Christian Evidences: Jesus and The Bible Assignment
Emma Grace Hyche
PHIL240: Christian Evidences
September 30, 2024
Christian Evidences Assignment
Question 1: Addressing Doubts About the Existence of Jesus
It is not unusual or uncommon when discussing issue related to faith or religion that you
encounter someone with a skeptical attitude. Especially regarding the historical individuals such
as the person of Jesus Christ. If a new person that I had just met expresses uncertainty about if
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Jesus had ever lived, I would approach the discussion with both the focus on historical evidence
and the utmost respect to the person.
Historical Evidence for Jesus' Existence
To begin, I would reflect on the substantial historical evidence that places the existence of Jesus
as a real person. Numerous historical sources other than even the Bible give testimony that
Jesus was an historical figure. Most famously and notably, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus.
Josephus, in his exemplary work Antiquities of the Jews, refers to Jesus, as a wise man who
performed many miracles and notable deeds and was crucified under Roman leader Pontius
Pilate (Habermas & Licona, 2004). The Josephus reference, in addition to other Roman
historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius, provide a non-Christian objective perspective that is
consistent with biblical recordings.
Scholarly Consensus
Additionally, I would emphasize the scholarly agreement on the existence of Jesus. Studies
reveal that over 90% of historians agree that Jesus was a historical figure and was a significant
person in history (Moreland & Craig, 2003). This consensus includes scholars from divergent
backgrounds that emphasized a belief in Jesus as a historical person that truly transcends
theological bias. Skeptical scholars have had to acknowledge the historical reliability of the New
Testament, especially regarding the crucifixion of Jesus. Today, the crucifixion of Jesus is one of
the most widely accepted historical facts in the last 2,000 years.
Philosophical and Theological Implications
If my friend were to continue to remain skeptical, I would discuss why the reliability of the
existence of Jesus is foundational for the Christian belief. The historicity of Jesus provides a
foundation for Christian doctrine. For example, if Jesus never existed, the claims about his life,
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death, and resurrection would be meaningless. The resurrection is critical; as Paul explains in 1
Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your
faith.” This verse emphasis how the historicity of Jesus is not just an academic exercise of
knowledge but a matter that impacts the very reality of the Christian faith.
Engaging with Respect and Openness
In conclusion, I would encourage an ongoing open discussion and dialogue. I would invite my
friend to continue to explore these sources and many others for the evidence of Jesus in history.
Engaging in respectful discussions will encourage an environment for understanding the
complexities of faith in Jesus Christ. It is important to emphasize that faith and rational reason
can coexist. Many Christians view their faith not as a blind faith but as a reasoned conviction
based on both historical evidence and personal experience.
In Addition, I would share meaningful and personal testimonies and experiences that emphasize
how understanding Jesus as a historical person deepens faith and helps to enrich our
relationship with Him. Conversations such as testimonies can lead to meaningful discussions
about the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ how He can change our lives.
Question 2: The Importance of Historicity for Christians
The historicity of Jesus Christ is of the upmost importance for Christians, considering that it
undergirds the credibility and reliability of the Christian faith. Understanding and embracing the
importance of Jesus as a real historical individual, the authenticity of biblical scripture, and the
impact on Christian doctrine central to all Christians.
Foundation of Christian Faith
First and most importantly, the historicity of Jesus serves as the cornerstone of Christian belief.
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The New Testament accounts of the life, the death, and the resurrection establish the basis for
Christian doctrine. If Jesus were merely a myth or a literary invention, the entire narrative of
redemption through Jesus Christ would collapse as if it were a house of cards. The resurrection,
which is central to Christian belief, is established on the reality of the life of Jesus. Paul
emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:14, stating, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching
is useless and so is your faith.” The resurrection signifies the hope and the assurance for
Christians and it confirms His divine nature and promises eternal life through faith in His
completed work on the cross.
Credibility of Biblical Texts
Furthermore, the historicity of Jesus gives credibility to the biblical texts. The Gospels were
written within a few short decades of the life of Jesus. Therefore, individuals who either knew
Jesus or were close to those who did know Him were still alive. The proximity to the events they
describe regarding the life of Jesus enhances their reliability. Furthermore, the early church had
to confront numerous competing stories regarding the life of Jesus and therefore lead to
rigorous scrutiny of the gospel accounts that we now have in the Bible. The reality that the
Gospels were widely accepted despite this scrutiny gives reliability to their authenticity.
(Moreland & Craig, 2003).
Impact on Christian Doctrine and Ethics
The implications of the existence of Jesus extend beyond historical reliability; they profoundly
impacted Christian morality and our daily relationship with Jesus. The teaching of Jesus on love,
compassion, and justice provides a moral compass and framework for all Christ followers. In His
Sermon on the Mount, recorded in (Matthew 5-7) provide timeless principles that consistently
form Christian behavior today. If Jesus were not a historical person, the moral teachings
attributed to Him would lose their authority and constant transformation for the Christian. The
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command to love your enemies, practice routine forgiveness, and serve the marginalized are
firmly grounded in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.
The Role of Historicity in Apologetics
The historical reality of Jesus is also important for Christian apologetics because it gives a
reasoned defense of the Chrisitan faith. Believing in the historical context of Jesus helps
Christians to talk with skeptics more effectively. Apologists can provide historical evidence to
explain why belief in Jesus is reasonable and rational. This is critically important in a time where
skepticism and secularism are everywhere. In grounding their belief in a historical Jesus helps,
Christians communicate their faith with clarity and confident assurance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the historicity of Jesus Christ is essential for Christians because it provides
validation of their faith, supports the credibility of biblical scripture, and forms the foundation
for the moral teachings of Jesus. Believing that Jesus was a real historical person helps
Christians to talk with non-Christians in a meaningful way about their faith, and the
transformation that Jesus can make in their life. The historical reality of Jesus encourages
Christians to share their faith with assurance because they know that their faith in rooted in
truth.
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References
Habermas, G. R., & Licona, M. (2004). The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus. Kregel Publications.
Moreland, J. P., & Craig, W. L. (2003). Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview.
InterVarsity Press.
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Bibliography
