There were roughly three different answers. First, some said "it is a difficult question", and defended their right not to answer. Professor Gerd Luedemann answered: "Jesus' body decomposed", and added that 95% of the Jesus Seminar voted for this. Professor Claire Clivaz from the University of Lausanne (picture to the right) replied: "I believe that the tomb was empty."It will be interesting to get some feedback on these different interpretations! I hope to report in more detail on some of the significant papers delivered at the conference in due course (at least those relating to my research interests).
3 comments:
HI Frederik - only just found your blog. it was great to meet you at the Conference, which as you say, had some very interesting papers. I was not able to stay for the final session, but am very interested in the question that you briefly blogged about. The main consideration that I have is: if these scholars do not believe in the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead, then what are they believing? Indeed, if they do believe. As I expressed in answer to your question following my own paper, I do not think that there can be any other answer other than - Jesus was raised bodily from the dead. For, if the physical bodily resurrection did not happen in history then we are all wasting our time. It also seems to me that Paul was in no doubt and was utterly committed to this truth - Jesus had been raised bodily from the dead.
Blessings as your continue your studies.
Edward
Edward, welcome! Thank you for your thoughts. I agree with you. Personally I cannot imagine being a Christian with a Jesus who's body remained in a tomb.
I really enjoyed your paper especially the section on Jesus' resurrection as a counter to the imperial cult if I remember correctly.
I also beleive in line with Prof. Claire Clivaz that the tomb was empty. this belief determines all my experiences in the long run.
Reka
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