"Unveiling Truth - The Resurrection Amidst the Tide of Fake News"

In the whirlwind of today's media, where fake news can spread like wildfire, it's easy to find ourselves lost in a maze of misinformation and uncertainty. The term "fake news" dominated headlines in 2017, seeping into our collective consciousness like a relentless storm. TIME magazine even crowned it the word of the year, highlighting the pervasive nature of falsehoods masquerading as truth.

But amidst this chaos, amidst the clamor of conflicting narratives and dubious sources, one question echoes with particular resonance: Is Easter just another tale of fake news?

As we embark on this journey of introspection, let's probe the depths of our faith and skepticism, guided by four pivotal questions.

Firstly, is the resurrection scientifically possible? In a world where faith and science often seem at odds, where the tangible clashes with the divine, we're challenged to reconcile the miraculous with the empirical. Yet, as Harvard Professor Stephen Jay Gould astutely observed in Rocks of Ages, “science cannot adjudicate the realm of God's possible superintendence over nature.” Miracles, by their very definition, transcend the bounds of scientific inquiry, inviting us to embrace a reality beyond the confines of empirical observation.

Secondly, was Jesus' death real? Delving into the agonizing details of crucifixion, we confront the brutal truth of Jesus' sacrifice. The scourging, the piercing of his side, the agony of hypovolemic shock – each element attests to the harrowing reality of his ordeal. Medical science intertwines with biblical accounts, weaving a tapestry of undeniable suffering and ultimate sacrifice.

Next, are the gospel accounts legendary? With meticulous detail and unwavering honesty, the Gospels chronicle the life of Jesus Christ, offering a narrative grounded in historical veracity rather than mythical embellishment. The inclusion of women as primary witnesses (Luke 24:1-7; John 20:1), despite their marginalized status in society, defies conventional legend, bearing witness to a truth too profound to fabricate.

Lastly, is the eyewitness testimony reliable? Memory can falter and perceptions blur and at times we grapple with the reliability of firsthand accounts. Yet, as we delve deeper into the psychology of recollective memory, we unearth a foundation of truth rooted in unique, emotional experiences. For example, we probably remember vivid details of where we were on September 11, 2001.  We remember this event because it was important, and we were emotionally involved.  Likewise, the testimony of those who bore witness to the resurrected Christ resonates with a clarity that transcends skepticism, beckoning us to heed the call of faith.