The many proofs of Christ’s resurrection

Summary:

While proof of God's existence can be derived from broad philosophical or metaphysical principles, or from general reasoning about the visible world, it is different for demonstrating the truth of the Christian faith, as the arguments are based solely on contingent historical facts, tied in with the history of the Jewish people, the life and teachings of Jesus, the history of the Church and the personal experience of each person living today. Discovering the truth of Christ does not follow from theoretical reasoning. On the contrary, it requires a concrete investigation of the physical and social world, of what has and hasn't happened, and of what is still happening - or not happening - every day.

This investigation focuses in particular on the extraordinary fact of Christ's Resurrection, which obviously sounds hard to believe at first, as it is so out of the ordinary and beyond our common experience. The right and reasonable attitude therefore consists first of all in strongly doubting it, and demanding solid and convergent proof of the reality of this event, which seems a priori "crazy" (cf.1 Co 1: 18-25).

This is where real-world investigation, if we are willing to take the trouble to carry it out with an open mind, can radically change our initial opinion, because there is, in actual fact, a great deal of highly convergent evidence for the Resurrection.

The testimony of the apostles is the first proof of the Resurrection. These men, who shared Christ's daily life during the three years of his public life, were deeply shaken in their faith by the crucifixion and death of their master and friend: "Our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel" (Lk 24:20-21). However, soon after this tragic event, we see them make a complete turnaround and become fearless witnesses to the Resurrection, of which Christ gave them "many proofs for forty days" (Acts 1:3). From then on, they leave everything behind to proclaim what they have seen and heard, to the point of sealing their testimony with their blood, with nothing and no one to deter them from their mission. "I believe witnesses who get their throats cut", the philosopher Pascal rightly said. The apostles' complete change of attitude must have a reason. Which is no other than Christ's Resurrection, and the certainty they had of it.

The testimony of the disciples and the first martyrs has always been regarded by the Church as an eloquent sign: how can we explain such courage and their ability to overcome so much suffering and hardship? Here too, a solid explanation is absolutely essential. It must be sought in the experience of Christ that so many Christians have had throughout the ages: "Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him" (Jn 14:21). What an amazing promise! Christ promises to manifest himself to those who commit themselves to him! And also: "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him" (Jn 14:23). These words are just as amazing: God comes to stay with those who want to be his friends! Apart from all the rational reasons for believing, this kind of existential experience, which so many Christians have had, leads to a real and strong relationship with God. This is what makes the witness of the martyrs possible, and is the direct result of the Resurrection.

Throughout history, the Risen Christ has manifested himself, and continues to manifest himself today, in a variety of ways, to many people, through apparitions, interventions, words and astonishing encounters, leading to powerful conversions. The many apparitions and interventions of the Virgin Mary are also proof of Christ's Resurrection, with which she was indirectly and especially associated. It is fundamental to note that no other personality in the world or in the field of religion generates so many testimonies of encounters or overwhelming visions. There are no reported apparitions of Buddha, Mohammed or anyone else: only Jesus, Mary and the saints manifest themselves on a regular basis to multitudes of people around the world, and this too can only be explained by the Resurrection of Christ.

We should also mention a whole series of truly providential stories brought about by praying in Jesus' name, which we will present over the course of the "1000 Reasons to Believe" project. These stories are also part of the myriad key reasons that indirectly attest to the Resurrection.

In fact, as we will see, it seems that God intended to leave us a material proof of that most singular of moments, when Christ's human body, placed in a tomb, became a glorious, resurrected body. This proof is the exceptional image inscribed on the only material object in contact with Christ's body at the time: his burial shroud.

Beyond reasons to believe:

Christ's Resurrection changed the world: it's up to us to ensure that it continues to do so. This is entirely possible, as the experience of so many Christians testifies, and according to Jesus' solemn promise: ""Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him" (Jn 14:21). Indeed, the experience of Christ's manifestation in our lives is far more powerful and existential than the logical arguments that lead us to acknowledge him. It is this experience that gives strength to martyrs and leads to authentic witness.

Going further:

Video “ 7 preuves que Jésus est ressuscité » by Brother Paul Adrien

More information:

• Article « Jésus est-il vraiment ressuscité ? » by Bernard Legras (Aleteia’s Big Questions)
• Book by Bernard Legras : Jésus est-il vraiment ressuscité ? Téqui, Paris, 2015.
• Video « La résurrection est un fait historique » (KTO)