Description
Book SynopsisThe Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the central tenet of the Christian faith. St. Paul put it succinctly: if Christ did not rise from the dead, our faith is in vain. This remarkable dialogue between the leading Christian scholar of the Resurrection and the world''s best-known philosophical atheist resulted from a three-hour discussion on a popular religious television talk show, moderated by John Ankerberg. The dialogue began with both participants agreeing to 12 separate historical facts that occurred when Jesus died and shortly afterward. Habermas and Flew then explored how each of their perspectives could account for what happened. Flew offered a psychological thesis interpreting the biblical accounts in natural terms. Habermas supported the historicity of the Resurrection by using contemporary critical methods. The discussion goes on to examine subjects such as medical details regarding crucifixion, extra-biblical sources for Jesus, the Jesus Seminar, St. Paul''s conversion experience and his contribution to the early Christian testimony. The interchange is marked by mutual respect and exceptional clarity of thought and expression. This is a book that will appeal to a wide audience of believers, seekers, and non-believers. The topic is timely, the participants renowned, and the presentation inviting to both scholar and layperson.
Trade ReviewThis is one of the most engaging dialogues between two of the best representatives of opposing perspectives on one of the most controversial topics?the resurrection of Jesusssss -- Dr. Norman L. Geisler, President and Professor of Theology and Apologetics, Southern Evangelical Seminary
The release of this book represents a major publishing event. For twenty years or so there has been a steady growth in Christian philosophy and most of it has been representative of an historic approach to Christianity. Now with this book, a major academic publisher has provided for a broad audience a first-rate discussion that takes the bodily resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth seriously. The book brings together the top Christian defender of the resurrection and the most articulate advocate of atheismover the last fifty years. The conversational format allows these two great minds an opportunity to have a real interchange about Jesus? resurrection that is at once mutually respectful and clear. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a clear, fair-minded exchange on this most important topicc -- J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Biola University, La Mirada, California
If a good old-fashioned debate on the resurrection by two keen minds on opposite ends of the spectrum of opinion is your thing, then this lively but civil discourse, now in book form, is well worth your time and investment. -- Dr. Ben Witherington, III, Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary
This is one of the most engaging dialogues between two of the best representatives of opposing perspectives on one of the most controversial topics—the resurrection of Jesus -- Dr. Norman L. Geisler, President and Professor of Theology and Apologetics, Southern Evangelical Seminary
The release of this book represents a major publishing event. For twenty years or so there has been a steady growth in Christian philosophy and most of it has been representative of an historic approach to Christianity. Now with this book, a major academic publisher has provided for a broad audience a first-rate discussion that takes the bodily resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth seriously. The book brings together the top Christian defender of the resurrection and the most articulate advocate of atheism over the last fifty years. The conversational format allows these two great minds an opportunity to have a real interchange about Jesus’ resurrection that is at once mutually respectful and clear. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a clear, fair-minded exchange on this most important topic -- J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Biola University, La Mirada, California
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface: Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? Chapter 2 The Dialogue Chapter 3 Theism, Revelation, and Jesus' Resurrection Chapter 4 Applying Resurrection Research and Closing Loopholes Chapter 5 The Church as Proof of the Resurrection and a Word about Alternative Critical Theories Chapter 6 About the Participants
