Three renowned scientists\u2014Papaia, Banani, Ravioli\u2014and their assistant Igor work at the NASAL observatory.
Ravioli accidentally bought a book that turns out to be very interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are at the airport.
While waiting in line for check-in, they are talking about Ravioli’s book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: So, before the Gospels were written, people were already talking about the resurrection?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Exactly! Scholars believe that some parts of the New Testament contain even older faith formulas that date back to the very first years after the crucifixion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: Like what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: A clear example is in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7. There, Paul quotes a formula that he says he received and passed on: that Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to Peter, the twelve, and many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: So Paul isn\u2019t making anything up; he\u2019s repeating a faith formula that was already circulating among the early Christians?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Exactly! And scholars date this formula to just a few years after the crucifixion, too early to be a legend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banani: So, to summarize, we have both Paul\u2019s letters, which tell us that the disciples preached the resurrection, and this oral tradition that confirms it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ravioli: Yes, and this shows us that the resurrection was already at the heart of the Christian message from the very beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igor: Oh, yeah, Banani! Two years is too soon for a legend, but too late\u2026. for an experiment that doesn\u2019t explode!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n\n\n\n