Church of England ambassador to the Vatican clarifies views on Jesus' resurrection

From Premier-

The Archbishop of Canterbury's representative in Vatican City has declared "Christ is risen!" after his views on the physical resurrection of Jesus attracted scrutiny.

Dr John Shepherd, the interim director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, took steps to clarify his stance after a video emerged of him seeming to question whether the resurrection was a "physical event" eleven years ago.

During the Easter 2008 sermon, he said: "The resurrection of Jesus ought not to be seen in physical terms, but as a new spiritual reality.

"It is important for Christians to be set free from the idea that the resurrection was an extraordinary physical event which restored to life Jesus' original earthly body."

In a new statement, Shepherd said: "There has been speculation in the press and on social media about my views on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Part of this is based on a sermon I preached in 2008.

More here-

https://www.premier.org.uk/News/World/Church-of-England-ambassador-to-the-Vatican-clarifies-views-on-Jesus-resurrection

The historic case for the resurrection of Jesus: 'It's the cornerstone of our faith'

From South Carolina-

Millions of Christians around the world are on this day celebrating a miracle.

They believe that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, died and was buried, and that he came back to life, leaving an empty tomb for his followers to discover on the third day.

Christians also believe that after his Resurrection, Jesus appeared to more than 500 witnesses before ascending to heaven, where he reigns over all creation with God.

Most know the story. It is the linchpin of the Christian faith, which, unlike most other major world religions, either stands or falls based on its claims.

Not everyone believes the Resurrection was a literal, historic event, but there is almost no one who doubts that a man named Jesus lived and died, preaching as he went.  

More here-

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/the-historic-case-for-the-resurrection-of-jesus-it-s/article_9b18acc6-1aee-11e7-97d1-379b6ef94686.html

Can a scientist believe in the resurrection? Three hypotheses.

From Veritas-

I’m a professor of nuclear science and engineering at MIT, and this weekend, I’m celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. So are dozens of my colleagues. How can this be?

Hypothesis one: We’re not talking about a literal resurrection. Perhaps it is just an inspiring myth that served to justify the propagation of Jesus’ exalted ethical teachings. A literal resurrection contradicts the known laws of nature. Maybe scientists can celebrate the idea of Jesus’s spirit living on, while his body remained in the grave.

But the first disciples attested to a physical resurrection. How could an untruth logically support high moral character? How could it have sustained the apostles through the extremes of persecution they experienced founding Christianity? And is celebrating a myth consistent with scientific integrity?

More here-

http://www.veritas.org/can-scientist-believe-resurrection-three-hypotheses/

N.T. Wright Explains How Easter Changed Everything

From Relevant-

Whether you’ve been around Christianity for years or are new to faith, you probably know the Easter story. It goes something like this: Humans are sinners; Jesus died as a sacrifice, paying for our sins; and then three days later, Jesus came to life again—the result of which is that His followers can go to heaven when they die. But what if we’re getting it all wrong?

“Many people have grown up assuming that is what the cross is all about,” says world-renowned theologian, scholar and author of The Day the Revolution Began, N.T. Wright. “And the awful thing is that this message about an angry God and an innocent victim has a lot more in common with ancient Pagan thought than with ancient Jewish or Christian thought.”

Wright thinks Christians are missing something important about their most holy day.

https://relevantmagazine.com/feature/this-changes-everything/

Pastor prays for Lazarus-style miracle that dead wife will be resurrected by God

From Christian Today-


A Christian pastor in Kenya who camped at a mortuary for four days in the belief that his wife would rise from the dead like Lazarus has been left disappointed after the miracle failed to occur.

Pastor Githumba, aged 40, began trending on social media after he camped out at the mortuary in Gakwegori in Embu district, fasting and praying for her resurrection.

His wife Polly Kagendo, aged 38, died of tuberculosis. The pastor predicted her resurrection four days later, on Wednesday March 29, just as Lazarus was resurrected by Jesus in the Bible according to John's Gospel.

He invited reporters and others to witness the miracle, Standard Digital reports. He attested that she was merely resting and would be restored to life if everyone prayed and believed in God for the miracle.

More here-

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/pastor-prays-for-lazarus-style-miracle-that-dead-wife-will-be-resurrected-by-god/106449.htm