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Can Psychology Explain Away the Resurrection? A Licona Carrier Debate - Part 1

Risen Jesus — Mike Licona

Can Psychology Explain Away the Resurrection? A Licona Carrier Debate - Part 1

February 12, 2025
Risen Jesus
Risen JesusMike Licona

According to Dr. Richard Carrier, Christianity arose among individuals who, due to their schizotypal personalities, believed that their hallucinations of a risen Jesus were reality. In his view, this naturalistic explanation accounts well for the resurrection claims and is like the reported mass hallucinations in cults led by charismatic leaders. In a 2010 debate at Washburn University, Dr. Michael Licona challenged these assertions and presented a case for the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection.

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