Rating: 5/5
Habermas, Gary R. and Michael R. Licona. The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Publications, 2004.
The Authors: Gary R. Habermas & Michael R. Licona
Both Gary Habermas and Michael Licona are considered experts in the study of Jesus’ resurrection. They have written several books on the history of Jesus and the evidence for the resurrection. They also have participated in many debates with atheists and other critics over the resurrection of Jesus.
Brief Description
As the title suggests, this book is about the strong evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. The authors present useful and accurate evidence to support their case. As you will discover, the authors are well-researched and knowledgeable, as is evidenced in their exhaustive bibliography. They use historical methods to give accounts of people who lived during Jesus’ life and within 50 years after Jesus’ time on earth. They explain how historians cannot simply look at the contradictions in historical documents and rule out that the whole thing is false. They have to pick out the facts from the different styles of writing that were commonly used.
The authors do an excellent job of presenting both sides of the argument. They explain arguments that critics bring up and then go into the evidence they have against their argument. The authors are not harsh or arrogant in their approach, but humbly share their findings.
Who is This For
This book was written for anyone seeking truth. It’s not necessarily an easy read, but it is meant to help people see and understand the resurrection of Jesus and what Christianity is founded on. I would recommend this book to people curious about Jesus’ resurrection and those who want well researched evidence for the resurrection. It is helpful for Christians who want to be able to share this information with nonbelievers or other Christians.
My Thoughts
What I appreciate most about this book is seeing both sides of the argument, for and against, presented to the reader. It is clear the authors are interested in the truth. Their conclusion is based on historical and archaeological sources. Their argument is clear and easy to understand.
When I first read this book, I already believed in the resurrection, but I wanted more evidence that supported what the Bible said in order to share with other people. I wanted to know what Biblical scholars, archaeologists, and historians were finding. This book answered my questions.
