The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus' Death and Resurrection

by Justin W. Bass

Can we all agree on some things about Jesus, regardless of our belief--or unbelief?

Perhaps surprisingly, there is a lot upon which all scholars can agree. When surveying historical scholarship, there are certain truths about Jesus that Christians, agnostics, and skeptics must affirm.

In The Bedrock of Christianity, Justin Bass shows how--regardless of one's feelings about Christianity--there lies a bedrock of truths about Jesus's life and ministry that are held by virtually all scholars of religion. Through an examination of each of these key facts, readers will encounter the unalterable truths upon which everyone can agree. Useful for both Christians and non-Christians alike, this study demonstrates what we can really know about the historical truth of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Genres: Christianity, Christian, Theology, History, Nonfiction, New Testament, Biblical Studies

272 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2020

Reviews

[Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The purpose of this book is to convey the facts about Jesus that 99% of scholars agree on. To do this, Justin Bass focuses on 1 Corinthians 15:3-7. James Dunn says “This tradition, we can be entirety confident, was formulated as tradition within months of Jesus’ death”. Bit by bit, Bass breaks down why scholars are convinced these verses constitute a very early Christian tradition, certainly composed the 30s AD. He takes a measured approach and is careful to note any points that more than a handful of scholars would dispute.

This book is very approachable and gave me a wonderful glimpse into the solid historical foundation of Christianity. 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 is truly a remarkable passage and the historical record that hundreds of people, including Paul, who were an enemies of the church at that time, claimed to see the resurrected Jesus is compelling evidence. As agnostic New Testament scholar Paula Fredriksen said about the early Christians “… I do know as a historian that they must have seen something”. As a Christian, I know that they saw the resurrected Lord.

I really enjoyed the way this book puts together the bits of evidence that Jesus was crucified and raised from the death. It is wonderful to know that the belief I hold most dear is one with great evidence behind it.

[Matt Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book on two fronts.

First, it was immensely readable. The prose was vigorous and energetic to a degree I rarely encounter in theological books. The author's zeal for the truth came through on every page.

Second, it was very scholarly yet not overly technical. Anyone could read this book and follow the argument. No one could read it and say he hasn't done his homework.

This really was a wonderful and compelling book I would have no hesitation recommending to any skeptic or doubting believer.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but was not required to give a positive review.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brisk read summarizing the surprising scholarly agreement regarding the historical claims of the earliest-known Christian creedal tradition. Rigorously sourced, relevant, and riveting.

[Justin Dillehay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Keller recounts how, as a Christian pastor, he had of course believed in the resurrection of Jesus, but that reading N.T. Wright’s The Resurrection of the Son of God made him sit up and go, “Oh my gosh, it really did happen!” That’s how I felt reading this book. Bass puts on a historian’s hat and demonstrates just how far you can get on historical evidence alone, even if you bracket the question of the Bible’s inspiration. Some Christians may not like the fact that Bass agrees to play by so many of the broader scholarly guild’s rules (restricting himself to Paul’s seven “undisputed” letters, for example). But rather than criticize Bass for his methodology, we should thank him for showing Christians how much solid evidence for the resurrection we can produce even when fighting with one hand tied behind our backs.

[Walter Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Bass makes the case for the historicity of the resurrection based on the facts that are affirmed by the overwhelming majority (99%) of biblical scholars, Christian and non-Christian alike. These facts he calls the "Bedrock" of Christianity, and most come from the early tradition found in I Cor. 15:3-7. These bedrock facts are:

1. Jesus died by crucifixion
2. The claim that Jesus rose from the dead was an unparalleled, threefold innovation
3. Soon after Jesus' death, individuals and groups were convinced that the risen Jesus had appeared to them alive
4. Three of these individuals included Peter, James, Paul and at least one group (the twelve)
5. Paul was a Pharisaic persecutor of the church transformed into an apostle after being convinced that Jesus appeared to him
6. Paul spend two weeks with Peter and also met with James
7. Paul received early traditions and hymns concerning Jesus that date to at least within a decade of Jesus' death, and at the earliest just "months" after
8. These individuals who were convinced Jesus appeared to them formed a movement based on love and sacrifice that went on to overtake the Roman Empire, build Western civilization, and continues to be an overwhelming influence of nations and people today

Further, Bass begins with a discussion about the Jesus mythicists, showing why their hypothesis is rejected by nearly all scholars. He also devotes a section to the fact of the empty tomb, though he concedes this is not a "bedrock" fact since only a majority of scholars (~75%) affirm it. Bass spends considerable time in the book on the tradition in I Cor. 15, and I think the book is well worth the read even if it just had this discussion.

Overall, this is an excellent book. It is based on solid scholarship and shows a good knowledge of the field. Further, Bass liberally quotes Ehrman, a noted agnostic and prominent New Testament scholar (who is quite antagonistic towards Christianity), which I found made his argument intellectually robust. I appreciated his "bare-bones" approach, not overstating the evidence and even conceding good evidence that might not be affirmed by 99% of scholars. Bass doesn't claim that this is the only evidence, only that it is the "Bedrock" of the Christian faith. And these bedrock facts are very unlikely to be called into question.

In the end, not everyone will be convinced. But if you want a well-reasoned case for the resurrection based on solid historical facts, this is the book for you.

[David Ochabski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin Bass received his PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently a professor of New Testament studies at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is from Frisco, Texas where he pastored a church for several years while working as a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary as well as Dallas Christian College. He has participated in many debates among well-known secular voices such as Bart Ehrman, Richard Carrier, Dan Barker, and many others, and has written other biblical works such as The Battle for the Keys Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent into the Underworld. In The Bedrock of Christianity, Bass presents the unalterable facts about the foundation of all of Christianity, which is the resurrection of Jesus. He calls into account the eyewitness reports, the apostle Paul, and many foundational verses that argue for the resurrection of Christ. He seeks to prove the Resurrection by searching through history, ideas, and archaeological findings to learn as much as possible about the life and death of Jesus and prove the bedrock of Christianity. This work is recommended for people of all beliefs, whether Christian, skeptic, agnostic, etc., as well as anyone seeking to know more about the life of Jesus and looking for further prove of His resurrection from the dead.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and wonderful read about the historical documentation of Christianity.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Coronavirus crisis has undoubtedly left some thinking about the truths of God and Christianity. But whether or not you believe, there are some truths that agnostics and skeptics must also affirm. In The Bedrock of Christianity, Justin W. Bass shares the unalterable facts of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Bass is professor of New Testament at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary in Amman, Jordan. He has experience as a pastor, an adjunct professor, a debater, and an author. His background makes him well qualified to write this book with critical thinking and unwavering courage.

History is Time Traveling

After a brief forward by Darrell L. Bock, Bass introduces us to the concepts of bedrock sources and facts. Jewish, Protestant (Liberal and Conservative), Catholic (Liberal and Conservative), Atheist and Agnostic historians do have consensus on the bedrock facts concerning Jesus and early Christianity. The first and most foundational is that Jesus existed.

In a memorable way, Bass helps us understand that studying history is actually time traveling. He helps us think like a historian, looking at early dating, eyewitnesses, corroboration, and unbiased sources. This helps us see the knowable past, specifically through the eyes of the Apostle Paul.

Captivating and Compelling

Paul’s autobiography and history helps us see his background and spiritual transformation, allowing us to turn to the bedrock text of 1 Corinthians 13:5-7. An in-depth look at creedal tradition, specifically regarding the death, burial, resurrection, and appearances of Jesus are captivating and compelling.

The most moving chapter for me was on the crucifixion, and how it was such a barbaric practice in history. Interestingly, Bass writes that crucifixion as a capital punishment came to an end only by the orders of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great in the early fourth century AD after he converted to Christianity. This chapter allowed Christ’s crucifixion to sink to the bottom of my heart, knowing and feeling it’s truth.

Open Eyes and Open Hearts

Chapter 6 is a standout chapter, examining the appearances of the resurrected Christ to Peter, the Twelve, more than 500, James, and Paul. I had not given much thought to the importance of these appearances, but I am now convinced that they are especially crucial to our faith.

Fittingly, the book concludes by recounting the bedrock facts while pondering divine intervention and miracles. Bass calls us to open our eyes and our hearts to the person of Jesus. History points to him. You need only to believe.

I received a media copy of The Bedrock of Christianity and this is my honest review.

