Abstracts Philosophy, Religion, and Theology

Defending the Resurrection of Jesus through the Reliability of the Credible Witnesses

by Gregory K Cherven

The purpose of this thesis is to illuminate the fact that there is sufficient evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ through the reliability of the credible witnesses. Although physical evidence is lacking, it does not mean there is not sufficient evidence. Is it necessary to have physical evidence to secure a conviction? Criminal cases will be explored in which murder convictions were secured without the recovery of a dead body, physical evidence, or a confession. The convictions were secured based solely on witness testimony. The eye-witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus are evaluated through a modern lens and there is no evidence toward their inability in being deemed credible. Corroborating evidence is provided which substantiates the eye-witness testimony. A preponderance of evidence is revealed and should lead to a belief beyond a reasonable doubt of a resurrected Jesus.