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Opening Credits

Author's Note

Introduction

Syllabus

The Claim

Resurrection Defined

The Written Record

The First Proclamation

The Creed

Chain of Testimony

The Fourth-Century Verdict

Women at the Tomb

Competing Gospels

Self-Testimony

The Transformed Witnesses

The Reality of His Death

Misplaced, Mistaken, or Missing

The Hallucination Theory

Public Witness or Private Vision

The Power-Grab Theory

Testing the Alternatives

The Laws of Nature

Miracles

Science and the Resurrection

The Allegorical Interpretation

The Jewish Covenant and the Resurrection

The Resurrection and the World's Religions

One Resurrection, Many Churches

Doubting Geniuses

Philosophy and the Resurrection

Pentecost as Public Proclamation

Existential Consequences of the Resurrection

Cosmic Consequences of the Resurrection

The Holding - Faith as Reasoned Trust

Addressing the Dissent

Scope of the Holding - The Unity of Truth

Application of the Holding in an Age of Relativism

Appendix A - Methodology and Standards of Evaluation

Appendix B - The Testimony of Paul

Appendix C - The Ascension Claim Tested

Appendix D - The Resurrection and Artificial Intelligence

Epilogue - A Personal Resurrection

About the Author

Closing Credits

This rigorous examination approaches the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as a formal legal case, weighing the evidence with the precision of a trial attorney and presenting its conclusions in the form of a Supreme Court opinion. Drawing from Scripture, early historical sources, philosophy, psychology, science, and arguments from skeptics and believers alike, it investigates the Crucifixion, eyewitness testimony, post-Resurrection appearances, and competing explanations for the rise of Christianity. Careful and methodical, these pages invite believers, skeptics, and seekers to consider whether the central claim of Christianity withstands serious historical and rational scrutiny.

Resurrection on Trial

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they answer questions about what a temptation versus a sin is, and how mental illnesses affect the spiritual journey of a person! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://secure.spiritualdirection.com/summitvault?utm_source=dir&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=avila_summit_2026&utm_content=temptation_vs_sin"> Spiritual Warfare and the Family Summit Vault</a> - videos</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/spiritual-warfare-and-discernment-of-spirits-signup-2?utm_source=dir&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=swados&utm_content=demonic_backlash"> Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/discernment-of-spirits-for-beginners/"> Discernment of Spirits for Beginners</a> - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/into-the-deep-sign-up?utm_source=sd.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=into_the_deep&utm_content=dir"> Into the Deep</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/events">SpiritualDirection.com/Events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

Temptation versus Sin

Dr. Peter Kreeft explores the profound parallels and radical distinctions between Socrates and Jesus, examining how these two figures fundamentally shaped the course of human history and the Catholic intellectual tradition. This lecture was given on September 21st, 2026, at Brown University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a> About the Speaker: Peter Kreeft, PhD, serves as Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, where he has taught since 1965. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Dr. Kreeft completed his undergraduate studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before pursuing graduate studies at Fordham University in the Bronx, earning an MA (1961) and PhD (1965). Dr. Kreeft taught at Villanova University from 1962 to 1965, and has taught courses at numerous academic institutions, including Fordham University, The King's College (New York City), St. Charles Seminary, and Our Lady of Grace Seminary. Dr. Kreeft is a sought-after speaker who has taught, lectured, and written topics as varied as classical philosophy, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, virtue, and surfing. He has written over 80 books, including A Summa of the Summa, Socratic Logic, and Back to Virtue. This project/publication was made possible through the support of Grant 63391 from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation. Keywords: Socrates, Jesus, Philosophy And Theology, Socratic Method, Christian Apologetics, History Of Philosophy, Martyrdom, Faith And Reason

Jesus and Socrates - Dr. Peter Kreeft

Fr. Mike explains the relationship between idolatry and adultery, and how one can easily lead to another, especially in our relationship with God. He also talks about the difference between discipline and abuse, as we cover some tough topics today. Today's readings are Isaiah 65, Ezekiel 23-24, and Proverbs 13:21-25.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 222: Idolatry and Adultery (2026)

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they speak with Greg and Julie Alexander of the Alexander House ministry on how to equip your marriage to fight against the enemy and how to transform your marriage! Resources:<ul class="list-node"><li class="list-item-node"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.thealexanderhouse.org/">Alexander House</a> (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.thealexanderhouse.org/">https://www.thealexanderhouse.org/</a>) - ministry website</li><li class="list-item-node">Spiritual Warfare and the Family Summit Vault (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="https://spiritualdirection.com/vault2026?utm_source=dir&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=summit_vault&amp;utm_content=techno">https://spiritualdirection.com/vault2026?utm_source=dir&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=summit_vault&amp;utm_content=talexander</a>)</li><li class="list-item-node">Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="https://spiritualdirection.com/spiritual-warfare-and-discernment-of-spirits-signup-2?utm_source=dir&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=swados&amp;utm_content=demonic_backlash">https://spiritualdirection.com/spiritual-warfare-and-discernment-of-spirits-signup-2?utm_source=dir&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=swados&amp;utm_content=alexander</a>) - video series</li><li class="list-item-node">Discernment of Spirits for Beginners (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/discernment-of-spirits-for-beginners/">https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/discernment-of-spirits-for-beginners/</a>) - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett &amp; Dan Burke</li><li class="list-item-node">Into the Deep (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="https://spiritualdirection.com/into-the-deep-sign-up?utm_source=sd.com&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=into_the_deep&amp;utm_content=dir">https://spiritualdirection.com/into-the-deep-sign-up?utm_source=sd.com&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=into_the_deep&amp;utm_content=dir</a>) - video series</li><li class="list-item-node">Finding Peace in the Storm (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/</a>) - Dan Burke</li><li class="list-item-node">Into the Deep (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/</a>) – Dan Burke</li><li class="list-item-node">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">http://spiritualdirection.com/shop</a>) - Dan Burke</li><li class="list-item-node">The Contemplative Rosary (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary">https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary</a>) - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li><li class="list-item-node">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">http://spiritualdirection.com/shop</a>) - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li><li class="list-item-node"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="https://spiritualdirection.com/events">SpiritualDirection.com/Events</a> - website</li><li class="list-item-node">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="http://avila-institute.org/">http://avila-institute.org/</a>)</li><li class="list-item-node">EWTN Religious Catalogue (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="link" href="http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/">http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/</a>) – online</li></ul>

Equipping Marriages for the Last Battle against Satan

Welcome to the last Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Luke and highlight the distinctive aspects of this synoptic Gospel. We learn that the Gospel of Luke uniquely captures the humanity of Jesus, the role of women, Jesus' frequent engagement with individuals on the margins, and the mystery of the Ascension. 

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Luke (with Jeff Cavins) (2026)

As we begin reading the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike draws our attention to Mary. He clarifies the difference between Zechariah's response and Mary's response to the angel Gabriel, and also explains why Mary is the Ark of the new Covenant. We learn that through Mary, God begins to fulfill his promises to the people of Israel. Today's readings are Luke 1-2, and Proverbs 25:24-26.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 313: The Ark of the New Covenant (2026)