Watch Towards Belief: Part 10

Towards Belief is a documentary series that is broken up into ten parts, with each part focusing on a particular aspect of belief. In part 10, host Karl Faase takes a deeper look at the idea of the resurrection. The episode begins with a brief overview of the resurrection, explaining its significance for Christians and why it's such a crucial piece of their faith. From there, Faase dives into some of the more perplexing aspects of the story. For instance, how do we reconcile the various versions of the resurrection story found in the Bible? Why did the resurrected Jesus appear only to a select few individuals? And perhaps most challenging of all, how do we come to terms with the idea of bodily resurrection itself?

Throughout the episode, Faase speaks to a number of different religious scholars, theologians, and experts in their respective fields. Some of these experts provide more technical insights into the resurrection story, analyzing the historical and literary aspects of the text. Others offer more personal takes, recounting their own journeys of faith and how the concept of the resurrection has shaped their beliefs.

One of the most fascinating segments comes from a conversation with a New Testament scholar named N.T. Wright. Wright is an expert in early Christianity and has written extensively about the resurrection of Jesus. For Wright, the story of the resurrection is not just about the idea of Jesus coming back to life, but about a wider transformation of the world itself. In his view, the resurrection represents a turning point in history, a moment where everything changed and a new era began. Faase and Wright discuss the idea of cosmic redemption and how the resurrection represents a unique intersection between the divine and the physical.

Other experts in the episode provide different perspectives on the resurrection story. One member of the clergy describes how his faith in the resurrection was challenged when his own child died. For him, the idea of the resurrection provided comfort and solace, but it was also difficult to reconcile with his own personal tragedy. Another scholar explains how the resurrection was viewed in the early Christian church, and how it played a crucial role in convincing people to convert to the new faith.

Throughout the episode, Faase weaves in his own thoughts on the subject. He speaks candidly about his own doubts and struggles with the idea of bodily resurrection. At times, this makes the episode feel more personal and intimate, as if the viewer is hearing a conversation between friends rather than a scripted documentary.

Overall, Towards Belief: Part 10 is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of one of the central tenets of the Christian faith. While it may not provide all the answers or settle every debate, it does offer a compelling look at the many different ways people have grappled with the idea of the resurrection over the centuries. For anyone interested in theology or religious studies, this episode is definitely worth a watch.

Towards Belief: Part 10 is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 29 minutes.