How Should Christians Evaluate Extraordinary Claims?
It has been said that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. This tends to be used as a weapon against Christians. The existence of God or the bodily resurrection of Jesus are extraordinary claims, skeptics demand more evidence than we provide.
I agree to a certain extent that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. In general, I try to put this into practice. This is true even when the claims might seem to support my side.
So for example, when I hear claims that someone has found evidence of Noah’s ark or evidence of the exodus, I am immediately suspicious. Not because I doubt the flood or exodus (I don’t) but because it is extremely unlikely that any archaeological eidence will be found.
I tend to be the guy who hears some Christian making a claim and then looking for the actual evidence behind it. It is often lacking, especially with claims related to the culture wars.
Just hearing a narrative that might seem to support Christianity is not enough reason for us to automatically embrace it.
But what about the existence of God or the resurrection of Jesus?
They are extraordinary claims indeed. And I believe there is some very good evidence for both claims.
The truth is that we are not consistent with requiring extraordinary evidence. Many consider science to be the best (or only?) true means of knowledge. But many scientific claims lack extraordinary evidence.
Consider Ignaz Semmelweis, who in the 1800s, recommended doctors wash their hands before surgery. He was mocked and beaten for the claim that there were things on our hands that could infect patients. He did not have extraordinary evidence but he was correct.
Science works based on theories. Scientists claim that evolution is not a theory but a fact. I understand what they are trying to say but it actually is a theory, even if it is a theory supported by good evidence.
Things like scientific explanations for the origins are best attempts at explaining the evidence. Is it extraordinary evidence? Who is to say?
I do not claim that I can “prove” the existence of God or the resurrection of Jesus. But I do believe that those claims are the best conclusions based on the evidence.
I do not feel the pressure to have to convince people who disagree. I share why I believe what I believe and others can do what they like with that.
The bottom line is that I tend to be skeptical to most extraordinary claims but I also do not have to have all of the information to believe in other claims that I believe are supported by evidence.
