Doubting Jesus' Resurrection: What Happened in the Black Box? - Softcover

Komarnitsky, Kris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0982552890 ISBN 13: 9780982552896

Publisher: Stone Arrow Books, 2014

Synopsis

This book begins at the Bible's account of a discovered empty tomb three days after Jesus' death. Considering scholarship from both sides of the aisle, it explains why there is good reason to conclude that this tradition is a legend. Following up on this possibility, this book turns its attention to the earliest recorded Christian beliefs that Jesus was raised on the third day and that he appeared to many people. Covering many topics often encountered in discussions about Jesus' resurrection, this book proposes an answer to the question: What plausibly could have caused the rise of these extraordinary beliefs if there never was a discovered empty tomb and Jesus did not actually rise from the dead?

About this title

Review

"Those interested in a plausible natural explanation for the birth of Christianity will want to seriously consider this book."
-- James F. McGrath, Chair of New Testament Language & Literature, Butler University

"A solid contribution to the historical-critical understanding of these immensely important texts."
-- Robert J. Miller, Professor of Religious Studies, Juniata College

"A wealth of biblical and social scholarship...[and a] convincing account of how the early Christians came to believe in Jesus' resurrection."
-- Professor Simon Dein, Social Anthropologist, Durham University, Author of Lubavitcher Messianism (2012)

"...A surprisingly excellent demonstration of how belief in the resurrection of Jesus could plausibly have originated by natural means."
-- Richard Carrier, Ph.D. Ancient History, Author of Proving History (2012)

"Best skeptical book about the resurrection ever written."
-- Hume's Apprentice Blog (first edition)

"Extremely well researched and presented."
-- Why Won't God Heal Amputees Discussion Forum (first edition)

"Even though I read a lot of skeptical literature, I'm usually disappointed in some way that holds me back from giving enthusiastic recommendations. So far, the exceptions have been...Doubting Jesus' Resurrection by Kris Komarnitsky, and the various works of Bart Ehrman....I wouldn't mind a Christian friend or family member picking up and reading [this book]."
-- TheologyWeb Discussion Forum (first edition)

"...Komarnitsky notes [that my]...explanation of the belief in Jesus' resurrection...is essentially identical with his own. The difference is that I merely proffered this explanation, while he provides a full, vigorous, and nuanced argument for it...."
-- David Berger, Ruth and I. Lewis Gordon Professor of Jewish History and Dean, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, Yeshiva University

"...A powerfully plausible hypothesis for what might have happened..."
-- Robert M. Price, Ph.D. Theology, Ph.D. New Testament

"...Offers the open-minded reader an opportunity to work through some of the key questions surrounding the Easter mystery that lies at the heart of Christian faith."
-- Gregory C. Jenks, Ph.D., author of The Once and Future Bible (2011) and Jesus Then and Now (2014)

Edition details

• Publisher: Stone Arrow Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0982552890
• ISBN 13: 9780982552896
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 252