The Jimmy Akin Podcast #059 Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? DEBATE! - Jimmy Akin
Nov 11, 2025
In a lively debate, Jimmy Akin, a senior apologist at Catholic Answers, defends the assertion that Jesus rose from the dead against skeptic James Fodor, a neuroscientist and author. They delve into compelling subjects like the empty tomb, eyewitness fallibility, and the RHBS model of hallucinations. Jimmy argues the resurrection hypothesis elegantly explains the post-crucifixion facts, while James counters with alternative theories and insights on social processes behind miracles. Their exchange is a captivating intellectual sparring match on faith and reason.
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Priors Shape Resurrection Conclusions
- Jimmy Akin frames the debate as whether the Resurrection best explains the empty tomb, appearances, and ascension.
- He emphasizes prior beliefs (priors) heavily influence which explanation one finds plausible.
Avoid The Gish Gallop
- Jimmy warns against the 'Gish Gallop' tactic that floods debates with tangential issues.
- He advises sticking to the agreed topic to avoid wasted time and rabbit trails.
RHBS Model Summarized
- James Fodor outlines the RHBS model: reburial, hallucinations, biases, socialization to explain post-crucifixion data.
- He proposes explanatory scope, power, and plausibility as evaluation criteria for competing explanations.
