What do you think?
Rate this book
Resurrected?: An Atheist and Theist Dialogue
The Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the central tenet of the Christian faith. St. Paul put it if Christ did not rise from the dead, our faith is in vain. This remarkable dialogue between the leading Christian scholar of the Resurrection and the world's best-known philosophical atheist resulted from a three-hour discussion on a popular religious television talk show, moderated by John Ankerberg.
The dialogue began with both participants agreeing to 12 separate historical facts that occurred when Jesus died and shortly afterward. Habermas and Flew then explored how each of their perspectives could account for what happened. Flew offered a psychological thesis interpreting the biblical accounts in natural terms. Habermas supported the historicity of the Resurrection by using contemporary critical methods. The discussion goes on to examine subjects such as medical details regarding crucifixion, extra-biblical sources for Jesus, the Jesus Seminar, St. Paul's conversion experience and his contribution to the early Christian testimony.
The interchange is marked by mutual respect and exceptional clarity of thought and expression. This is a book that will appeal to a wide audience of believers, seekers, and non-believers. The topic is timely, the participants renowned, and the presentation inviting to both scholar and layperson.
The dialogue began with both participants agreeing to 12 separate historical facts that occurred when Jesus died and shortly afterward. Habermas and Flew then explored how each of their perspectives could account for what happened. Flew offered a psychological thesis interpreting the biblical accounts in natural terms. Habermas supported the historicity of the Resurrection by using contemporary critical methods. The discussion goes on to examine subjects such as medical details regarding crucifixion, extra-biblical sources for Jesus, the Jesus Seminar, St. Paul's conversion experience and his contribution to the early Christian testimony.
The interchange is marked by mutual respect and exceptional clarity of thought and expression. This is a book that will appeal to a wide audience of believers, seekers, and non-believers. The topic is timely, the participants renowned, and the presentation inviting to both scholar and layperson.
128 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2005
1 person is currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Gary R. Habermas
62 books171 followersGary R. Habermas was born just outside Detroit, Michigan in 1950. Although he was raised in a Christian home and attended a German Baptist Church, he began having serious doubts about Christianity. For more than ten years, he faced uncertainty about key Christian claims and searched other religious and non-religious systems, especially naturalism. His studies centered chiefly on investigating various world views, occasionally getting close to what he thought might be the proper approach. During this time, as he explains, "The last thing I did at night was recall what I had learned that day to further my search. Early the next morning, it seems that the first thing that came to my mind was, 'Where did I end my studies last night?'" This continued for several agonizing years.
Habermas' interest in the field of apologetics began early in his search when he realized that some religions made claims that could be either verified or falsified. He searched the various religious systems to ascertain if such claims were verifiable. After several years of study, he concluded that very few religious claims could be substantiated. Habermas concluded that even Christianity suffered in this sense. While certainly having more evidential considerations than other religions, there always seemed to be a reason why the argument could not be finalized. While Habermas conducted detailed studies of creation, fulfilled prophecy, archaeological discoveries, and the general reliability of the Old and New Testaments, he constantly asked if there were any "clinching" arguments.
Habermas especially studied the notion that Eastern metaphysics were confirmed by modern physics, as well as the claims made on behalf of various other holy books. He reached the conclusion that, while religious beliefs could be held by faith, they usually lacked great evidence and could not be "proven" to be true.
Habermas' search frequently took the form of debating with various adherents of non-Christian as well as Christian views. He told practitioners from both camps that their beliefs were not as grounded as they would like to believe. He especially recalls one encounter where an exasperated Christian told him that he was filled with demons! Once his mother called to see how he was doing, and he announced that he thought he was close to becoming a Buddhist, his latest research interest.
During this time, one subject began to appeal to Habermas more than any other. He realized that if Jesus had been raised from the dead, this would go a long way toward arguing that Christianity was true. He also studied the founders of the major religious traditions, along with some lesser-known figures, to see if there were other claims that someone had been raised from the dead. He was especially interested in whether there was any historical or other evidence for any such teachings. Thirteen hundred note cards later, he was well on the way to a lifetime of being "hooked" on the subject of Jesus' resurrection. Little did he know that his early years of study on this subject would begin his fascination with the topic that has never lessened.
Habermas continued his search as an undergraduate student at Tyndale College, graduating in 1972 with three majors and three minors. Foremost on his mind was still the question of whether it could be known if there was any basis for answering his religious questions. Habermas went straight to graduate school at the University of Detroit. Studying philosophical theology and the world religions, he earned an M.A. a year later, in 1973. After taking a year off, he pursued a Ph.D. at Michigan State University, graduating two years later (1976), after keeping up a torrid study schedule.
Studying relevant historical, philosophical, and religious questions, Habermas proposed an historical study of Jesus’ resurrection (what else?) for his Ph.D. dissertation. The topic was approved by his committee, but he was told specifically that he could not
Habermas' interest in the field of apologetics began early in his search when he realized that some religions made claims that could be either verified or falsified. He searched the various religious systems to ascertain if such claims were verifiable. After several years of study, he concluded that very few religious claims could be substantiated. Habermas concluded that even Christianity suffered in this sense. While certainly having more evidential considerations than other religions, there always seemed to be a reason why the argument could not be finalized. While Habermas conducted detailed studies of creation, fulfilled prophecy, archaeological discoveries, and the general reliability of the Old and New Testaments, he constantly asked if there were any "clinching" arguments.
