APOL 220 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ESSAY Week 7 - Miracle and Resurrection Paper 2025.pdf

Miracle and Resurrection Paper

March 19, 2025

In today's world, many people face challenges when considering the supernatural claims

of Christianity, especially regarding miracles and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This

skepticism often arises from a belief in philosophical naturalism, which holds that only the

natural world exists and that all phenomena can be explained through it. To engage thoughtfully

profound implications for believers and non-believers alike.

The cultural context of Late Modernism often dismisses the possibility of the

supernatural, leaning heavily into empiricism and skepticism regarding anything that lies beyond

the tangible. In this setting, many skeptics view miracles as mere myths or legends. This

perspective has been significantly influenced by philosophers like David Hume, who claimed

that miracles contradict both natural laws and human experience, rendering them implausible.1

To address this skepticism effectively, one should adopt the Inside-Out method. This approach

validates the doubts and concerns that skeptics hold while presenting evidence that supports the

possibility of supernatural occurrences, creating a dialogue rather than a confrontation.

Philosophical naturalism suggests that everything can be explained through natural

inadequacy. For example, questions about the origins of the universe and human consciousness

continue to perplex even the most ardent naturalists. These two foundational issues illustrate that

naturalistic explanations often fall short in addressing the complexity of existence. William Lane

Craig has noted that “Naturalism cannot provide a sufficient account of the origin of the

within a historical context. By analyzing miracles as historical claims, one can approach them

with the same scrutiny applied to any documented historical event.

The New Testament presents numerous accounts of Jesus's miracles and the resurrection,

all written within a specific historical context. Historians often recognize the significance of

eyewitness testimony when evaluating these events. As scholar Craig Keener asserts, “The

literary and social context of the New Testament provides an important framework for

understanding the nature of the miraculous”.3 The accounts in the New Testament reflect genuine

experiences of those who witnessed Jesus perform miracles, lending credibility to their claims

and enhancing the texts' value as historical documents.

2 William Lane Craig, On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision (Colorado Springs, CO:

David C. Cook, 2008), 36.

3 Craig S. Keener, Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker

Academic, 2011), 53.

To counter skepticism surrounding miracles, a thorough evaluation of the eyewitness

testimonies recorded in the Gospels is essential. The authors of the New Testament documented

various miraculous activities attributed to Jesus, including healings and transformations of

nature, all indicating his divine authority. The consistency and clarity of these accounts reinforce

discussing these issues with skeptics.5 Essential elements of this argument include Jesus's

crucifixion, the empty tomb, and his post-resurrection appearances to various individuals and

groups. By focusing on these critical points, one can create a logical and compelling case for the

resurrection.

One noteworthy aspect of the empty tomb is that the discovery was made by women,

who, in the cultural context of the time, were marginalized witnesses. This detail points to the

story's authenticity, as the authors would likely not fabricate a narrative that undermines the

credibility of their claims. Licona suggests that “the fact that women are the first witnesses to the

empty tomb would be a detail unlikely to be invented by the early church".6 This

6 Michael Licona, The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2010),

acknowledgment further strengthens the historicity of the resurrection narrative, as it signifies a

commitment to report events as they occurred, rather than tailoring them for social or political

among others. The transformation of the disciples—from fearful individuals hiding after Jesus's

crucifixion to bold proclaimers of the resurrection—serves as significant evidence for an

by their encounters with him".7 Their unwavering commitment indicates that they were not

merely recycling a myth; instead, they were sharing sincere beliefs rooted in profound personal

experiences and encounters that changed their lives forever.

Addressing the reliability of the New Testament as historical documents is crucial in

defending the resurrection. The Gospels were written within a generation of the events they

describe. Furthermore, oral traditions were instrumental in preserving the stories and teachings of

Jesus, ensuring their transmission was accurate and meaningful. Scholars generally date the

Gospels between A.D. 30 and 90, allowing for numerous eyewitnesses to affirm or contest the

accounts. This proximity in time enhances the reliability of the Gospels and solidifies their

in their historical context allows us to see how they functioned as documents of faith in the early

7 Gary R. Habermas, The Risen Jesus and Future Hope (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005), 95.

church”.8 This scholarly endorsement strengthens the case for both miracles and the resurrection,

offering skeptics a more nuanced view of these claims.

