A couple of days ago Justin Brierley hosted two New Testament scholars on his podcast to debate the biggest question in the history of mankind: Did Jesus really rise from the dead? New Testament historian Bart Ehrman doesn’t believe in the miraculous claims of the New Testament, including the resurrection of Jesus. In his book ‘The Bedrock of Christianity’, New Testament scholar Justin Bass argues for a number of facts concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus, that point to its truth. They debate scripture, history, and the resurrection.

I think this podcast episode encapsulates the underlying differences between history and theology. Virtually all scholars agree that some of the disciples (e.g. Paul, Peter, James…) claimed to see Jesus after his death. However, to interpret that as decisive proof that Jesus’ resurrection really happened is to step outside of the realm of history into the world of theology and philosophy. As a historian, you can’t argue that the so-called appearances are proof because then you would have to concede the truthfulness of countless miraculous claims from other religious traditions that are, historically speaking, far better attested than Jesus’ resurrection. In the latter, we only have one eyewitness testimony and that’s Paul.

Anyway, I do love debates because they often bring up heated exchanges of opinions. If you are into this kind of topic, you will be pleased. In the end, you can decide for yourself who had the better arguments.