[David Graieg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, easy to read, and yet has sufficient depth and references. Bass argues that the following facts, primarily from First Corinthians 15, are supported by 99% of scholars (making them bedrock facts) (p. 200–201):
1) "Jesus’ death by crucifixion in the early 30s ad
2) The claim that Jesus was raised from the dead is an unparalleled, threefold innovation:
a) A positive interpretation of a crucified Messiah
b) A two-stage resurrection, Jesus raised now and the general resurrection still to come
c) This crucified Messiah is claimed to be divine, even Lord of the world
3) Soon after Jesus’ death, his earliest followers, individuals and a group of them, and at least one enemy became convinced he appeared to them alive, raised from the dead
4) These individuals included Peter, James, Paul and at least one group, the Twelve
5) Paul was a Pharisaic persecutor of the church who was transformed into Paul the apostle after becoming convinced Jesus appeared to him
6) Paul spent two weeks as Peter’s houseguest and also met with James, Jesus’ brother
7) Within a decade of Jesus’ death, either after Paul’s conversion or at this meeting with Peter and James in Jerusalem, Paul received traditions and hymns concerning the historical Jesus. The most significant of these was the creedal tradition quoted in 1 Corinthians 15:3–7, which could be multiple independent traditions, but even so they all date to within a decade of Jesus’ death
8) Last, these individuals who believed Jesus appeared to him formed a movement that, through love and sacrifice, went on to overtake the Roman Empire, built Western civilization, and continues to extend overwhelming influence over nations and billions of individuals across the world. This movement known as Christianity is still the largest religion in the world."
Bass thinks that the best explanation of these facts is that "Jesus did in fact rise from the dead" (201). Although he considers other views and considers the question of miracles. Recommended.

[Jacob Schwander · Rating 5 out of 5]

It amazes me how encouraging this book and its author have been to me. By so many means, this book nails down any doubts left in my sick and sinful body. Christ was real, he died and he rose again! I 100% believe that with every fiber of my being. Thankfully, I have always believed this, but what a blessing it is to read on and on about the amount of evidence for it. It pains me to my core to know that there are still those in this day and age who deny Jesus ever existed. What the Bible reveals to us about God and his way of telling the truth has made me more in love with it. The Bible is historically accurate and absolutely true. These bedrock facts truly help Christians stand firm in the faith. Not only can we have confidence and look towards the cross with all the hope in our hearts but we can be so sure that Christ really rose. It may sound naive or biased that I affirm these truths, but it's difficult to even consider denying them. As Justin explains, we are dealing with undeniable truth (bedrock facts). The weight of realizing how amazing a witness Paul is must also weigh on our minds. He was literally fighting against the church and persecuting those who believed Jesus rose from the dead, and then boom! The risen Christ appears to him! Following that, he dedicates himself to the very man he had been persecuting. This is a really good book. Please read this book. Yes I read this in one day. One. You can too.

F. F. Bruce summarizes the power of Paul’s conversion in his biography of the apostle: “No single event, apart from the Christ-event itself, has proved so determinant for the course of Christian history as the conversion and commissioning of Paul. For anyone who accepts Paul’s own explanation of his Damascus-road experience, it would be difficult to disagree with the observation of an eighteenth-century writer that “the conversion and apostleship of St. Paul alone, duly considered, was of itself a demonstration sufficient to prove Christianity to be a divine revelation.”

[Michael Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the content of this book. Bass shows that virtually all scholars (be them agnostic, Jewish, protestant, or Catholic) agree on certain bedrock facts about Jesus of Nazareth. I think he actually quotes Bart Erhman (the popular agnostic, critical NT scholar) more than he does anyone else, including other Christians.

The book is small and accessible to all (don't let the page count fool you, it's a small book). A good read for anyone, be you firm believer, new Christian, or honestly seeking skeptic. It isn't unbiased, as Bass is a believer and theologian. However, he does present the facts as 99% of scholars see them. The 1% are the largely dismissed mythisits (those that claim Jesus never existed in the first place).

My only complaint is his writing style and the flow of the text. But its still very readable. I get the feeling he is forcing himself to "dumb down" his writing to make everyone able to read and comprehend the content.

I will be recommending and/or giving this book to people who have honest questions about the historicity of Jesus, his death, and the evidence of his resurrection.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using the "bedrock tradition" found in 1 Corinthians 15 as a starting point, Bass carefully enumerates the historical facts that all (or, at least, 99% of) scholars in relevant fields would agree with concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus. Quoting from a wide range of evangelicals, liberals and skeptics, Bass demonstrates the implausibility both of mythicism, and of denying certain "bedrock facts" - in particular the death of Jesus on a cross, the claims of resurrection appearances to both followers and enemies, and the unlikely origins of Christianity. Bass restricts himself to a very limited scope and method, so this has a different feel at points to similar apologetic works on the resurrection. But this is definitely a valuable book, perhaps especially for doubting believers or heralds of the resurrection.

