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):
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After 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. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
And from Acts 1:3 (KJV):
3 To 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.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And 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 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: