Response to Critical Comments of Dr. Mohler's Defense of the Resurrection

I posted the following on the ON FAITH website to support Dr. Mohler's understanding of the importance of the resurrection. One guy just quotes a bunch of random biased evidence and then I responded to some accusations of pride and arrogance.

As an evangelical Christian, I openly confess that I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, I would like to make two points and then ask two questions. First, I also can take up a great deal of space with evidence from a wide variety of evangelical authors that supports the resurrection of Christ. Block quoting someone else's analysis of scripture and calling them facts does not really provide a convincing argument. Second, I believe that many misinterpret why Christianity claims to be more than a "mere religion." It is not out of pride or arrogance, although Christians are certainly guilty of these. Our cause is simply this: to preach Christ crucified to the world. We do this out of the love that God first showed us. We are exclusive because Christ says that he is the only way in Scripture, but all people have the potential of coming to faith in him. What we hold to be true in Scripture motivates us to share the gospel with people out of love because we desire that they come into a moving relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In my opinion, it is this unique personal relationship that sets Christianity apart from all other religons. Now for the questions: one, For all those who believe that the resurrection did not happen or do not believe in Christ, in your own religious system what do you hope for? Two, if you do not believe in the resurrection, is your problem really with Christ or with Christians. Just some thoughts.

THE LOVE QUESTION

As some of my students will explain, we have been discussing the definition of love in my different classes. Essentially the debate boils down into to primary points. Either love is a choice and we can control who we love, or the objects of our love are beyond our control. If you can tell, I have defined love as a choice to selflessly elevate some other person above yourself in all things. In addition, I believe that all love springs from the very nature of who God is; he is the ultimate source of it. Therefore, when I John 4: 9-11 seems to support my argument. Though God made us and knew we existed, he (if he wished) could have sent us all straight to hell. However, out of his great love, he sent his Son to die on the cross for our sins as a manifestation that he did love us. I believe love, real love mind you, is similar in humans. We have a choice to love our spouses, parents, and friends. If it is not under our control, then are we blaming God for causing us to screw up when we do not meet his standard of loving our neighbor? Certainly not! We must acknowledge the human responsibility of loving people in the right way, as Christ himself loved us. All right. Now, my rant has been short. Let the discussion begin.