Maybe you have chances to talk with some people who are skeptical about Jesus rising from the dead. I struggle when I run into people who want “the facts” about faith issues, because I just know in my heart that Jesus is alive and real and active, I don’t need facts to make it real for me (even though I know they’re out there). Plus, the Bible says it, so I believe it. But I know it’s not that way for everyone and sometimes wish I could communicate more effectively about the “facts” about the story of Jesus rising from the dead.
I came across a great article in this month’s Lutheran Witness by Dr. Paul Maier who is an Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University called “Reservations about the Resurrection?” He advocates “…listening carefully to al lthe negative arguments against the resurrection, dismantling them one by one for their logical errors and then joyfully presenting ‘the reasons for the hope that is in us’ (1 Peter 3:15).” I find it very helpful. If you read it, I’d love to know what you think!
Some fun facts about Dr. Paul Maier:
- Ginny Opferbeck mentioned his fiction book “A Skeleton in God’s Closet” in the Holy Land Pilgrimage Bible class on Sunday
- He was one of our special speakers during First Trinity’s 150 Anniversary celebration in 1989
- The Hartnett clan has heard him speak several times at Camp Arcadia
- I feel like the Fromm’s might have some connection to him but I can’t remember it, right now. I know that as a boy, Dr. Maier spent a lot of time at a cottage on Lake Erie.


