Objection Overruled! Let’s Hear the Case for the Resurrection of Jesus -- By: Ross Clifford

Journal: Global Journal of Classical Theology
Volume: GJCT 12:1 (Oct 2014)
Article: Objection Overruled! Let’s Hear the Case for the Resurrection of Jesus
Author: Ross Clifford


Objection Overruled! Let’s Hear the Case for the Resurrection of Jesus

Ross Clifford

Formerly Solicitor and Barrister,
Now Principal of Morling College,
New South Wales, Australia

Abstract: In a 2013 article, Matthew Ferguson asserted that the legal paradigm is an inappropriate analogy to apply to the resurrection of Jesus. That simply is not so. The reason for the legal apologetic method’s ongoing significance can be related to humanity’s ongoing search for truth and meaning and their appreciation of the role of law, testimony, and evidence in any such quest. The legal paradigm is one of common usage. As well, the central tenet of the Christian truth claim, i.e., the resurrection of Jesus, is one that is often presented factually in the New Testament. Contrary to Ferguson’s assertion, the legal analogy is not a “case-closed mentality” but rather an “open-to-investigation mentality.” This is not cramming “religion down everyone’s throat,” but it is treating the reader with human dignity and respect by taking the resurrection of Jesus seriously.

Recently, a popular current affairs program in Australia featured a panel of leading journalists and politicians. A Christian, Peter Hitchens, brother of deceased atheist Christopher Hitchens, was under attack by the other panel members for his “conservative” views. A final question was posed by the host about dangerous ideas. Peter Hitchens responded that the most dangerous idea is that Jesus actually conquered the grave and literally rose from the dead. The host asked why, and Hitchens explained that if this is so it changes everything, it transforms all things.

The resurrection of Jesus is truly a dangerous idea and therefore should not be entertained lightly. Indeed, if it is not true the Apostle Paul asserts the Christian faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17). In a recent article Matthew Ferguson1 asserted that the legal paradigm is an inappropriate analogy for such a truth claim. In fact he goes further. He uses the most colourful language to describe the writings of Christian apologists who “hijack whatever credible discipline they can,” referring to their “shameful” undermining of the “integrity” of the law. Particularly targeted by such polemical utterances are John Warwick Montgomery and Simon Greenleaf. However, it should be acknowledged that legal apologists are not just American; they are found across the globe. For example, Caribbean lawyer, Sir Lionel Luckhoo, was knighted twice by Queen Elizabeth, and it has been stated by the Guinness Book of Records that he is the world’s most “successful” lawyer. At the age of 63 he was confronted with the claims of Christ:

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