[Ginni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great case for the veracity of the Resurrection based on things that even secular historians hold to be true. I appreciate that Bass notes any information that doesn't meet that consensus, even if he personally believes it. It's small, and if you have more than just a passing interest in the subject, you'll want to do a lot more reading, but he cites all his sources meticulously and provides lots of places to branch off. The last chapter is the least compelling and drifts farthest from the book's strong point: "just the facts, ma'am."

[Trevor Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling evidence

Great book with detailed historical facts that are very compelling. Really enjoyed it. Would recommend to anyone looking for historical factual information on the birth of Christianity.

[kingstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asks a lot of really good, important questions that any given skeptic might struggle to answer. I think there are better books about the historical Jesus from the Christian perspective but this one wasn't bad!

[Justin Sassard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. It was very easy and fun to read yet it had very well thought out arguments with lots of sources and evidence. This book was not only mentally stimulating but in the end was edifying as well.

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a solid book. But, I found other books attempting to do the same thing more engaging and convincing.

[Steve McHenry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read!

For the skeptic, this is an invaluable resource and a must read! If you have doubts about the Resurrection, this will answer all of your questions.

[Christopher Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great apologetics book!

[Curby Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent presentation of the bedrock case for the Resurrection.

[James Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read, and puts forth its arguments and points concisely and convincingly.

[Noah Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it may not be the most exhaustive case for the historicity of the resurrection, it serves its intended purpose to perfection: to detail the uncontested, unalterable, “bedrock” facts surrounding the first century teacher and his immediate followers. This would never be “the book” I recommend to someone inquiring Christianity from the perspective of a historian, as I feel better, lengthier, more exhaustive books accomplish this task to a greater degree, but this will undoubtedly be my first recommendation to a skeptic unconvinced of even the “bedrock” facts of Christianity.

Bass, with fun and engaging prose and a steady application of the Socratic method, walks you through what all historians and scholars are “in virtual unanimous agreement on.” Jesus lived, the Crucifixion happened, and shortly after, both allies and enemies alike claimed they witnessed the risen Christ appear to them—sometimes alone, and sometimes, more remarkably, in groups. Bass himself writes that this book, while obviously biased towards the Christian proposition—though justifiably and not in any sense that would compromise his position or would make one impartial—is intended to be used by both the devout Christian and the extreme skeptic. Oftentimes you’ll find that Bass intentionally cites more agnostics and atheists than Christians in an attempt to emphasis the uncontested status of the bedrock facts that make up the foundation of Christianity. These “facts” aren’t things the skeptic can disregard or sweep under the rug; these facts are uncontested, authentic history.

Beyond providing the unalterable historical facts, Bass also introduces us to what he argues is our “bedrock source,” from which nearly all said historical facts are derived: the creedal tradition found in 1 Corinthians 15. Bass quickly walks us through the reasoning behind the scholarly consensus that dates this creed to within five years of the crucifixion—some even dating it to within mere months—before dedicating the rest of the book to a verse-by-verse analysis of this creed. His main contention is that this creed, exceptionally close to the crucifixion, gives us insight into what Jesus’ immediate followers were claiming not long after he was killed. This section of the book—which is coincidentally also the biggest portion—is where, I believe, this book really stands out. While highly cited in academic circles, one seldom hears the layman bring up this creed in discussions regarding the historical veracity of the resurrection, and I’m in agreement with Bass when he says that this creed is arguably the most important source we have. If for absolutely no other reason, this book contributes significantly to the discussion by placing majority of its emphasis on this creed—something a lot of similar books overlook or lack mention of at all.

While this book may not be the most in-depth exploration of first-century Palestine and the events unfolding within, it is definitely the go-to book for any Christian or atheist alike trying to combat the unfortunate rising of “Jesus Mythicism” and other similar, ludicrous, ahistorical fictions. To quote Bart Ehrman, as Bass does: “This [that Jesus existed] is not even an issue for scholars of antiquity… The reason for thinking Jesus existed is because he is abundantly attested in early sources… If you want to go where the evidence goes, I think that atheists have done themselves a disservice by jumping on the bandwagon of mythicism, because frankly, it makes you look foolish to the outside world.”

[Thomas Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been using 1 Cor. 15 as a go to text when I did not think I had time to make a full case for Jesus' resurrection for some time. Many books on the resurrection say that the creed is the earliest evidence we have for the event. This book is the first one that I have read that makes that passage the central part of the argumment. This book is well researched, well argued, and well written

[Dylan Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I believe the content of this book is beneficial and potentially eye opening, I don’t believe the arguments are well crafted. That’s why I gave it 3 stars. For someone looking for content similar to this, I would recommend The Case For Christ instead.