Term
| What are the approaches to the problem? |
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Definition
| The Reduction to the Absurd and The Value of the Argument |
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Term
| What is the "reduction to the absurd? |
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Definition
| A method of reasoning that uses process of elimination and negative proof |
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Term
| What is the "value of the argument? |
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Definition
| It does not prove the Resurrection, but shows that nothing else makes sense. It gives intellectual support for faith and gives answers to critics. |
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Term
| What is the data of the problem? |
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Definition
| Evangelists claim the gospels are eyewitness testimony of the apostles; the empty tomb; the personality change of the apostles; the martyrdom of the apostles |
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Term
| What do the gospels claim about Jesus' life? |
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Definition
the life, words, and deeds of Jesus
the miracles and prophesies of Jesus
the resurrection of Jesus |
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Term
| Why is the empty tomb important? |
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Definition
| Gospel accounts claim that the body is missing, and that the Romans and Jews agree on its absence |
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Term
| Explain the personality change of the Apostles. |
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Definition
| Before the Resurrection, they were cowards. After Pentecost, they became very brave (a complete turnaround). |
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Term
| Explain the martyrdom of the Apostles. |
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Definition
| Every single one of the Apostle's died a martyr's death except John |
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Term
| What are the alternative solutions to the Resurrection? |
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Definition
The Apostles were mistaken
The Conspiracy Theory |
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Term
| What are the theories that show the Apostles were mistaken? |
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Definition
Swoon Theory
Hallucination Theory
Imposter Theory
Stolen Body Theory (Romans/Jews)
Stolen Body Theory (Grave Robbers) |
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Term
| What is the swoon theory? |
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Definition
| Jesus wasn't crucified. He only swooned on the cross, and lived. |
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Term
| Why doesn't the Swoon Theory work? |
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Definition
Roman Law requires that soldiers verify the death of the criminals.
After the Roman ritual, Jesus would have been too weak to get out of the tomb and past the guards.
It doesn't explain the personality change of the Apostles. |
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Term
| What is the Hallucination Theory? |
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Definition
| The Apostles hallucinated and were the only ones who saw Jesus. |
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Term
| What disproves the Hallucination Theory? |
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Definition
Hallucinations don't last very long.
There are no such thing as mass hallucinations.
People seldom hallucinate with strong disbelief or doubt.
Doesn't answer the question about the whereabout of Jesus' body. |
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Term
| Explain why hallucinations don't last very long. |
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Definition
Jesus ate, walked, and talked with the Apostles.
He also appeared in different times, places, and circumstances during varying time periods. |
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