Critical Reading Journal Analysis_Centrality of the Resurrection Assignment_Kion Bolden
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Critical Reading Journal Analysis: Centrality of the Resurrection Assignment
Kion D. Bolden
APOL810: Miracles, the Resurrection, and Christian Ministry
March 2024
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The Centrality of the Resurrection to the Christian Faith
According to the introduction in "The Risen Jesus & Future Hope" by Gary Habermas, the resurrection is central to the Christian faith for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as the foundational event that validates the claims and teachings of Jesus Christ. Habermas asserts that in the absence of the resurrection, faith, theology, and the church itself would not have existed. Christianity would lack a solid foundation and would yield no meaningful outcomes.
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In early Christian teachings, the resurrection of Jesus held paramount importance, often regarded as an indispensable component of the Gospel message. This belief was foundational to the Christian faith and was considered an essential truth that one had to embrace. Discussions surrounding the Gospel message were deemed incomplete without a reference to Jesus' resurrection.
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The resurrection demonstrates Jesus' victory over death, affirming his divinity and authority. Additionally, the resurrection provides believers with hope for eternal life beyond the grave, as it assures them of the possibility of life after death. The reality of the resurrection asserts influence over both our present conduct and our future destiny, intertwining them in significant ways within Christian theology and ethics.
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This assertion implies that the belief in Christ's resurrection not only shapes our understanding of the afterlife but also informs our present behavior and ethical decisions. In Christian thought, the resurrection serves as a focal point that illuminates the interconnectedness of faith and action, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with the teachings of Christ.
Furthermore, the resurrection underscores the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross,
as it signifies the completion of his redemptive work and the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation. Habermas explains that the certainty of eternal life, the pardon of sins, triumphing over
1
Gary R. Habermas, The Risen Jesus & Future Hope
(Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Pub, 2003), xii.
2
Ibid. 3
Ibid. ix.
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challenges, and the dedication to both God and those in need are intricately linked to this reality. Moreover, the ultimate significance of Jesus' triumph over death extends to our hopeful anticipation of overcoming suffering and evil in the future.
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In summary, the resurrection is central to the Christian faith because it validates Jesus' identity, offers hope for believers, and confirms the efficacy of his sacrifice for humanity.
Critical Approaches to Miracles
Several critical approaches to miracles are examined in "In Defense of Miracles: A Comprehensive Case for God's Action in History" by Douglas Geivett and Gary R. Habermas. A naturalistic explanation, which links miracles to psychological or natural causes, is one of these critical perspectives. Geivett and Habermas describe skeptics' views of miracles as mythical embellishments or fabrications intended to advance religious beliefs (Geivett & Habermas, Introduction). Philosophical critics often question the consistency of miracle claims within a rational worldview (Geivett & Habermas, Introduction). By challenging the conventional view that miracles are supernatural interventions in the natural order, these critical viewpoints encourage readers to think about other possibilities for alleged miraculous happenings.
A Christian Response to Critical Approaches to the Resurrection
It is indeed important for Christians to investigate and respond to the critical approaches presented in "In Defense of Miracles: A Comprehensive Case for God's Action in History" by Douglas Geivett and Gary R. Habermas. As the cornerstone of Christian doctrine, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. Jesus' resurrection confirms his identity as the Son of God and Savior of humanity, confirming key Christian beliefs such as salvation, forgiveness of sin, and eternity.
In addressing doubts or objections raised by skeptics, Christians can deepen their 4
Ibid, xii.
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understanding of their faith by engaging with critical approaches to the resurrection. The Apostle
Jude addressed believers, expressing, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3, KJV
). Christians examine Geivett and Habermas' work, they can strengthen their own convictions and develop informed responses to challenges to the resurrection narrative. Consequently, when Christians respond to objections to the resurrection, they are able to explain to people the grounds for their faith and the evidence supporting it. Christian worldviews
offer chances for fruitful discussion and apologetics as well as a reasoned foundation for believing in the resurrection.
Ultimately, to preserve their faith, meet intellectual obstacles, and communicate the message of hope and redemption contained in the resurrection, Christians must research and respond to critical approaches to the resurrection.
Bibliography
Habermas, Gary R. The Risen Jesus & Future Hope
. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Pub, 2003.