An Examination of Jesus Christ's Resurrection as a Historically Verifiable Event

Abstract

History is arguably the most important area of study. It not only contains every other field of inquiry, but it defines and demonstrates what and who people are. In A.D. 30, historians find a single event which alone is able to do just that: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Is an event like the resurrection really historical? Can we honestly and without presumption declare something as impossible as a resurrection from the dead to be a historical event? This paper, through an examination of the historical discussion concerning the issue, the relevant sources, and the main arguments proposed for either side, suggests that Jesus’ resurrection is a true event of history. This paper will demonstrate the limits, use, and importance of such a discussion. It will show how the earliest documents support the resurrection as historical fact and suggest the universal meaning this event has for humanity. Finally, it will investigate the arguments which seek either to prove or disprove the resurrection as a historical fact.