There’s Going to be a Party” featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the albums “Uplifted” and “His Story” -recorded and produced by Bob Ross

One reason why I am continuing to consider “Was Jesus really raised from the dead?” is because recently I have been in contact with Alan, who was a student at Crofton School some thirty years ago.  Alan got in touch trying to track down his old tutor, Mr Bob Ellis. In our correspondence Alan explained that he was an atheist and since then we have been emailing one another arguing from our respective opinions and beliefs. It has been a great discussion; one which has led me to be more informative about atheism.  Alan had, previous to our conversations, read mainly atheist material whereas for me it was mainly Christian. However I sent Alan the pro Resurrection book “The Case for Christ” and he sent me the pro atheist “Challenging the Verdict”- both books were mentioned in last week’s blog.  Alan is, at present, holidaying in the Greek island of Kos but he promised to read “The Case for Christ” and I have promised to read “Challenging the Verdict.”

In addition to examining the written arguments for and against the Resurrection what other evidence might we consider when deciding what to believe?  I think it only reasonable to look at, not just what is being said, but also who is saying it.  So, for example we could compare the credentials of the authors of the aforementioned two books – Leo Stobel and Earl Doherty or those of a famous atheist such as Professor Richard Dawkins and a   famous Christian such as Archbishop Justin Welby. I am sure Alan would disagree but I feel that Justin Welby is more credible than Richard Dawkins. I base my view, not on who is the more articulate and knowledgeable, but rather on whom I feel I can trust the more because his life demands the greater respect and admiration.

Of course comparing Justin Welby and Richard Dawkins is unlikely to convert anyone one way or the other, but I think a valid a factor in one’s decision to believe or not believe is the opinions of others whom we trust and respect. Friends and family are, for example bound to greatly influence us-but also those with whom we share a common interest. I am a keen golfer and was intrigued to find the 2015 Open Winner Zach Johnson to be a Christian – also the legend that is Gary Player.  Of course there are also golfers that are atheists but what I am saying is that it is reassuring and encouraging to know that not all golfers are atheists – that rational people like Zach and Gary believe in the Resurrection – so why should not I ?

Of course no matter what others believe, in the end it is your own decision but more of that next week.