solemn Oath.

Day 38: Jesus The Radical – Unpacking The Top Five.

Day 39: The Trilemma.

Day 53: Christianity And The Life Of Jesus. and

Day 54: Is he a Liar…A Lunatic…Or Lord? The Claims. and;

Islam:

Day 40: Are We Done Yet?

Day 41: Location…Location…Location.

Day 43: Ready. Set. Go!

Day 44: Islam Is Now 2-0.

Day 45: Five Pillars…And One Quran.

Day 46: The Doctrine Of Abrogation.

Day 47: So What Exactly Is The Law Of Sharia? and;

Day 48: The Validity Of Islam.

There appears to be one of these 8 belief systems that rises above all of the others, that makes the most sense from an eternal perspective:

Christianity.

I would also submit to you that after reading the following regarding the holy books of these 8 belief systems:

Day 50: So…Which One Is The Best Book? – Part 1.

Day 51: So…Which One Is The Best Book? – Part 2.

Day 52: These Books…Can This Be Settled…Once And For All?

There again seems to be one of these 8 belief systems that rises above all of the others, that again, makes the most sense from an eternal perspective:

Christianity.

The question you then need to ask yourself at this point is this:

Is this enough evidence to convince you or do you still need more?

For those who are still undecided, I would submit to you that there is more….

Beginning with Day 55: Resurrection Theories – Part 1., I presented 8 questions that need to be answered regarding the Swoon Theory, first proposed by H.E.G. Paulus, in 1828. The Swoon Theory, the first of the top 5 theories out there that try to disprove the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, must be now be concluded here.

There are two additional sets of bible verses that I would submit to you that address the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. After reading these verses, there are 4 more questions that need to be asked.

Consider the following in Matthew 28:1-6 KJV:

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. ²And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. ³His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: ⁴And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. ⁵And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. ⁶He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

And in Matthew 28:11-15 KJV:

¹¹Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. ¹²And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, ¹³Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. ¹⁴And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. ¹⁵So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

In Matthew 28:4 states that there were ‘keepers’ at the tomb. In Matthew 28:11, ‘some of the watch’ left the tomb to go to the city. In Matthew 28:12 ‘they’ had a conversation with the elders and ‘they gave large money unto the soldiers’. Finally, in Matthew 28:15 states that ‘they took…and did as they were taught.’

In other words, there were at least two or more guards at the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. So, in order to consider the Swoon Theory presented by H.E.G. Paulus in 1828, the next two questions that need answering would be:

9) How was Jesus, able to move the stone, without alerting the guards?

10) Under what conditions would the guards allow Jesus to leave the tomb in the first place?

Finally, let’s assume that these guards are a part of the Roman Empire. They have been given a task to make sure that the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth is not to be disturbed. It is widely assumed that if they failed in their job, they would pay for it with their lives. If the penalty for failure is death wouldn’t this question need to be asked?

11) Why would the Roman Empire guards, under penalty of death, allow the escape of Jesus from the tomb?

A final question to ask would revolve around this potential scenario:

Instead of Roman Empire guards, let’s assume next that these guards were actually a part of the Jewish community.

Question 12 would then have to be:

12) Why would guards who are part of the Jewish community undermine their own faith by allowing Jesus to escape the tomb?

So, in regarding the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, there are two sources to choose from:

1) The Gospels. Presenting the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, as written in the 4 Gospels in the New Testament in the Holy Bible from the Middle East, over 2,000 years ago, or;

2) The Swoon Theory. Countering the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, from H.E.G. Paulus, a second-hand source, writing from present day Germany, almost 2,000 years after the event happened?

Now, a question for you to consider:

Which set of facts takes more faith to believe in?

The second theory trying to disprove the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth will be covered next time.

Do not feel discouraged if you are still having a difficult time believing in the resurrection of Jesus. Do not feel discouraged if you are still confused if you are unsure as to whether the Gospels or the Swoon Theory makes more sense. Instead, embrace the idea that we have the freedom to research and read and come to our own conclusions.

