Christian Beliefs The Way Of A Savior - 1386 Words

Christian beliefs are rooted in the idea of a risen Savior. The fact that Jesus was crucified, buried and rose again on the third day is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. However, it is also a source of great debate. Many scholars believe that there is an abundance of evidence supporting an actual, physical resurrection. Still others believe evidence is found that refutes the idea of a bodily resurrection. For those, evidence of a more metaphorical or spiritual resurrection is present. Review of Literature Most scholars agree that something did take place after Jesus was crucified. What is generally contested is whether a physical resurrection, or an actual reanimation of Jesus body took place, or whether the resurrection†¦show more content†¦Scholars cite the fact that witnesses recall how Jesus body still had the marks where the nails held his hands and feet to the cross as proof that Jesus physical body had been resurrected.2 There are numerous witness who saw Jesus post-resurrection appearances. Many of the witnesses who were identified were seen as educated or important, and therefore their testimonies are seen as more credible. Also, the fact that so many people saw Jesus and interacted with him at the same time leads to the belief that his appearances were physical in nature.3 Most researchers agree that the followers of Jesus did see something, and the witnesses fully believe that what they saw was the resurrected body of Jesus. However , many historians hold the belief that these appearances were hallucinations or visions, and were not the actual body of Jesus being seen by these people.4 N.T. Wright suggests the belief system of the followers of Jesus also helped to deepen the idea that Jesus appeared to them in bodily form. This idea is mirrored by other researchers who state that the culture and context of a situation must be taken into consideration when interpreting an event.5 The people believed Jesus was the Messiah, and as such could not remain dead. Following a truly dead Savior would mean their system of beliefs had no meaning. Therefore, he must have been physically resurrected, and