As you know, I’ve decided to write a series on “Why I Come From A Christian Perspective.”

In this article, I’d like to share the second answer that comes to mind:

The evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is compelling and gives credibility to a Christian theistic worldview.

While an exhaustive review of this topic is beyond the scope of this article, but let me share a few well-known facts:

1. The New Testament has multiple independent sources describing the life, death, miracles, and resurrection of Jesus in what are called the “gospels” (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

2. Outside the Bible, there are a number of extrabiblical references to Jesus testifying to His life, death, signs/wonders/miracles, and even resurrection.

These include historians, such as Josephus (Jewish historian), Tacitus (Roman historian), and Pliny the Younger–> to name just a few! Many of these were NOT even Christians so they would have no reason to lie in their reporting.

And then regarding the resurrection specifically, Gary Habermas, a very famous resurrection scholar has put forth an argument he calls the “minimal facts” argument which essentially argues that scholarly consensus strongly supports these points below:

1. Jesus died by crucifixion. (If He didn’t die, He couldn’t rise again)

2. The disciples sincerely believe they saw the risen Jesus.

3. The disciples’ lives were radically transformed after they allegedly saw the risen Jesus. James (the previously skeptical brother of Jesus) converted and became an early leader of the church. Saul of Tarsus was radically converted after a vision in which he saw Jesus. He became Paul the apostle, another very important leader in the early church.

4. These historical events were recorded and taught very early after the events.

5. Another strong argument for the resurrection of Jesus is the empty tomb of Jesus.

Speaking of research, consider looking into “shroud of Turin,” which many believe – based upon research – may very well be the actual burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth based upon recent scientific research.

Notice: what I am NOT saying is that all these facts definitively prove all these things about Jesus.

What I AM suggesting, instead, is that there are credible historical reasons to believe that Jesus was a real person who lived, performed signs/wonders/miracles, died, and even rose again.

And since Jesus is central to the Christian faith, that’s Reason #2 that I come from a Christian perspective.

Let’s thrive together!