/lit/ - Literature

>>10136106
>Do you guys actually believe the Resurrection and other miracles actually happened? Is there any lit that elaborates on stuff like this?
>Sorry if this is a dumb question I just understand there are people who do believe in these events literally and I don't understand the reasoning.

It's not a dumb question. There are some 'Christians' who are indifferent to the historicity of the Resurrection. My reaction: pic related.

The basic *argument* presented in this book was very important for me regaining my faith as a young man:

Michael Green, Was Jesus Who He Said He Was?

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Was-Jesus-Who-He-Said/dp/0892836245

I highly recommend it. The case for the Resurrection is much stronger than many realize. I don't think the case can be made out "beyond a reasonable doubt," but I do think there is "clear and convincing evidence" for the Resurrection, and certainly a preponderance of the evidence points to the Resurrection.

With some hesitancy, I also recommend the book More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell. I hesitate because the book is unfortunately written in a rather golly-gee-whiz style that seems to be aimed at cornfed midwestern junior high school students.

That said -- the FACTS and the argument set forth in the book (which is essentially the same argument Michael Green makes) are really very strong and quite persuasive, imho. With the caveat about its unfortunate style in mind, I recommend the book quite strongly; indeed, it sets forth a more thorough and compelling body of facts regarding, say, the manuscript evidence than does Green's book

Link: https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Carpenter-Josh-McDowell/dp/1414326270

Both the Green and the McDowell are quite short, and written in a lucid, straightforward style.

You might also try an excellent book of Catholic conversion stories titled "Spiritual Journeys"

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Journeys-Robert-Baram/dp/0819868760/

Conversion stories can be quite compelling and inspiring -- surprisingly so, if you've never read them before. I've read many such collections over the years, and this is one of the best.

Lastly, do not neglect prayer, even if you don't believe. Ask God for the gift of faith, and as a kind of token of your good faith in making that request, promise God something that you'll do if he answers your prayer. It doesn't have to be a big thing. Eg, "If you give me the gift of faith, if I am able to believe, then I promise to try to be faithful to the truths you reveal to me, as best I can, with the help of your grace."

If you're a reader, you might try Thomas Merton, The Seven-Storey Mountain, the autobiographical account of Merton's conversion, and eventual decision to become a monk. It's something of a classic. He's a gifted writer who brings the reader along on his spiritual journey in a very vivid and lively way. The book gives you a very nice feel for how the Church works, and how God works.