Digital Logos Edition
Did Jesus really rise from the dead? And does it really matter? In The Resurrection of History, David Bruce explores what historians, theologians, and New Testament scholars have said about the resurrection of Jesus from a historical point of view. Bruce argues that scholars don’t have to dismiss the scriptural witness that “he is risen” as metaphor or wishful thinking. Bruce examines the development of the art of history writing and explores the theological possibilities now open to scholars in the twenty-first century. Using contemporary examples, Bruce helps his readers come to grips with the interrelationship of history and theology and think like theologically-informed historians. Respectful of varying points of view, Bruce defends the traditional, orthodox view of the resurrection and challenges his readers to consider the implications for Christian faith and witness if, in fact, the resurrection of Jesus was historical.
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”In The Resurrection of History, David Bruce treats
readers to a learned yet accessible discussion of history and
resurrection, rightly asking what the resurrection of Jesus meant
for his first followers. This well-written book provides the
intellectual context in which critical assessment of the
resurrection of Jesus should take place, as well as the theological
context in which Christians should seek a deeper understanding of
the event that lies at the heart of their faith. Believers and
nonbelievers alike will profit from this book."
--Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament,
Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada
“Is the story of the resurrection historically true? Many popular
answers ignore the problem that David Bruce faces squarely in this
book: scholars have been disputing what a historical truth looks
like! In a clear and engaging writing style, Bruce gives a
masterful, accurate, and up-to-date picture of how historians and
other experts think about the past. Be prepared for some surprises,
and a lot of common sense."
--Alan L. Hayes, Professor of History and Director, Toronto School
of Theology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"David Bruce proves a masterful guide to the labyrinth of Christian
thought about the relation of faith and theology to historical
inquiry, with particular focus on the historicity of the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Exploring the philosophical
suppositions of modern historiography, and the stances of major
theologians, Bruce defends an ‘orthodox’ belief in the bodily
resurrection of Jesus with sensitivity to those who find this
difficult to believe in our time. An excellent resource for
theologians, students, and laity alike."
--Harold Wells, Professor emeritus, Systematic theology, Emmanuel
College, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
David Bruce, DMin (Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena), PhD (St. Michael's University, Toronto), has over twenty-five years of pastoral experience and now works with homeless and marginalized persons in downtown Toronto. He is the author of the popular Jesus 24/7 series and co-author of Three Testaments: Torah, Gospel, Quran.