Term
| How is the Conspiracy Theory refuted? |
|
Definition
From 2 sources:
Eusebius
William Paley |
|
|
Term
| What is the Conspiracy Theory? |
|
Definition
The Apostles lied.
It is the oldest argument against the Resurrection (the Gospels propose it themselves). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Demonstratio evangelica
"A Proof of the Gospels" |
|
|
Term
| What did William Paley write? |
|
Definition
| A View of the Evidences of Christianity |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| When did William Paley write? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What are the possible motives for lying? |
|
Definition
To avoid the embarrassment of being duped
Zealots wanted to overthrow the Romans (militarily)
Political power
Wealth |
|
|
Term
| How do historical facts contradict motives? |
|
Definition
Christianity was not a military force.
Christianity never tried to be a political force.
Apostles gave up secure lives to live as traveling preachers.
Christianity endured persecution for the truth they believed. |
|
|
Term
| What refutes the Conspiracy Theory? |
|
Definition
Positive motives for lying
Historical facts contradict motives
Unlikely that all the Apostles maintained the same lie for many years.
Apostles preached Resurrection in Jerusalem.
Apostles preached a strict moral code.
All Apostles (minus John) suffered martyrdom for preaching the Resurrection |
|
|
Term
| How do conspiracies usually break down? |
|
Definition
| Under pressure of imprisonment or threat of death |
|
|
Term
| Why would the Apostles die for a lie? |
|
Definition
They knew it was the truth.
Romans historically would give Christians a chance to save their lives by publicly renouncing Christianity.
People do not voluntarily die for a lie that they know is a lie. |
|
|
Term
| Explain why the Apostles believed what they taught. |
|
Definition
| If the Resurrection was a hoax, they would be committing their lives at great personal cost to preaching a moral code that either they did not believe or did not practice. |
|
|
Term
| "I readily believe those stories whose writers get their throats cut." |
|
Definition
|
|
