Catechism
A Catholic manual of doctrine in the form of questions and answers.
Jesus Seminar
The Jesus Seminar is a group of theologians who study the life of Jesus and share what they know through conferences, seminars, and the media. However, their conclusions are a far cry from Biblical teaching.

The Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance tell us this about the Jesus Seminar:

Their conclusions differ greatly from what Christian denominations have historically taught. They are also in major conflict with the current beliefs of most present-day conservative Christians. Fellows of the Seminar do not regard Christian Scriptures as inerrant. They do not believe that the authors were uniquely inspired by God. Rather, they view the Bible as a very human document, composed by writers who actively promoted their own theological beliefs (emphasis added).
Papacy
The Roman Catholic Church’s system of government led by the Pope, or the political influence of this system.
Denying Christ's Resurrection
Summary: The truth of the Bible is under attack. Even people claiming to be Christians are rejecting the resurrection—a foundational doctrine of Christianity.
 
 

In 1982, Pope John Paul II expressed that the denominations of Christianity should unite on truth through the resurrection:

Today’s Gospel passages have called attention in particular to two aspects of the gift of the Holy Spirit which Jesus invoked upon his disciples: he is the Spirit of truth and the Spirit of unity. On the first Pentecost day, the Holy Spirit descended on that small band of disciples to confirm them in the truth of God’s salvation of the world through the death and Resurrection of his Son, and to unite them into the one Body of Christ, which is the Church...

For our faith can be none other than the faith of Pentecost, the faith in which the Apostles were confirmed by the Spirit of truth (emphases added).i

What did John Paul really mean if in Catholic circles—and even in the Common Catechism written for the unification of Protestants and Catholics—the physical resurrection of Christ is being denied? Is he talking out of both sides of his mouth? Is the Bible to be trusted or not? Which of the two sides of the argument would the Pope like us to agree on—that Christ did rise, or that He didn't?

What Are People Saying about the Resurrection?

According to The Common Catechism: A Book of Christian Faith, the physical resurrection of Jesus is regarded as a “permanent problem” for modern humanity, and “full of difficulties.” The authors also say this:

Its message needs to be reinterpreted in a more meaningful manner since the raising of Jesus from the dead is a concept formulated ‘in the language of the Jewish apocalyptic’ which has hardly any relevancy in our modern sociocultural context.ii

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has similar views of the resurrection and ascension of Christ. In the following video interview, Tutu says that "thinking Christians" will recognize that the accounts of the resurrection and ascension of Christ are written with "language that is being used figuratively," and even that Christ's resurrection was "not the revivification of a corpse."

 

 

Theologian Robert Funk from the "religiously liberal" Jesus Seminar wrote this:

We should give Jesus a demotion. It is no longer credible to think of Jesus as divine...The plot early Christians invented for a divine redeemer figure is as archaic as the mythology in which it is framed. A Jesus who drops down out of heaven, performs some magical act that frees human beings from the power of sin, rises from the dead, and returns to heaven is simply no longer credible...We must find a new plot for a more credible Jesus (emphasis added).iii

Robert Funk's contemporary at the Jesus Seminar, Professor Marcus Borg, also teaches that the resurrection is not true:

 



The Bible, however, is unequivocally clear that Jesus died and physically rose again.

What Does Scripture Say about the Resurrection?

Matthew 28:1-10 tells us this:

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

We can also read the story of Jesus' physical death and resurrection in the gospel of Mark

Scripture outright says that Jesus died as a man and was physically resurrected. And while He walked the earth, Jesus Himself predicted these things would happen:

And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead (Matthew 17:9).

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again...But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee (Matthew 20:18-19, 26:3).

And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee (Mark 14:24-28).

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said (John 2:19-22).

See also John 21:14; Acts 2:31, 4:33, 17:3; and Romans 8:34

Popular Catholics and Protestants are saying that Jesus didn't really rise, and they even seem to deny His appearance here on Earth in physical form. However, John 20 tells us that Jesus did in fact rise from the dead, and gives us an important lesson on faith:

Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:24-29 NKJV).

In the same way that Thomas insisted on seeing physical proof of Christ's resurrection, many people today won't believe until they have seen it for themselves. But the words Jesus spoke to Thomas are just as relevant for us: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Christ wants us to have faith that His Word is true, whether or not we can fully see the proof.

