Introduction
The Introduction explains the basic outline of the book’s threefold argument for the credibility of Jesus’ Resurrection: historical evidence derived from the New Testament witness, the strangeness of the claim, and the revelation of supreme love in a manner that shows the unity of the Scriptures. Second, it explores “participatory” knowledge and the limits of historiography. Jesus is best learned about from within the Church. Third, the Introduction responds to Troeltsch’s influential claim that historical inquiry can only involve “normal” happenings; anything else belongs to the realm of “faith.” Fourth, the Introduction presents the plan of the book. Fifth, it reviews various reasons why scholars think that the enterprise of arguing for the reasonableness of Jesus’ Resurrection is an unnecessary or doomed enterprise. Sixth, it concludes by treating theological apologetics and human reason. Two exemplars are highlighted: Richard Swinburne and Gerald O’Collins.