this paper is for 3 different essays in one file. I can also find the text for which you might need to recall information from.
Essay Sets Instructions
Each “essay set” assignment comprises a set of three
distinct essay question prompts designed to stimulate the student’s thinking
and assess the knowledge gleaned from the textbook reading. Each essay question should be answered with a
2 to 3 page double spaced essay, but compiled and submitted as a single
document (three essays for a total of 6 to 9 pages, double spaced). It is
expected that the course textbook reading will qualify as the primary source
for writing essays; however, students are permitted to use other sources. Any
sources quoted or used in the essay should be cited. Each essay is meant to
answer a related group of questions, so it is important that you are thorough
in answering the questions completely.
Essay Set 1 Prompt:
1) You are speaking with a new friend in the
neighborhood. The conversation takes a turn towards religion, and you begin to
share your faith and background with your friend. This friend shows a smirk
across his face, and then states that he doubts that Jesus ever lived. How
would you respond to him?
2) You meet a person on the ski lift at a local ski
area, and in making small talk, you mention that you are taking college classes
in the Bible. This new acquaintance is not trying to be antagonistic, but
nevertheless, brings up something that he had heard regarding the “corruption”
of the Bible. Upon further inquiry, you discover that this man has taken for
granted the argument that the New Testament was corrupted over the centuries
through the transmission process, and is thus unreliable. How might you answer
him?
3) In an essay, answer the following question: Why is
it important for the Christian to believe in the historicity of Jesus Christ?
Or in other words, why is historicity important? The key word in this question
is “why”. Be sure to answer accordingly.
Essay Set 2 Prompt:
1)
Describe the “minimal” facts approach to the resurrection question. Be sure in
your answer, to provide a general description and outline of this approach when
applied to the resurrection of Christ. Do you agree or disagree with this
approach?
2)
Why is it so important to deal with the question of “legend” as it pertains to
the resurrection? What is the relationship between the early dating of New
Testament documents and the dispelling of accusations that the resurrection
story developed as a legend? Why is it so important that resurrection testimony
be dated back to the years immediately following the crucifixion of Christ? Why
is the recognition of “creeds” so important in establishing an argument
refuting the “legendary development” objection to the resurrection?
3) Can one “prove” that Jesus was raised from
the dead? Why or why not? Can evidence from the case for the resurrection be
used to further any other apologetic inquiries or arguments? If so, which ones?