Proving The Resurrection By the Minimal Facts Approach

[Randy Carson]

The Minimal Facts are:

1. Jesus died by crucifixion

A lot of people during that time did.  There is no reason to believe >if< Jesus existed, that this would make the situation special at all.

That's not the point. Jesus died by crucifixion. Not in an old folks home. This becomes relevant in light of the rest of the facts.

2. Jesus' disciples believed that He rose and appeared to them

People on drugs/alcohol possibly believe purple dragons steal their farts.  The unsubstantiated claims of what some ancient goat herders may or may not have believed is completely moot.

So, it is your theory then that the disciples hallucinated the appearances of Jesus? Is that your final answer?

3. Saul, the persecutor of the Church, was suddenly changed.

Good for him?  This is barely a fact, and an irrelevant one at that.

In your opinion, what explains the reason why Paul, a rising star among the Pharisees, suddenly chucked it all and joined the Church he was persecuting?

4. James, the skeptical brother of Jesus, was suddenly changed.

See previous answer.

In your opinion, what explains the reason why James, who had been skeptical of his brother, Jesus, all of his life, suddenly became one of his most devoted followers enduring even martyrdom?

5. Jesus' tomb was found to be empty.

Cool.  So what?  Somebody could have stolen it, animals could have gotten to it, etc ad nauseum.  >If< Jesus existed, there is a myriad of logical reasons a body may not be found.  

So, the body was stolen but you're not sure about those details, correct?

Do you have a theory about what happened that accounts for all five?

If so, we need to give it careful consideration. Thanks.

Yep.  Sure do.

Great! Let's here your full explanation that takes all five into account adequately. Thanks!