Christian apologist Bill Pratt from ToughQuestionsAnswered.org thinks James the brother of the Lord believed Jesus rose from the dead, and uses that alleged belief to support the case for Jesus rising from the dead.
I posted the following reply to him:
Hello,We'll wait to see if Mr. Pratt wishes to engage a clearly sincere request to challenge him with tough questions on the merits, and more.
What would be wrong with concluding, from your admission that Jesus' immediate family rejected his claims during the earthy ministry, that Jesus likely couldn't work real miracles and likely didn't rise from the dead?
I've done an extensive study of every appearance of the name "James" in the NT.
I find unconvincing the arguments of Christian scholars who say James eventually came to believe his brother Jesus rose from the dead. The evidence for that proposition is weak and ambiguous and requires far more speculation than the competing hypothesis that says James the Lord's brother likely never believed Jesus rose from the dead, and likely remained an unbeliever for the entirety of his association with the post-crucifixion apostles.
If you feel you can show the theory of James thinking his brother rose from the dead, is more reasonable than my theory that James was more likely a lifetime skeptic of Jesus' resurrection, you know where to contact me. Or if you wish, I can start the discussion with my critique of your arguments. Sincerely,
barryjoneswhat@gmail.com
