Dale Allison, a careful New Testament historian, and Mike Licona, a defender of the historical case for Jesus’ bodily resurrection, square off. They debate whether historians can study miracles, compare best-explanation reasoning with worldview-driven judgment, weigh empty-tomb and appearance traditions, and argue about physical versus transformed risen bodies.
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Worldview Strongly Shapes How Appearances Are Interpreted
Worldview shapes whether one treats resurrection appearances as possible evidence or rules them out a priori.
Dale Allison notes some scholars treat apparitions as metaphysically impossible while others consider analogies like Tibetan 'rainbow bodies' worth exploring.
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Use Methodological Speed Bumps To Reduce Bias
Manage personal bias when researching the resurrection by using methodological 'speed bumps' to stay neutral.
Mike Licona lists six safeguards he employed to slow down bias and test whether a sober historical inquiry supports resurrection claims.
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New Testament Portrays A Transformed Physical Resurrection
New Testament presents a broadly consistent portrait: Jesus' resurrection is physical yet transformed.
Mike Licona points to Matthew, Luke, John narratives and Paul's writings implying a bodily resurrection later transformed into an immortal state.
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In this conversation, we’re exploring one of the central claims of Christianity: the resurrection of Jesus. Joining us are two of the world’s leading New Testament scholars who approach the evidence from different angles. Dale Allison, former Richard J. Dearborn Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, is widely respected for his historical work on Jesus and early Christian belief, and is known for his careful, often cautious assessment of what historians can and cannot conclude about the resurrection. Read Dale's book here
Dr Michael Licona, Professor of Biblical Studies at Houston Christian University, is a leading defender of the historical case for Jesus’ bodily resurrection, arguing that the best explanation of the early eyewitness testimony and explosive growth of the Christian movement is that the resurrection really occurred. While both scholars agree on much of the historical data — including Jesus’ crucifixion and the early proclamation that he was raised — they differ on how confidently historians can infer a bodily resurrection, the role of supernatural explanations in historical reasoning, and how we should weigh experiences, visions, and empty-tomb traditions in reaching our conclusions. Read Mike's book, here
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