Biblical Answer

The Compatibility of Literal Resurrection and Scientific Explanations

The question of whether one can still believe in a literal resurrection while accepting scientific explanations for human consciousness is a complex one. Some have argued that the resurrection hypothesis is implausible, especially in light of scientific explanations for human consciousness. However, as William Lane Craig points out, the implausibility of the resurrection hypothesis is not necessarily a disconfirmatory factor, as the same can be said for naturalistic explanations for the resurrection appearances. In fact, Craig argues that the resurrection hypothesis may even be a better explanation than its naturalistic rivals, given the evidence.

The Resurrection Hypothesis as a Better Explanation

To evaluate the case for the resurrection, we must examine the evidence and consider the various naturalistic theories that have been proposed to explain the resurrection appearances. While these theories may be plausible in their own right, they are often less plausible and more ad hoc than the resurrection hypothesis. For example, some have argued that the resurrection appearances can be explained by hallucinations or other psychological factors, but these explanations are often less convincing than the resurrection hypothesis. Ultimately, the question of whether the resurrection hypothesis is more plausible than its naturalistic rivals will depend on our background knowledge and the specific evidence for the hypothesis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether one can still believe in a literal resurrection while accepting scientific explanations for human consciousness is a complex one. While some may argue that the resurrection hypothesis is implausible, others may argue that it is a better explanation than its naturalistic rivals. Ultimately, the decision will depend on our evaluation of the evidence and our background knowledge. As Craig notes, "we cannot decide that matter simply by wafting philosophical arguments back and forth. Sooner or later we have to look at the facts." By examining the evidence and considering the various naturalistic theories that have been proposed, we can come to a more informed conclusion about the plausibility of the resurrection hypothesis.