The Resurrection of Jesus

I look forward to our interaction. I accept your definitions. The hypothesis I will argue for concerns that following Jesus' crucifixion, he appeared to a number of people within ordinary vision in his physical body. The Resurrection Hypothesis (RH) is that a supernatural event of some nature and cause best explains the historical relevant facts and passes historical criteria used when determining probably historical events. Historical Criteria for Weighing HypothesesI would like to present a number of historical criteria that are used by historians when determining what likely happened in the past. I have listed them in order of importance or weight.1) Plausibility. Given our relevant background knowledge, plausibility is the degree of compatibility with that knowledge. It is the ability for the hypothesis to be implied by the background knowledge.2) Explanatory scope. This looks at the number of facts that the hypothesis adequately explains. It is the ability to account for all of the data.3) Explanatory power. This looks at the quality in the explanation of the hypothesis concerning the facts. The less vagueness or effort in the explanation, the better the explanatory power. The question is, how much forcing does it take to make the hypothesis fit?4) Less ad hoc. This criterion looks at the amount of assumptions needed to make the hypothesis flow from the data. The least assumptions, the better. The hypothesis that stays within the confines of the known data is less ad hoc.5) Illumination. I will define this criterion but may not use it. It is not needed, but is like icing on a cake if we have it. Illumination is when a hypothesis sheds light on other areas in question. It gives solutions to other issues, along with the issue at hand. Historical FactsI would like to present three minimal facts concerning the fate of Jesus. These are held as true by almost all historians and scholars.1) Jesus died by crucifixion.2) Shortly after Jesus' crucifixion, the disciples had experiences that they believed were of the risen Jesus.3) Within a few years of Jesus' crucifixion, Paul had an experience which he believed to be of the risen Jesus and which led to his conversion. Weighing the Resurrection Hypothesis1) Plausibility. A historian cannot rule upon the veracity of supernaturalism. That is left to other fields of knowledge. Without presupposing nor a priori excluding supernaturalism, a person trying to decide as to the historical nature of a past event should select the best hypothesis for the historical facts. One's worldview must be set aside as best as possible when weighing history. Now, background knowledge includes that Jesus was known to having performed acts that many regarded as miracles, that Jesus himself believed to have a special relationship of some type with God, and that Jesus himself also believed he had been chosen by God to as an eschatological agent to bring in a new kingdom. Given this and other background knowledge, the RH is plausible. 2) Explanatory scope. The RH easily accounts for Jesus death, the appearances to the disciples, and the appearance to Paul. It has explanatory scope.3) Explanatory power. The historian does not need to force the RH to fit with the above three mentioned facts. It falls in line nicely and without any tension.4) Less ad hoc. The only accusation of ad hocness involves its connection with the supernatural. However, as explained above in 1), the historian cannot delve into the veracity of the supernatural, but must do their best to leave all biases behind. Therefore, the RH passes. The Resurrection Hypothesis passes the criterion for historical events and explains the facts.