One prevalent objection to miracles concerns causality and the consistency of natural

supernatural intervention. Craig contends that “If God exists and created the universe, his ability

to interact with his creation is not limited by the parameters of normal cause and effect”.9 Thus,

The problem of evil typically arises during conversations about the supernatural. Some

skeptics assert that a loving God would not allow suffering and evil to exist in the world, thereby

casting doubt on the reality of miracles. Addressing this issue invites a deeper exploration of free

will and the purpose of suffering as depicted in Scripture. The biblical narrative presents a God

who engages with humanity amid suffering, offering hope, redemption, and the promise of

resurrection.

Philosopher Alvin Plantinga argues that the existence of evil can be reconciled with the

notion of a loving God, as it allows for the free will of humans.10 The presence of evil does not

10 Alvin Plantinga, God, Freedom, and Evil (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1974), 105.

guidance to navigate a broken world. By examining these themes, skeptics may start to consider

that the coexistence of evil and miracles is not necessarily contradictory.

Ultimately, the discussion surrounding miracles and resurrection is not merely an

miraculous. A study conducted by Ladd and Ladd found that 70% of individuals who reported

having a spiritual experience considered it a pivotal moment in their lives.11 These experiences

conversations with skeptics, illustrating how belief in the supernatural leads to positive change.12

These stories have the power to reshape perspectives and values by demonstrating the real-life

impact of faith.

views. By presenting compelling historical evidence, considering the reliability of Gospel

accounts, and inviting discussion of skeptical objections, a strong case can be built for the reality

of supernatural events in Christianity.

The resurrection of Jesus stands as not only a pivotal event in Christianity but also as a

historical claim that merits serious examination. Through respectful dialogue and an

Spirituality and Health 14, no. 3 (2019), 115.

12 Josh Chatraw and Mark D. Allen, Apologetics at the Cross (Grand Rapids, MI: HarperCollins, 2018),

understanding of the skeptic's perspective, opportunities to foster openness toward the

miraculous can arise, paving the way for potential transformative encounters with the divine.

Ultimately, whether individuals accept the miraculous claims of Christianity or continue

the life-changing power of belief in Jesus, who was crucified but is also alive, ready and willing

to transform lives today.

Additionally, it is essential to cultivate an environment where respectful dialogue can

earnest. It invites deeper inquiries into matters of faith and allows for the exploration of

existential questions that may have long been unexplored. By fostering an atmosphere of trust

and openness, individuals are more likely to engage earnestly with ideas that challenge their

preconceived notions.

to reflect on their worldviews, confront their doubts, and potentially discover new paths toward

truth and understanding. Both skeptics and believers can learn from one another, enhancing their

mutual appreciation of differing beliefs while finding common ground. These interactions can

understanding of diverse perspectives.

Moreover, examining miracles and the resurrection within the broader context of human

experience can provide further insights into the significance of these events. Miracles are not just

sporadic occurrences; they symbolize hope, renewal, and the possibility of new beginnings. The

resurrection, representing triumph over death and despair, serves as an anchor for faith

communities that seek to make sense of suffering and vulnerability in the human condition.

renewed appreciation for the stories of hope and resurrection that are central to Christian faith.

In conclusion, engaging with skepticism regarding the miraculous and the resurrection is

not only about defending a set of beliefs but is, at its core, a journey of exploration into what it

implications of the resurrection within the context of both history and personal experience.

As discussions unfold, it is possible to emphasize the core messages of Christianity—

the supernatural is seen not as an irrational pursuit but as a deeply human exploration of what it

means to encounter the divine in an often-chaotic world.

one that is open to dialogue, replete with historical evidence, and grounded in profound personal

experiences. Engaging thoughtfully with miracles and the resurrection ultimately paves the way

for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and its relevance in today's multifaceted cultural

landscape.