My son recently asked the question - “How do we know the Bible was not created by a crazy person or a drunk person�
The Video 'Who is Jesus' from Alpha provides an overview of the evidence supporting the Bible's authenticity. It emphasizes the historical and archaeological records that corroborate biblical stories. The video also highlights the consistency of biblical manuscripts over time, comparing them favorably with other ancient texts. Additionally, it mentions external sources that align with the biblical narrative about Jesus, lending further credibility to the Bible's accounts. This overview is designed to underline the reliability and historical grounding of the Bible.
Watch the Video
Questions to answer during the video
What historical and archaeological evidence supports the Bible's accounts of Jesus?
How does the Bible's manuscript consistency over time contribute to its credibility?
What are the various perspectives on Jesus' identity, from a historical figure to the Son of God?
How do the teachings and actions of Jesus impact personal and societal transformation?
What is the significance of Jesus' empty tomb and its implications?
How do the appearances of Jesus after his death contribute to the belief in his resurrection?
What role do external historical sources play in validating the biblical narrative of Jesus?
How does the transformation of Jesus' disciples serve as evidence for his resurrection?
What claims did Jesus make about himself, and what evidence supports these claims?
How does the New Testament's textual criticism reinforce the authenticity of the biblical narrative?
Write your answers in your exercise book.
Group Discussion: Have a group discussion to share different perspectives on the video's content.
Extension Activities
Research Project: Investigate one aspect of the historical or archaeological evidence mentioned in the video.
Debate: Organize a debate on the historical accuracy of the Bible. Questions to debate:
How do the historical events described in the Bible align with external archaeological findings?
What are the implications of discrepancies between biblical accounts and historical evidence?
How do non-Christian sources from the time of Jesus regard the events described in the New Testament?
Should the Bible be subject to the same historical scrutiny as other ancient texts?
Reflection Essay: Write an essay reflecting on personal beliefs about the authenticity of the Bible. - 'How do your personal experiences and the historical evidence presented in various scholarly and religious texts shape your views on the authenticity of the Bible?'
Interviews: Conduct interviews with religious scholars or historians about the Bible's authenticity.
Creative Presentation: Create a multimedia presentation exploring the different biblical narratives and text types mentioned.
Textual Analysis: Analyze the consistency of biblical manuscripts compared to other historical texts.
Journaling: Keep a journal to document thoughts and insights while exploring the Bible's authenticity. 'What new understanding or perspectives have you gained about the historical and spiritual authenticity of the Bible through your recent readings and research, and how does this align with or challenge your prior beliefs?'