PAPER MUST BE WRITTEN FROM A BAPTIST CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE ON ALL TOPICS
Each “essay set” assignment comprises a set of three distinct essay question prompts designed to stimulate the student’s thinking and assess the knowledge gleaned from the textbook reading. Each essay question should be answered with a 2 to 3 page double spaced essay, but compiled and submitted as a single document (three essays for a total of 6 to 9 pages, double spaced). It is expected that the course textbook reading will qualify as the primary source for writing essays; however, students are permitted to use other sources. Any sources quoted or used in the essay should be cited. Each essay is meant to answer a related group of questions, so it is important that you are thorough in answering the questions completely.
1)Describe the “minimal” facts approach to the resurrection question. Be sure in your answer, to provide a general description and outline of this approach when applied to the resurrection of Christ. Do you agree or disagree with this approach?
2) Why is it so important to deal with the question of “legend” as it pertains to the resurrection? What is the relationship between the early dating of New Testament documents and the dispelling of accusations that the resurrection story developed as a legend? Why is it so important that resurrection testimony be dated back to the years immediately following the crucifixion of Christ? Why is the recognition of “creeds” so important in establishing an argument refuting the “legendary development” objection to the resurrection?
3) Can one “prove” that Jesus was raised from the dead? Why or why not? Can evidence from the case for the resurrection be used to further any other apologetic inquiries or arguments? If so, which ones?
The textbook used are: Craig, William. L. On Guard: Defending your Faith with Reason and Precision. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2010.
Habermas, Gary. R., and Michael R. Licona. The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus – With CD. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2004.
Komoszewski, J. Ed, Michael. J Sawyer, and Daniel. B. Wallace. Reinventing Jesus: How Contemporary Skeptics Miss the Real Jesus and Mislead Popular Culture. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2006.
