Alternative Theories About Jesus' Resurrection

A number of alternatives to the Gospel accounts of the resurrection have been suggested to account for the disappearance of Jesus' body.
NOTE: These theories have been put forward by those who do not accept a supernatural worldview or the possibility of miracles.

THEORY	MAIN POINTS	POSSIBLE RESPONSE
LEGEND	Gospel accounts are myths	What about disciples' deaths as martyrs & changed lives?
CONSPIRACY THEORIES	Disciples stole the body; Jesus went east/west; made up story	This was alleged by the authorities. Why not produce the body or the guards? Why die for a lie?
SWOON	Jesus did not die; he swooned & revived later before disappearing	The Romans knew how to crucify people & tell when they were dead. What about the spear thrust to the chest?
HALLUCINATION	Jesus' appearances just hallucinations	Physical appearances unlike 'normal' hallucinations
WRONG TOMB	The women went to the wrong tomb	Does not account for appearances to disciples & others

For more on the various alternative explanations of the resurrection accounts, go to JESUS' RESURRECTION: Fact or Fiction?

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