Dad, why do we believe Jesus rose from the dead?
As Easter approaches, we think through how to answer perhaps the most important question our kids could ask.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary professor Dr. Theodore Cabal answers the question, “What are the proofs for the resurrection of Jesus?”
Unlike some of the questions forced on our kids by recent cultural challenges, this is one we should hope they will ask, because Christian faith is built on the truth of the resurrection, so we have a great opportunity to build that foundation in their lives. We don’t want them to fall into the tendency in our culture to simply ignore the resurrection. Ultimately, the best evidence for the resurrection may be the way it transforms lives—both the first Christians and our own.
Answers to the questions: But rising from the dead is impossible. What are the most common alternative explanations for the facts of the resurrection, and how should I respond to them? Can you be a Christian but not believe in the resurrection?
You don’t have to watch sports for long to learn that completely unexpected, unprecedented, and apparently miraculous things do happen, though none are as unexpected, unprecedented, or miraculous as the resurrection. Whether we like the outcome of an amazing play or not, the important thing is whether it actually happened or not, just like the resurrection.
A curated list of some helpful articles, podcasts, and books on this topic for those who want to explore it further.