Did Jesus really rise from the dead? This question is guaranteed to provoke discussion! Some will quickly dismiss it as the stuff of fairy tales – ‘we can’t be expected to believe that sort of thing these days!’ One such was Frank Morrison, a lawyer who was so incensed at being asked to believe Jesus rose from the dead that he set out to write a book pulling to pieces the biblical accounts and disproving it once and for all. He surprised himself by ending up convinced it was the truth. His book ‘Who Moved the Stone?’ traces his journey of discovery. Although first published back in 1930, it is still in print and worth a read.

But such strongly dismissive views are less common today. I find that people are increasingly open to the spiritual dimension of life. In a recent survey, 72% of respondents said they believed in God and 76% acknowledged having had some kind of religious experience. But fewer were ready to wholeheartedly accept the resurrection.

Maybe as you read this you are someone who believes in God and wants to explore the spiritual side of life – but the resurrection of Jesus Christ is simply one step too far. Don’t worry! We read in the gospels that many people came to Jesus with big questions and doubts. If their questions were genuine they were never ignored but listened to with respect. Jesus encouraged people to honestly face their doubts and to reflect on them.

Today, it’s still OK to doubt. But why not do something about it? As a start you could try reading the gospel accounts again with an open mind. Let me know your thoughts or come on an Alpha Course, where questions and doubts on any matters of faith can be aired in a relaxed and friendly environment.