Ep 10. The Resurrection - What Historians Can't Know

The Resurrection - What Historians Can't Know is the tenth and final episode of the first season of How Jesus Became God. This episode explores the enduring mystery of the resurrection of Jesus and the various theories, both ancient and modern, that attempt to explain this pivotal event in Christianity.

The episode begins by examining the historical context of the resurrection, including the political and religious climate of ancient Judea, the significance of the Jewish festival of Passover, and the Roman practice of crucifixion. The host, Bart Ehrman, also provides an overview of the various accounts of the resurrection found in the New Testament, including the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John, as well as the writings of Paul.

Throughout the episode, Ehrman interviews a range of scholars and experts in the field of early Christianity, including N.T. Wright, Amy-Jill Levine, Candida Moss, and Mark Goodacre. Together, they examine the strengths and weaknesses of the various theories regarding the resurrection, including the idea that it was a purely spiritual event, that it was a mass hallucination, or that Jesus never actually died on the cross.

One of the key themes of this episode is the tension between faith and reason when it comes to the resurrection. While the New Testament accounts of the resurrection are central to the Christian faith, many scholars argue that it is impossible to know for certain what happened on that first Easter morning. This episode grapples with this tension by exploring the historical evidence and the limits of what can be known and proven.

Ultimately, The Resurrection - What Historians Can't Know raises more questions than it answers. It invites viewers to consider the various theories and evidence surrounding the resurrection, but also acknowledges the limits of historical inquiry and the power of faith and mystery. It is a fitting conclusion to a season that has sought to understand how Jesus, a Jewish prophet from Galilee, became revered as God by millions of people around the world.