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On the Resurrection, Volume 1: Evidences (Volume 1)

by Gary Habermas

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Reader said: " Book Review 1: On the Resurrection: Evidences
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The resurrection of Jesus Christ has been the subject of extensive debate throughout history. While many scholars and historians alike agree that Jesus was an actual historical figure, man Book Review 1: On the Resurrection: Evidences
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The resurrection of Jesus Christ has been the subject of extensive debate throughout history. While many scholars and historians alike agree that Jesus was an actual historical figure, many disagree on the validity of His resurrection. In volume 1 of his four-part series On the Resurrection: Evidences, Gary Habermas explores the crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and subsequent appearances of Jesus by analyzing historical and biblical evidence. He uses the "minimal facts method" to successfully argue for the death and resurrection of Jesus. The minimal facts approach favorably argues for the resurrection of Jesus by focusing on religious and non-religious evidence that the vast majority of scholars (including skeptics) agree with. He states, "There are at least two major requirements for an occurrence to be designated [as a minimal fact]. Each [fact] must be established by an abundance of strong evidence, usually by multiple critically ascertained, independent lines of historical argumentation, and [the vast majority of published scholars] with credentials in relevant fields of study must acknowledge the historicity of the event." Habermas lists 12 minimal facts total; however, he closely examines six of the most well-known accepted historical facts. Those six facts are as follows: Jesus died due to the effects of Roman crucifixion, He was buried (most likely in a private tomb), after Jesus' death, the disciples were discouraged, bereaved, and hopeless, the tomb that Jesus was likely buried in, was discovered to be empty soon after his interment, the disciples genuinely believed that they encountered a risen Jesus and that teaching and proclamation of the resurrection began shortly after the disciple's experiences. In exploring the minimal facts surrounding the resurrection, Habermas appeals to both skeptics and believers. Ultimately, he establishes that the arguments for the resurrection outweigh those against it.
Habermas does a great job of countering his critics. He does not simply argue favorably for the resurrection without addressing claims made against his "minimal facts approach" and against the resurrection in general. Addressing counterarguments with religious and non-religious sources strengthens his argument. Although Habermas does a good job of analyzing the resurrection from multiple disciplines, I found the book difficult to read. Even as an apologetic studies student, it was hard for me to fully grasp some of the theories and terminology used in the book. Some of the arguments felt dense and difficult to follow. Nevertheless, it is essential to know how to engage with critics using nonbiblical sources when defending the resurrection. Although, someone new to the field of apologetics may find the book's depth challenging, it remains an invaluable resource. ...more "

Dec 05, 2025 04:22PM · see review