⁵And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.⁶He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matthew 28:5-6 KJV)

Was today’s blog a little confusing at times? Was the content perhaps a little overwhelming? Did you feel lost not understanding some or most of the subject matter?

Those feelings are totally understandable and it is ok to have one or more of those feelings. Remember that you are reading Day 57: Resurrection Theories Part 1 – Conclusion.

If you haven’t been in class since the first day of school…or when the project began…or when the contract was first signed, etc., these feelings make perfect and logistical sense.

Please feel free to go back to where all of this began:

Day 1: What Is A Mid-Life Crisis?

Day 56: Rest…Relax…Reflect.

Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness. They grow in rest. (Mark Buchanan)

Thinking about the musings from Day 55: Resurrection Theories – Part 1…

I would submit to you that it is important to take some rest.

Just like the eighth week winding down at school, week 8 is winding down here. I end with the quote: “I will give you Sunday’s off, it’s a God thing….”

Day 50: So…Which One Is The Best Book? – Part 1. – The 8 major belief systems of humanity have been covered and it is time to move on to their holy books. The holy books that are covered here are: Polytheism/Animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism/Daoism;

Day 51: So…Which One Is The Best Book? – Part 2. – One of the main reasons over 4.5 billion people today follow the belief systems of Judaism, Christianity and Islam is because of their holy books. There are of course many similarities, however, one must look closer at the differences in order to try to make an informed decision regarding these holy books;

Day 52: These Books…Can This Be Settled…Once And For All? – The belief systems of Judaism, Christianity and Islam not only depend on their holy books for religious guidance, but also for science as well. In fact, there are 6 scientific claims that are covered in both the Holy Bible and the Quran…and not necessarily coming to the same conclusions;

Day 53: Christianity And The Life Of Jesus. – When considering the historical figure known as Jesus of Nazareth, it is not his birth, life or death that is up for questioning and debate. What must ultimately be answered is whether or not Jesus of Nazareth was a Liar, a Lunatic, or Lord;

Day 54: Is he a Liar…A Lunatic…Or Lord? The Claims. – There are multiple references in the Holy Bible claiming that an individual was to be resurrected. There are 8 references in the New Testament claiming that it was Jesus of Nazareth who was resurrected;

Day 55: Resurrection Theories – Part 1. – There are 7 references in the New Testament claiming people who witnessed, spoke and/or interacted with Jesus of Nazareth after his his resurrection. There are 5 major theories that have developed over the last 2,000 years disproving the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The Swoon Theory is presented first;

Are you ready to get some rest?

²It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:2 KJV)

Was today’s blog a little confusing at times? Was the content perhaps a little overwhelming? Did you feel lost not understanding some or most of the subject matter?

Those feelings are totally understandable and it is ok to have one or more of those feelings. Remember that you are reading Day 56: Rest…Relax…Reflect.

If you haven’t been in class since the first day of school…or when the project began…or when the contract was first signed, etc., these feelings make perfect and logistical sense.

Please feel free to go back to where all of this began:

Day 1: What Is A Mid-Life Crisis?

Day 55: Resurrection Theories – Part 1.

If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead. (Timothy Keller)

Thinking about the musings from Day 54: Is he a Liar…A Lunatic…Or Lord? The Claims.…

I would submit to you that if someone were to have questions regarding Jesus of Nazareth, it would not be related to his birth, life, or radical teaching. If someone was to question the historical events surrounding Jesus of Nazareth, it would be related to his resurrection 3 days after his death.

So, the ultimate question that must be asked is this:

Is the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth possible?

According to some during the 1st century AD, not only was the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth possible, they witnessed, spoke and/or interacted with him after his crucifixion, death and burial….

For 40 days after his resurrection.

