
Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? Dr. Michael Licona and Dr. Abel Pienaar Debate
Risen Jesus — Mike LiconaDid Jesus Rise from the Dead? Dr. Michael Licona and Dr. Abel Pienaar Debate
April 2, 2025

Risen JesusMike Licona
Is it reasonable to believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Dr. Michael Licona claims that if Jesus didn’t, he is a false prophet, and no rational person should follow him. In this episode, Licona argues a case for the resurrection using the historical method and based on five facts gleaned from Paul’s writings. Former Christian minister, now agnostic philosopher and writer Dr. Abel Pienaar disagrees, citing biblical discrepancies, a pre-scientific worldview, the lack of hard evidence, and parallel stories of ancient gods and heroes coming back to life, as indicating that the resurrection of Jesus is a myth. Listen to the two scholars debate this critical topic in this episode of the Risen Jesus Podcast.
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