Sir: This week's Spectator arrived with its spectacular cover raising
the hopes that E.P. Sanders had something special to tell us about the Resurrection. Having read his confusing details (what else does one expect from an American?), I am still seek- ing the answers — but I do not think he has asked the right questions.
Was Jesus born? I think we are agreed on this, although we are a bit confused about the date. Did Jesus die? Inevitably, I suppose, but we are not sure when. Was Jesus dead before the Resurrection? We have no evidence at all. There is no certifi- cate of death. Even in modern scientific times people can be 'resurrected' from a mortuary and there are strict criteria before organs can be 'donated'. Henry VIII insist- ed upon decapitation (which is finite), but crucifixion induces shock and coma, which are not necessarily fatal. How sad that so many should build so much upon so little.
T.S. Mann
Crofthill, 30 Drymen Road, Bearsden
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