The bottom line is that the odds of a resurrection from my experience are at 0%. No Bayesian analysis can multiply 0 with any other number and get any more than 0. That's what the probabilities are. So I am skeptical of the extraordinary claim that Jesus resurrected since I cannot dismiss my present experience. I must judge the past from my present. I cannot do otherwise! Coupled with the fact that when I read the NT it provides its own demise there is no reason to believe such a claim EVEN IF IT IS TRUE! --John W. Loftus
How does Loftus know that the odds of a resurrection are 0%? He says it is because of his experience. Does that mean truth can only be determined by your experience? I hope not. No one, not even Loftus, applies this idea to every area of life. Think about it. I didn't experience the moon landing. I don't personally know anyone who went to the moon or worked on the projects. Footage can be faked. Most of the evidence I have is second hand or further from the actual events. Should I throw away all the evidence I do have and conclude the moon landings were all lies? I don't think so. Neither do most people think that there isn't enough evidence to believe men walked on the moon.
Please note, I know that some folks will balk at comparing the Resurrection with the moon landing but i think the analogy works. Just like the moon landing there were eye witnesses to the events of the Resurrection who testified to it being true . And from my point of view (being only 35 years old) they are similar because I didn't personally witness either one.
Think about what Loftus is saying. He thinks because he has never seen or observed a resurrection there never could have been one. Miracles are often not repeatable. That is why they are called "miracles".It seems simply silly to conclude that there is no reason to believe Jesus rose from the dead just because there isn't evidence you will accept and then admit that it could still be true. Does anyone really think that when you stand before Jesus to give an account for your life that will be the bottom line. Could you look Jesus in the face and say "I would have believed if you had given me the evidence that would have convinced me." We already know what His answer will be.
27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” - Luke 16: 27-31
You might not like the answers and evidences God has given us, but I wouldn't try to tell Him he is wrong.
Debunking Christianity: Quote of the Day
Actually, there were more first-hand witnesses of the resurrection than there were of the moon landing, so go figure.
ReplyDeleteGood point.
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