The Case For The Resurrection by Gary Habermas

Gary Habermas’ book “The Case for the Resurrection” comprehensively analyzes the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. He argues that the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and the transformed lives of the disciples provide compelling evidence for the reality of the miraculous event.

Habermas’ Method

Habermas begins his argument by establishing the historical credibility of the New Testament accounts. He notes that many scholars agree that the accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings are reliable, even if they do not accept the supernatural aspects of the narrative. Habermas then turns to the evidence for the resurrection, beginning with the empty tomb.

He asserts that natural causes are not adequate explanations for the empty tomb. The fact that the tomb was found empty by multiple historical witnesses, including women who were not considered reliable witnesses in that culture, adds to the credibility of the account. Habermas also argues that the attempts by the Jewish authorities to explain away the empty tomb, such as by claiming that the disciples had stolen the body, only serve to support the fact of the empty tomb.

Habermas then turns to the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. He notes that these appearances were experienced by various witnesses, including close friends, distant followers, individuals, and groups, in multiple locations and at different times. Many of these witnesses were initially skeptical or even hostile to the idea of Jesus’ resurrection, which makes their testimony even more credible.

Finally, Habermas examines the transformed lives of the disciples. He argues that their willingness to suffer and even die for their belief in Jesus’ resurrection is evidence of the reality of that event. He notes that these disciples had nothing to gain personally by proclaiming the resurrection, and yet they did so at great personal cost.

Should I read “The Case for the Resurrection”

The question of whether to read The Case for the Resurrection by Habermas is a complex one. At its core, it depends on the level of interest one has in Christian apologetics and the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

First and foremost, it’s worth noting that this book is a highly detailed and rigorously researched book. Habermas has spent decades studying the historical evidence for the resurrection, and he presents a compelling argument for its plausibility. His work is an invaluable resource for those interested in the topic.

Who It’s Not For

However, it’s important to note that not everyone will be interested in this topic. For those who are not Christians or who do not find the idea of the resurrection compelling, reading this book may not be worth their time. Similarly, those who are already well-versed in Christian apologetics may discover that they are already familiar with many of the arguments that Habermas presents.

Who It’s Recommended For

That said, this book is a must-read for those interested in exploring the evidence for the resurrection. Habermas presents a wide range of evidence, from the testimony of the New Testament authors to the accounts of non-Christian historians and scholars of antiquity. He also addresses many of the common objections and counter-arguments to the resurrection, laying out a comprehensive case for its historical plausibility.

In conclusion, Gary Habermas’ book provides a well-researched and compelling argument for the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. His careful examination of the evidence for the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and the transformed lives of the disciples all support the historical credibility of the New Testament accounts. While some scholars may remain skeptical of the supernatural aspects of the story, Habermas provides a strong foundation for the belief that Jesus indeed rose from the dead.