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If He is Not Risen
An Easter reflection.
Today, April 17, Christians around the world celebrate an event which, if true, is the most important thing that has happened in the 13.8 billion year history of the universe. The only event that could possibly compare would be the day physical life began in the universe.
On this day about 1987 years ago, a teacher, healer and self-proclaimed king was cruelly tortured and murdered in one of the most excruciating deaths ever devised by humans.
Traditional or orthodox Christianity has always insisted on the physical resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. But, not all who claim the name of Christian believe that. In the Western world –– the inheritors of Christendom –– there are two main reasons. One, because it conflicts with our idea of what science says about the regularity of the laws of nature and these laws do not permit someone who was brutally killed appearing in bodily form out of the grave three days later. And two, as N.T. Wright has pointed out, because accepting it forces one to come face to face with the implications.
What are those implications?
If he is not risen, then the entire Christian “good news” story is dead and lifeless.
If he is not risen then the Apostle Paul was right in saying those who believe that story are to be pitied above anyone else…