There are 7 references that I found throughout the New Testament regarding individuals claiming to have witnessed, spoke and/or interacted with Jesus of Nazareth after his crucifixion, death and burial. Consider the following bible verses:

Matthew 28:17 (KJV):

¹⁷And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Mark 16:9 (KJV):

⁹Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

John 20:26 (KJV):

²⁶And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

John 21:1 (KJV):

After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

1 Corinthians 15:5 (KJV):

⁵And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

1 Corinthians 15:6 (KJV):

⁶After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:7 (KJV):

⁷After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

1 Corinthians 15:8 (KJV):

⁸And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

1 Corinthians 15:20 (KJV):

²⁰But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Acts 9:5 (KJV):

⁵And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

So, according to the New Testament, the following all witnessed, spoke and/or interacted with Jesus of Nazareth after his crucifixion, death and burial:

Mary Magdalene…then Thomas…then the disciples…then Cephas…then 12 more…then at least 500 more…then James…then the apostles..and then finally Paul.

Can they all possibly be right?

Humans, who have questioned the validity of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, have had over 2,000 years to develop theories justifying why it is was not possible. Although these theories are perhaps limitless, for the sake of time and space, I will focus on the top 5 out there that try to disprove the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. They are as follows:

1) Swoon;

2) Hallucination or vision;

3) Stolen body;

4) Soldiers fell asleep and/or were bribed and;

5) Conspiracy;

1) Swoon Theory. This theory was created in 1828 CE, by H.E.G. Paulus, a German theologian. The theory is simple, Paulus claimed that Jesus fainted on the cross and did not die there. The cause of the fainting was due to a combination of pain, loss of blood, and shock. Mistaken for dead, Jesus was then buried…

Alive in the tomb.

Thanks to favorable climate conditions within the tomb, Jesus was able to revive himself after 3 days contained in there, at which point he then exited the tomb.

Is the Swoon Theory possible?

Does it make logistical sense?

Let’s look at the evidence.

Remember that this theory was first proposed in 1828, almost 2,000 years after the incident itself. By default then, Paulus cannot be considered a primary source. Paulus then is to be considered at best a secondary source, one who came to his conclusions without experiencing the resurrection first-hand.

Secondly, this almost 2000 year time difference, would also help to explain why Paulus could not possibly have been an active participant in witnessing the resurrection itself.

Thirdly, it is unclear whether or not H.E.G. Paulus visited the Middle East during his lifetime, let alone the burial site specifically.

Finally, there is also evidence out there showing that H.E.G. Paulus was himself a critic of the Holy Bible. It can be concluded then that Paulus was not reading the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth as a neutral and/or independent and/or non-biased, source.

Consider this, if Paulus is already looking at the Bible with a negative bias, will that not skew his overall conclusions with what he reads from it regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth?

Let’s say for sake of argument, that the following assumptions are in fact true:

1) Assume that science has proved that Jesus of Nazareth did not die from crucifixion;

2) Assume that there is evidence out there that proves that Jesus of Nazareth died at a later date and time;

3) Assume that Paulus is correct and that Jesus of Nazareth ‘Swooned’ on the cross due to a combination of pain, loss of blood, and shock and finally;

4) Assume that Jesus then awakens 3 days later, since he ‘Swooned’, and then leaves the tomb.

Armed with the above mentioned assumptions, ask yourself the following questions regarding the Swoon Theory:

1) How was Jesus able to figure out where he was in total and complete darkness inside the tomb?

2) How was Jesus able to survive 3 days of pain?

3) How was Jesus able to survive 3 days of loss of blood?

4) How was Jesus able to survive 3 days of shock?

5) How was Jesus able to survive without at least 3 days of no access to food?

6) How was Jesus able to survive without at least 3 days of no access to water?

7) How was Jesus able to survive without at least 3 days of no access to any medical care?

8) How was Jesus, in his weakened state after 3 days of pain, loss of blood, shock, no food water or medical care, have any energy to move the stone covering his tomb?