 

The Papacy wants us to unite under a doctrine that they deem a "permanent problem" with "hardly any relevancy" for our culture. If Catholics no longer believe in the resurrection, then instead of uniting on the fact that Jesus did rise from the dead, we are really being asked to unite on the belief that he did not actually rise from the dead. The more we study the Papacy, the more we can see how unBiblical it has become.

 

This article is adapted from Walter Veith's Rekindling Reformation lecture The Fourth Man in the Furnace.

 


 

Get Healthy!
Gardening
Core Research
Healthy Living Resources
Health Hazards
Laws of health
Learn the eight laws of health that lead to an abundant life.
Air Sunlight Nutrition Water
Exercise Rest Temperance Trust
Balanced Living
Dr. Rainda gives good advice on balanced living.
A Happy Family
Advice for the home from Ellen White.
Getting a Good Start
Starting the day right involves a hearty, healthy breakfast.
How to Overcome Candida Naturally
What is Candida? Candida is the short name used to describe yeast overgrowth in the body. The technical...
Charcoal Therapy
Every private home should have charcoal on hand as a ready antidote for poisoning, and as a cleansing agent in infectious and various metabolic disturbances.
Heart Health
A healthy heart is crucial for a healthy life. So why don't we take better care of our hearts?
Use it or Lose it!
We keep our muscles strong and effective in the same way that we exercise our spiritual gifts and "prayer muscles" to keep them free from atrophy.
The Healing Power of Honey
From burns to weak bones, raw honey can help.
Improving Your Blood Circulation
Herbalist Avery Yackel gives helpful hints for improving circulation and nourishing the blood.
Fresh Vegetable & Fruit by Dr. N.W. Walker
Written in 1936 and still used as an essential reference today. Book Review.
Unclogging Your Arteries the Natural Way
Choosing the right foods is crucial for unclogging arteries.
Oxygen for Life
Some simple exercise can triple the oxygen going to your heart!
Solving the Varicose Problem
Gain helpful hints on dealing with dangerous and unattractive varicose veins.
Iron in the Vegan Diet
Learn the importance of iron in the diet and how to get enough iron the vegetarian way.
Nature's Planting Table
Several charts show best time to plant vegetables in accordance with blooming time of perennials.
Garden Vegetable Planting Amounts Per Person
A helpful chart for those wanting to grow their own garden vegetables.
Rule of Thumb for Spacing in the Garden
Chart showing how to space your vegetables in the garden and how to care for your plants.
Back to the Garden
Steve Day explains the importance of nutrient-rich soil for growing produce.
Scientific Soil Feeding
Mineral deficiencies in soil, using a refractometer, and making the most of your garden are all discussed.
Soy Safety Summarized
Is soy a smart food to include in a healthy diet?
Mammograms or Thermal Imaging?
Mammogram screening is becoming increasingly popular in North America. But is it the safest way to screen for breast cancer?
Are Mammograms Safe?
Carob: Chocolate's Safe Alternative
Is chocolate really that bad? If so, what are the alternatives?
Depression
Find practical ideas for dealing with depression in these articles about symptoms and treatments.
Diseases of the Mind
Lifestyle Principles for Treating Depression
Nutritional Treatments for Depression
Herbs and Medication for Treating Depression
SAD and Bright Light Therapy
Dietary Patterns for Adults
It has been shown that a vegan diet can provide all the body’s needs and can be followed without fear.
Different Diets for Different Blood Types?
Does Eat Right For Your Type by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo align with Scripture and science?
Is Poor Digestion Poisoning You?
Even if you don’t feel sick, your digestion may be poor enough to slowly poison your system. No, this isn’t simply a theory, but the conclusion from years of laboratory testing and clinical experience. Autointoxication is real.
The Medical Properties of Clay
Tony de Morais explains the wide spectrum of uses for clay.
Many Doctors Ignore the Root Cause of Cancer
In 1971 President Nixon and Congress declared war on cancer. So what's happened in the 40 years since? After weeding out the hype and filling in the actual statistics, it turns out, not much.

