Reasonable Faith Podcast
Question of the Week #937: Goff, Allison, and Jesus’ Resurrection
May 1, 2025
This conversation delves into the nuances of Goff's identity theory and its implications for understanding Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Key theological debates are explored, revealing historical contexts and textual evidence that clarify common misconceptions. The discussion sheds light on the perspectives of influential theologians, offering a fresh take on a topic that continues to spark intrigue and debate.
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Quick takeaways
- Goff's identity theory controversially equates Jesus' resurrection with his ascension, a view contested by more traditional interpretations of physical resurrection.
- Scholarly criticisms highlight that figures like Allison and Pannenberg do not support Goff's theory, emphasizing early Christians' belief in distinct resurrection and ascension events.
Deep dives
Critique of the Identity Theory
Goff's identity theory posits that Jesus' resurrection and ascension are the same event, a viewpoint echoed by some liberal scholars like Rudolf Bultmann. This interpretation suggests that Jesus did not physically rise in the space-time universe but was instead taken directly to heaven. However, it has been argued, notably by N.T. Wright, that such interpretations misrepresent early Christian beliefs about resurrection, which were understood to involve a restoration of life rather than a transition to a non-physical realm. Wright's extensive analysis indicates that early Christians maintained a belief in physical resurrection, a critical distinction that Goff overlooks in asserting his theory.
