Easter Series #47
03/28/2019, by John Kincaid
Lesson 2015: Resurrection Alternatives, Pt.4
Unbelievers offer the “Hallucination” theory as an alternative explanation for the resurrection:
In this theory, the appearances were just visions, mass hysteria. A woman claimed she saw it, the experience became contagious; soon others could “see” it too.
Prophecies had prepared the followers to expect this, so it became self-fulfilling, as a delusion to help them out of their despair.
This explanation was also recorded in the 2nd century.
Obstacles: perhaps this would be feasible if only one person made the claim, but the disciples were toughened fishermen, and not prone to hallucinate, especially Thomas.
The 1 Cor.15:6 report of 500+ people seeing Jesus after Easter is not consistent with medical knowledge of mass hallucinations.
Acts 1:3 presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
Why would these visions suddenly stop for everyone after 40 days?
This theory does not address the problem of an empty tomb.
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