Resurrected?: An Atheist and Theist Dialogue [Paperback]

Gary R. Habermas (Author), Antony G. N. Flew (Author), John F. Ankerberg (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2005

The Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the central tenet of the Christian faith. St. Paul put it succinctly: if Christ did not rise from the dead, our faith is in vain. This remarkable dialogue between the leading Christian scholar of the Resurrection and the world's best-known philosophical atheist resulted from a three-hour discussion on a popular religious television talk show, moderated by John Ankerberg.

The dialogue began with both participants agreeing to 12 separate historical facts that occurred when Jesus died and shortly afterward. Habermas and Flew then explored how each of their perspectives could account for what happened. Flew offered a psychological thesis interpreting the biblical accounts in natural terms. Habermas supported the historicity of the Resurrection by using contemporary critical methods. The discussion goes on to examine subjects such as medical details regarding crucifixion, extra-biblical sources for Jesus, the Jesus Seminar, St. Paul's conversion experience and his contribution to the early Christian testimony.

The interchange is marked by mutual respect and exceptional clarity of thought and expression. This is a book that will appeal to a wide audience of believers, seekers, and non-believers. The topic is timely, the participants renowned, and the presentation inviting to both scholar and layperson.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is one of the most engaging dialogues between two of the best representatives of opposing perspectives on one of the most controversial topics?the resurrection of Jesusssss (Dr. Norman L. Geisler )

The release of this book represents a major publishing event. For twenty years or so there has been a steady growth in Christian philosophy and most of it has been representative of an historic approach to Christianity. Now with this book, a major academic publisher has provided for a broad audience a first-rate discussion that takes the bodily resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth seriously. The book brings together the top Christian defender of the resurrection and the most articulate advocate of atheismover the last fifty years. The conversational format allows these two great minds an opportunity to have a real interchange about Jesus? resurrection that is at once mutually respectful and clear. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a clear, fair-minded exchange on this most important topicc (J. P. Moreland )

If a good old-fashioned debate on the resurrection by two keen minds on opposite ends of the spectrum of opinion is your thing, then this lively but civil discourse, now in book form, is well worth your time and investment. (Dr. Ben Witherington, III )

This is one of the most engaging dialogues between two of the best representatives of opposing perspectives on one of the most controversial topics—the resurrection of Jesus (Dr. Norman L. Geisler )

The release of this book represents a major publishing event. For twenty years or so there has been a steady growth in Christian philosophy and most of it has been representative of an historic approach to Christianity. Now with this book, a major academic publisher has provided for a broad audience a first-rate discussion that takes the bodily resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth seriously. The book brings together the top Christian defender of the resurrection and the most articulate advocate of atheism over the last fifty years. The conversational format allows these two great minds an opportunity to have a real interchange about Jesus’ resurrection that is at once mutually respectful and clear. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a clear, fair-minded exchange on this most important topic (J. P. Moreland )

About the Author

Dr. Gary R. Habermas is chair of philosophy and theology at Liberty University. He has written 21 books and numerous articles in prestigious journals. Dr. Anthony G. N. Flew is professor emeritus in philosophy at the University of Reading, England. He has also been on the faculty at the University of Keele, University of Aberdeen, and Oxford University. He has written or edited 35 books. Dr. John F. Ankerberg, host of a weekly television show and ministry, is the author of more than a dozen books on religious topics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (April 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742542262
• ISBN-13: 978-0742542266
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,787,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Lopsided Exchange, September 19, 2007

By 

Kyle Demming "skepticalchristian.com" (Freeland, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Resurrected?: An Atheist and Theist Dialogue (Paperback)

In May 2004, John Ankerberg hosted a discussion between Christian theist Gary Habermas and atheist philosopher Antony Flew concerning the evidence for Jesus Christ's resurrection. "Resurrected?" contains this dialogue, as well as a follow-up Q&A session and brief summary articles from the three authors.

Unfortunately, I felt that this book suffered from several flaws. I was expecting more of a debate, and I was disappointed with several facets of the discussion. First of all, Flew didn't do a good job responding to Habermas or making a strong case for his disbelief in the resurrection. At many times it is simply astounding the amount that Flew is willing to concede without argument. He essentially concedes the entire case to Habermas and chooses to reject the idea of a resurrection because of its miraculous nature.

Second of all, the debate wasn't really all that fair. To give Flew some credit, he really had to debate two people. Ankerberg, who was supposed to be a moderator (apparently?) was very involved in the discussion and was extremely biased in favor of Habermas. I just didn't think it was fair for Flew to be forced to address two debate opponents, and this flaw led to an even further lopsided discussion.

Finally, the book is too short to develop substantive content. Habermas does seem to make a strong case, but he is rarely challenged and so the discussion doesn't really develop past surface level.

Unfortunately, "Resurrected?" suffers from too many shortcomings to be of much use. If you are looking for a good debate on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you should look elsewhere.