Habermas especially studied the notion that Eastern metaphysics were confirmed by modern physics, as well as the claims made on behalf of various other holy books. He reached the conclusion that, while religious beliefs could be held by faith, they usually lacked great evidence and could not be "proven" to be true.
Habermas' search frequently took the form of debating with various adherents of non-Christian as well as Christian views. He told practitioners from both camps that their beliefs were not as grounded as they would like to believe. He especially recalls one encounter where an exasperated Christian told him that he was filled with demons! Once his mother called to see how he was doing, and he announced that he thought he was close to becoming a Buddhist, his latest research interest.
During this time, one subject began to appeal to Habermas more than any other. He realized that if Jesus had been raised from the dead, this would go a long way toward arguing that Christianity was true. He also studied the founders of the major religious traditions, along with some lesser-known figures, to see if there were other claims that someone had been raised from the dead. He was especially interested in whether there was any historical or other evidence for any such teachings. Thirteen hundred note cards later, he was well on the way to a lifetime of being "hooked" on the subject of Jesus' resurrection. Little did he know that his early years of study on this subject would begin his fascination with the topic that has never lessened.
Habermas continued his search as an undergraduate student at Tyndale College, graduating in 1972 with three majors and three minors. Foremost on his mind was still the question of whether it could be known if there was any basis for answering his religious questions. Habermas went straight to graduate school at the University of Detroit. Studying philosophical theology and the world religions, he earned an M.A. a year later, in 1973. After taking a year off, he pursued a Ph.D. at Michigan State University, graduating two years later (1976), after keeping up a torrid study schedule.
Studying relevant historical, philosophical, and religious questions, Habermas proposed an historical study of Jesus’ resurrection (what else?) for his Ph.D. dissertation. The topic was approved by his committee, but he was told specifically that he could not
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 12, 2024
THE SECOND MEETING BETWEEN FLEW AND HABERMAS
Antony Garrard Newton Flew (1923-2010) was a British philosopher, and formerly a noteworthy advocate of atheism, until his 2004 change of mind (see 'There Is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind'). He wrote such influential books as 'God & Philosophy' and 'The Presumption of Atheism and Other (Philosophical) Essays on God, Freedom and Immortality'; he also participated in debates/dialogues such as 'The Warren-Flew Debate on the Existence of God,' 'Does God Exist?: The Great Debate,' etc.
Gary Habermas (born 1950) is Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy and chairman of the department of philosophy and theology at Liberty University, and is a foremost evangelical apologist who has written many books such as The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus, The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ, etc. These two philosophers had also met in debate in 1985 (see: 'Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?: The Resurrection Debate') and in 2003 'Did the Resurrection Happen?: A Conversation with Gary Habermas and Antony Flew.' This second encounter between the two took place in a 3½-hour debate on the John Ankerberg show.
Habermas states that "Clearly, I Corinthians 15 is the central piece of evidence. The book is clearly written by Paul at an early date, 55 to 57 A.D. In 15:3 ff, Paul states that he received material that he passed on to others, as indicated by the terms 'delivered' and 'received,' which are translations of the technical rabbinical words for passing on tradition." (Pg. 4) In response to a question from Ankerberg about his wife's passing, Habermas said, "Debbie had stomach cancer. [Flew] was at my house in 1985, and had dinner with my wife and family. My wife passed away in the summer of 1995---ten years after [Flew's] visit. I had a graduate student who called me during that time and asked, 'Where would you be now if it weren't for the Resurrection?' And here Paul's point became highly relevant---Christians mourn, 'but not as those without hope.'" [I Thess 4:13](Pg. 19)
Habermas said, "Notice, Jesus answers the questions, 'Are you the Messiah? Are you the Son of God?' by responding... His first comment is, 'I am.' Second, He changed a 'Son of God' question to a 'Son of Man' answer. He said, You will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of God and coming in the clouds to judge you. Now, the high priest could have responded, 'Oh, no. You said "Son of Man." I asked you if you were the "Son of God."' But the priest knew that when Jesus called Himself the 'Son of Man,' followed by the claim to sit on God's right hand and so on, He was making a claim to be Deity." (Pg. 42)
Habermas definitely got the better part of this debate; Flew did better in the 1985 debate. This book will be of considerable interest to anyone studying Christian apologetics, or the philosophy of religion.
Antony Garrard Newton Flew (1923-2010) was a British philosopher, and formerly a noteworthy advocate of atheism, until his 2004 change of mind (see 'There Is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind'). He wrote such influential books as 'God & Philosophy' and 'The Presumption of Atheism and Other (Philosophical) Essays on God, Freedom and Immortality'; he also participated in debates/dialogues such as 'The Warren-Flew Debate on the Existence of God,' 'Does God Exist?: The Great Debate,' etc.
