Non-believers often claim that they don't believe certain details about Jesus's life, especially the details surrounding his death and resurrection. I thought part of the reasons might have been philosophical, like not being willing to accept that a dead guy can come back to life, but there are also claims that the Gospels contradict each other. Let's discuss some of these contradictions. The Skeptics Annotated Bible is one of the best sites out there that lists contradictions in the Gospels.
Let's start with this question. Who did Jesus first appear to after his resurrection?
The Skeptics Annotated Bible site lists the contradictions as follows:
For debate:
1. Who did Jesus first appear to after his resurrection?
2. Does this mean that the Gospels are unreliable?
Let's start with this question. Who did Jesus first appear to after his resurrection?
The Skeptics Annotated Bible site lists the contradictions as follows:
The two Marys
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.... And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Matthew 28:1, 9
Mary Magdalene
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Mark 16:9
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping ... and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. John 20:11-14
Cleopas and another
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus.... And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? ... And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.Luke 24:13-31
Cephas
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. 1 Corinthians 15:4-5
For debate:
1. Who did Jesus first appear to after his resurrection?
2. Does this mean that the Gospels are unreliable?