The Historical Case for the Resurrection

The Historical Case for the Resurrection presents a comprehensive examination of the historical, textual, and archaeological evidence surrounding Christianity’s central claim. Drawing from ancient Roman historians, Jewish sources, early Christian creeds, biblical manuscripts, and modern scholarship, Dr. Alfred Basta builds a systematic case for the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Inside this book, you’ll discover:

• Historical evidence from Tacitus, Josephus, Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, and other ancient sources
• An analysis of the earliest Christian creeds, including 1 Corinthians 15
• Evidence supporting the historical reliability of the Gospels
• A detailed examination of the Minimal Facts approach to the resurrection
• Responses to common skeptical theories, including the swoon, hallucination, theft, and legend hypotheses
• Biblical and historical arguments for Jesus’ claims to deity
• An exploration of how the resurrection relates to biblical authority and the Genesis creation account

Written for Christians, pastors, students, apologists, and anyone interested in the historical foundations of the Christian faith, this volume combines scholarly research with accessible explanations to help readers evaluate one of history’s most significant events.

Whether you are strengthening your faith or exploring the evidence for Christianity, The Historical Case for the Resurrection offers a thorough investigation into the historical claims surrounding Jesus Christ and the implications of His resurrection.

What is The Historical Case for the Resurrection about?

The Historical Case for the Resurrection asks whether the resurrection of Jesus Christ can be defended using historical evidence, and it argues for the bodily resurrection from historical, textual, and archaeological sources. It examines ancient non-Christian writers, including Tacitus, Josephus, Pliny the Younger, and Suetonius, the earliest Christian creeds with an analysis of 1 Corinthians 15, and the historical reliability of the Gospels. It presents the Minimal Facts approach and responds to four skeptical theories: the swoon, hallucination, theft, and legend hypotheses. It also sets out biblical and historical arguments that Jesus claimed deity and shows how the resurrection relates to biblical authority and the Genesis creation account. The book pairs scholarly research with accessible explanation.

Who wrote The Historical Case for the Resurrection?

It was written by Alfred Basta, a professor, author, and musician.

What genre is The Historical Case for the Resurrection?

It is Christian apologetics, a nonfiction work of historical argument, which means it weighs sources and competing explanations rather than telling a story or offering devotional reflection.

Who is The Historical Case for the Resurrection for?

It is written for Christians, pastors, students, and apologists, as well as general readers interested in the historical basis of the Christian faith.

Is The Historical Case for the Resurrection part of a series?

Yes. It is Book 5 of Creation for Adults, Encyclopaedia, a series of technical volumes written from a young-earth creation perspective. You can find the series on Amazon.

Where can I buy The Historical Case for the Resurrection?

The Historical Case for the Resurrection is available in paperback, hardcover and Kindle editions. The paperback ISBN-13 is 979-8184708188 (299 pages, published June 28, 2026).

Amazon (paperback) | Amazon (hardcover) | Amazon (Kindle) | Indigo (author page)

About the author: Alfred Basta is a professor, author of Ward No. 8 and The Malgrave Letters, and musician as The Bastas Project.

Last updated: October 12, 2026