Hepatitis B Vaccines
Bad policy and science needlessly place your baby at risk.
An Ounce of Prevention
Can anything be done to prevent common illnesses?
Mercury Poisoning from Amalgam Dental Fillings
Don't let dentists put this poison in your mouth!
Potato Power
A look at the health benefits of potatoes.
Tylenol, the tip of the iceberg
Dr. Hugo Rodier explains the danger behind prescription drugs and painkillers.
Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. Roy Swank found that the diets of those with Multiple Sclerosis can make a difference in their prognosis.
Are Hospital Births or Home Births Safer?
Take a closer look at the safety of midwife-assisted home births versus hospital births.
Healthy Snack Alternatives
When you open the fridge to grab a snack, consider simple, healthy alternatives to sugar-filled munchies and beverages.
Sources of Calcium - Chart
A quick reference list of healthful, dairy-free ways to get your calcium.
Links for Healthy from Inside Out featured products
Find information on the products that Jeanie Davis recommends in Healthy from Inside Out
How to Clean Vegetables and Fruit
Learn the best, natural mixture to use when cleaning fresh veggies and fruit.
Animal Products and Food-borne Illness
Food borne illness is on the increase worldwide. In most cases, animal products are implicated as the main source of infection.
Schedule for a Healthy Lifestyle
Health is about more than just diet or exercise. This chart can help you create a wholesome framework for your whole day.
Healthy Meal Ideas
Inject some fun into your food routine with these healthy meal ideas.
Pain Management 101
Pain pills aren't always the best way to deal with aches and soreness. Various therapies—including vibrational therapy—can have you on the road to recovery.
Compatible Combinations of Plant Foods
Some fruits and vegetables should not be eaten together, as they can react and cause digestive issues.
Chocolate and Carob Compared
Have you considered carob as an alternative to chocolate? See for yourself the impact chocolate can have on your health.
Acid and Alkaline Ash Food Groups - Graph
Learn about the acidity or alkalinity of your favorite foods.
Damaged Minds
Excitotoxins cause physical and spiritual destruction.
What are Excitotoxins? Health Risks
Diet Soda Meat Substitutes Aspartame
Alcohol
Is consuming alcohol ever a good idea?
Is a Little Wine Good for the Heart?
Is a Little Wine Good for the Soul?
Alcohol Abuse Increases Suicide Risk
Intoxicants Alcohol, Stress, and Anxiety
Smoking
Smoking leads to massive amounts of sickness and death every year.
Tobacco Kicking the Tobacco Habit
Nicotine and Depression
Meat Mysteries
Maybe vegetarianism is the best option after all...
Poisoned Meats Clean and Unclean
Mad Cow Disease Getting the Pork Out
Is Seafood Safe?
The Dairy Controversy
Get the truth about lactose, calcium, and the need for caution around dairy products.
Drink Milk? Udder Propaganda
Lactose Intolerance Osteoporosis
Did You Say, "Pass the Milk?"
Genetically Modified Foods
The agriculture industry is fast becoming reliant on genetically modified foods. Learn the facts about GMOs and the effects this trend is having on health worldwide.
Still Eating Genetically Modified Foods?
The Big GMO Cover-up
Diabetes: An Epidemic Disease
Diabetes is spreading across North America. Is there anything we can do to stop this killer disease?
Sugar—Affecting the Body and Mind
Refined sugar is addictive, destructive, and devoid of any nutritional value. Why does it continue to be a staple food across the world?
Coke or Water?
Cola drinks are a staple in the world's diet, but maybe we should stick to drinking water.
The Additive Invasion
There are now over 3,000 additives in our foods. Incredibly, only 7% have any nutritional value.
Top 10 Food Additives to Avoid
Coffee
Do the stimulating benefits of coffee really outweigh the costs?
America's Number One Drug Problem—Coffee
Caffeine Caffeine Raises Stress Hormones
Refined Grains
Most of the bread products consumed today are made of refined grains. Are our breakfast cereals and "fortified" loaves as healthy as we like to think?
Have You Had Your Flu Shot?
Are immunizations really the best way to avoid sickness?
Music and the Frontal Lobe
Music enters the brain through its emotional regions, which include the temporal lobe and the limbic system.
Compromise in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Plant medicine safety pale in comparison to the promotional and safety practices of the mainstream drug industry.
Knowledge
Base