More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell
Week 7: Chapter 7 — What About the Resurrection?
Read Chapter 7 of More Than a Carpenter. Key passages: Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:1–20.
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The Resurrection is the hinge on which everything turns — if it happened, Christianity is true; if it did not, as Paul says, our faith is futile. McDowell examines the evidence with the rigor of a courtroom lawyer.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.McDowell surveys the alternative theories that skeptics have offered to explain the empty tomb: the swoon theory, the theft theory, the wrong tomb theory, and the hallucination theory. Briefly summarize each. Which do you think is the most plausible alternative to the Resurrection, and what are its weaknesses?
2.The 'swoon theory' suggests Jesus never really died — he merely fainted on the cross and later revived. McDowell responds with evidence both from Roman crucifixion practice and from the medical details in the Gospel accounts. What does that evidence say?
a.What does Roman military protocol regarding crucifixion tell us about whether soldiers would allow a prisoner to be taken down alive?
b.What is the significance of the blood and water that flowed from Jesus's side?
3.The 'theft theory' — that the disciples stole the body — was the first counter-explanation offered (Matthew 28:11–15). McDowell notes it was put forward by the authorities who had the most to gain from disproving the Resurrection. What are the logical problems with the theft theory?
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