These 8 questions must be seriously considered if one is to seriously consider the Swoon Theory put forth by H.E.G. Paulus.

What if however, there were even more questions that still need to be asked regarding the validity of the Swoon Theory before making a decision?

Those questions will be asked after some rest.

Do not feel discouraged if you are still having a difficult time believing in the resurrection of Jesus. Do not feel discouraged if you are still confused and have more questions that need to be answered regarding the Swoon Theory. Instead, embrace the idea that we have the freedom to research and read and come to our own conclusions.

Was today’s blog a little confusing at times? Was the content perhaps a little overwhelming? Did you feel lost not understanding some or most of the subject matter?

Those feelings are totally understandable and it is ok to have one or more of those feelings. Remember that you are reading Day 55: Resurrection Theories – Part 1.

If you haven’t been in class since the first day of school…or when the project began…or when the contract was first signed, etc., these feelings make perfect and logistical sense.

Please feel free to go back to where all of this began:

Day 1: What Is A Mid-Life Crisis?

Day 54: Is he a Liar…A Lunatic…Or Lord? The Claims.

The resurrection of Jesus is rooted in history, grounded in scripture and confirmed in experience. (Nicky Gumbel)

Thinking about the musings from Day 53: Christianity And The Life Of Jesus.…

I would submit to you that when one reviews the evidence presented from the following sources: the Torah, Old Testament, Flavius Josephus, Tacitus and Pliny the Younger, one can come to this logical conclusion: the birth and life of Jesus of Nazareth were in fact real events. With these historical facts out of the way, the focus needs to shift to the death of Jesus of Nazareth….

And, more importantly, what happens 3 days after that.

The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

There are 5 references that I found located throughout the Holy Bible regarding an individual who is to be resurrected from the dead. Consider the following bible verses:

Psalm 16:10 (KJV):

¹⁰For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Psalm 71:20 (KJV):

²⁰Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

Isaiah 25:8 (KJV):

⁸He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.

Hosea 13:14 (KJV):

¹⁴I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

Acts 3:15 (KJV):

¹⁵And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

In addition, there are 8 references that I found throughout the New Testament regarding Jesus of Nazareth claiming that it would be he himself who is to be raised from the dead. Consider the following bible verses:

Matthew 12:40 (KJV):

⁴⁰For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Matthew 16:21 (KJV):

²¹From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Matthew 26:32 (KJV):

³²But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

Mark 9:9 (KJV):

⁹And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

John 6:39 (KJV):

³⁹And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

John 11:25-26 (KJV):

²⁵Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: ²⁶And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

1 Corinthians 15:12 (KJV):

¹²Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

Revelation 1:18 (KJV):

¹⁸I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

So, after reading the following 13 verses from the Holy Bible, is the trilemma solved?

Is Jesus of Nazareth in fact Lord and not a Liar nor a Lunatic?

Do you still need more evidence before coming to a final conclusion regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth were presented?

What more evidence is there?

That will be covered next time.

Do not feel discouraged if you are having a difficult time understanding the validity of the birth of Jesus but not his death and resurrection. Do not feel discouraged if you are still undecided and need to see more evidence regarding the resurrection of Jesus. Instead, embrace the idea that after learning a little bit more of the death and resurrection of Jesus, perhaps the nudge became a little more apparent. Is there more to learn? Absolutely. Embrace the idea that you cannot, nor should not, ever stop learning.

¹³Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 KJV)

Was today’s blog a little confusing at times? Was the content perhaps a little overwhelming? Did you feel lost not understanding some or most of the subject matter?

Those feelings are totally understandable and it is ok to have one or more of those feelings. Remember that you are reading Day 54: Is he a Liar…A Lunatic…Or Lord? The Claims.

If you haven’t been in class since the first day of school…or when the project began…or when the contract was first signed, etc., these feelings make perfect and logistical sense.

Please feel free to go back to where all of this began:

Day 1: What Is A Mid-Life Crisis?

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