The Jimmy Akin Podcast #044 Dan McClellan & Jesus’ Crucifixion - Jimmy Akin
12 snips
Jul 29, 2025 
Dan McClellan, a scholar of the Bible and a member of the Latter-day Saint Church, shares his skeptical insights on the historicity of Jesus' crucifixion. The discussion critiques common claims, emphasizing the lack of direct archaeological evidence and the complexities of historical interpretation. McClellan and Jimmy Akin debate the debated date of April 3, AD 33, exploring connections to Passover and refuting eclipse theories related to the event. They also delve into the significance of a lunar eclipse that night, adding depth to the narrative.
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Limits of Archaeological Evidence
- Direct archaeological evidence like human remains and inscriptions doesn't exist for Jesus' life or death.
- Such evidence can be misleading and is not intrinsically more reliable than literary sources.
Crucifixion as Well-Established Fact
- Jesus' crucifixion is a very well-established fact about the ancient world, accepted by virtually all scholars.
- The claim it is the "best" established fact uses hyperbole and is not strictly literal.
Darkness Not Caused by Eclipse
- The darkness during Jesus' crucifixion could not have been an eclipse because it was a lunar eclipse occurring in the evening.
- Biblical chronologers don't base the crucifixion date on an eclipse causing darkness.