Gary Habermas (born 1950) is Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy and chairman of the department of philosophy and theology at Liberty University, and is a foremost evangelical apologist who has written many books such as The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus, The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ, etc. These two philosophers had also met in debate in 1985 (see: 'Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?: The Resurrection Debate') and in 2003 'Did the Resurrection Happen?: A Conversation with Gary Habermas and Antony Flew.' This second encounter between the two took place in a 3½-hour debate on the John Ankerberg show.
Habermas states that "Clearly, I Corinthians 15 is the central piece of evidence. The book is clearly written by Paul at an early date, 55 to 57 A.D. In 15:3 ff, Paul states that he received material that he passed on to others, as indicated by the terms 'delivered' and 'received,' which are translations of the technical rabbinical words for passing on tradition." (Pg. 4) In response to a question from Ankerberg about his wife's passing, Habermas said, "Debbie had stomach cancer. [Flew] was at my house in 1985, and had dinner with my wife and family. My wife passed away in the summer of 1995---ten years after [Flew's] visit. I had a graduate student who called me during that time and asked, 'Where would you be now if it weren't for the Resurrection?' And here Paul's point became highly relevant---Christians mourn, 'but not as those without hope.'" [I Thess 4:13](Pg. 19)
Habermas said, "Notice, Jesus answers the questions, 'Are you the Messiah? Are you the Son of God?' by responding... His first comment is, 'I am.' Second, He changed a 'Son of God' question to a 'Son of Man' answer. He said, You will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of God and coming in the clouds to judge you. Now, the high priest could have responded, 'Oh, no. You said "Son of Man." I asked you if you were the "Son of God."' But the priest knew that when Jesus called Himself the 'Son of Man,' followed by the claim to sit on God's right hand and so on, He was making a claim to be Deity." (Pg. 42)
Habermas definitely got the better part of this debate; Flew did better in the 1985 debate. This book will be of considerable interest to anyone studying Christian apologetics, or the philosophy of religion.
February 19, 2014
This book emerged from the remarkable dialogue between the leading Christian scholar of the Resurrection and the world's best-known philosophical atheist resulted from a three-hour discussion on a popular religious television talk show, moderated by John Ankerberg. The dialogue began with both participants agreeing to 12 separate historical facts that occurred when Jesus died and shortly afterward. Habermas and Flew then explored how each of their perspectives could account for what happened. Flew offered a psychological thesis interpreting the biblical accounts in natural terms. Habermas supported the historicity of the Resurrection by using contemporary critical methods. The discussion goes on to examine subjects such as medical details regarding the crucifixion, extra-biblical sources for Jesus, the Jesus Seminar, St. Paul's conversion experience and his contribution to the early Christian testimony.
Due to the fact that this book was more a report of a very interesting discussion presenting two sides of one which is theist and another one which are atheist. I think that the book covers quite well the two points of view but not as much as I would like to see. The weakness in my perspective is the lack enough space to major discussion. The strongest point for me was four facts presented by Habermas related to the historical data regard to Jesus' life: (1) That Jesus died due to rigours os crucifixion. (2) The disciple had experiences that they believed were appearances of the risen Jesus. (3) Their lives were changed - they were upside down and were willing to die for this message. (4) Paul, a critic who killed and imprisoned Christians, came to Christ due to an experience that he believed was an appearance of the risen Jesus (page 13).
The discussion presented in this book was good to make my faith in the reality of the resurrection of Jesus a reality, not just based on faith only but on historical facts which cannot be denied.
Due to the fact that this book was more a report of a very interesting discussion presenting two sides of one which is theist and another one which are atheist. I think that the book covers quite well the two points of view but not as much as I would like to see. The weakness in my perspective is the lack enough space to major discussion. The strongest point for me was four facts presented by Habermas related to the historical data regard to Jesus' life: (1) That Jesus died due to rigours os crucifixion. (2) The disciple had experiences that they believed were appearances of the risen Jesus. (3) Their lives were changed - they were upside down and were willing to die for this message. (4) Paul, a critic who killed and imprisoned Christians, came to Christ due to an experience that he believed was an appearance of the risen Jesus (page 13).
The discussion presented in this book was good to make my faith in the reality of the resurrection of Jesus a reality, not just based on faith only but on historical facts which cannot be denied.
September 29, 2009
This book was interesting and thought provoking, although biased towards the apologists. The editor was a theist believing in the resurrection, and even the atheist became a theist shortly after the dialogue took place. Tony Flew, the mentioned atheist, is pretty weak here and speaks much less then Habermas. The main arguement was mostly every scholar believes the apostles and some others thought they saw Jesus, so he must have been resurrected. Is what some people thought 2000 years ago really proof that the laws of nature were broken? A court metaphor is often brought up in this book but is not at all appropriate. In court you're arguing against or for something that recently happened and is quite plausible.
April 11, 2013
Interesting book. Gary Habermas presents the evidential approach to apologetics quite well. Dr. Flew does not have any good answers to the evidence. Short book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews