The resurrection of Jesus as a mythological tool for early Christian legitimization

The resurrection of Jesus stands at the heart of Christian theology and has long been a central symbol of faith, hope, and redemption. However, its mythological character and constructed nature deserve deeper scrutiny. Within early Christianity, the resurrection functioned both as a theological cornerstone and a strategic narrative tool for legitimizing Jesus as the Messiah, fulfilling Jewish prophecy and providing continuity after his death. Furthermore, the theological implications of the resurrection have profoundly shaped Christian philosophy and institutional power, positioning the Church as the steward of divine authority. In this post, we take a closer look at the resurrection of Jesus as a mythological construct and explore its theological significance and institutional implications.

Resurrection, Hans Multscher, 1437, inside of the wing of the Wurzach Altarpiece. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: public domain)

The resurrection as fulfillment of Jewish prophecy

The concept of resurrection was not unique to early Christianity; it emerged within the broader framework of Second Temple Judaism, where beliefs in bodily resurrection and eschatological renewal had gained prominence. Texts like Daniel 12:2 and Isaiah 26:19 anticipate a future resurrection of the dead, often linked to the coming of the Messianic age. Against this backdrop, the resurrection of Jesus was framed by early Christians as the ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies, affirming his identity as the Messiah.

In early Christian writings, particularly Paul’s epistles and the canonical Gospels, the resurrection is presented as a necessary and preordained event. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians (circa 54–55 CE) explicitly connects Jesus’ resurrection to Jewish scriptures, stating in 1 Corinthians 15:4 that “he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” While the specific scriptural references are debated, passages like Psalm 16:10 (“You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption”) are often cited as prophetic foreshadowing.

This framing served a dual purpose: it legitimized the claims of early Christians within a Jewish theological framework and distinguished Jesus from other Messianic figures who failed to meet the ultimate test of vindication by God—resurrection.

The resurrection as early Christian legitimization

For the early Christian movement, the resurrection was more than a theological affirmation; it was a critical strategy for survival and growth. In a period of intense Roman and Jewish opposition, the resurrection provided the fledgling community with a powerful narrative of divine approval and victory over death. It legitimized their claim that Jesus was not merely a prophet or teacher but the anointed one whose death and resurrection inaugurated a new covenant.

The resurrection also provided early Christians with a unifying narrative. Paul’s letters, particularly 1 Corinthians 15, emphasize that belief in the resurrection was a non-negotiable tenet of faith. By asserting that Jesus’ resurrection was witnessed by Peter, the apostles, and over five hundred others, Paul strengthened the credibility of the claim, creating a shared foundation for the diverse Christian communities.

However, the resurrection’s role in legitimization also raises critical questions. Could the resurrection have been a constructed myth designed to provide continuity and hope after Jesus’ crucifixion? From a psychological and sociological perspective, the trauma of losing their leader likely contributed to the community’s need for a narrative of triumph over death. This interpretation suggests that the resurrection story may have been a symbolic construct rather than a historical event.

Critically examining the resurrection as myth

The possibility that the resurrection is a myth is supported by several factors. First, the Gospel accounts of the resurrection exhibit significant variations in detail, such as the identity of the women at the tomb, the nature of Jesus’ appearances, and the reactions of the disciples. These discrepancies suggest that the narratives evolved to serve theological or community-specific needs rather than preserving historical accuracy.

Second, the concept of resurrection aligns with mythic archetypes found in other ancient religions. Dying-and-rising gods, such as Osiris in Egyptian mythology or Tammuz in Mesopotamian traditions, represent cycles of death and rebirth that symbolize renewal and hope. The parallels demonstrate how early Christian narratives drew upon well-established mythological motifs to fulfill universal human desires for redemption and triumph over mortality. By embedding the resurrection within this mythic framework, early Christians constructed a powerful symbolic narrative that resonated with both Jewish and Greco-Roman audiences.

Moreover, the early Christian use of creedal formulas, such as Paul’s proclamation in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, illustrates an intentional effort to craft a mythic narrative that standardized and propagated belief in the resurrection, ensuring its central role in shaping early Christian identity. These formulas, likely developed within decades of Jesus’ death, point to a constructed narrative aimed at consolidating faith and community identity rather than preserving historical events.

Theological significance of the resurrection

The resurrection is not merely a historical claim but a deeply developed theological concept. In Christian philosophy, it represents the defeat of sin and death, signaling the restoration of humanity’s relationship with God. Paul’s writings, particularly Romans 6:4, are influential in shaping this theology: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

This theology positions the resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian soteriology (the doctrine of salvation). It affirms Jesus’ divinity and prefigures the resurrection of believers, offering hope for eternal life. Furthermore, it serves as a model for moral and spiritual renewal, encapsulated in Paul’s concept of “dying to sin and rising in Christ.”

The resurrection also emphasizes the eschatological dimension of Christian faith. By linking Jesus’ resurrection to the future resurrection of all believers, it provides a framework for understanding history as moving toward a divinely ordained fulfillment. This eschatological hope has inspired Christian ethics, art, and worship across centuries.

The institutionalization of the resurrection

As Christianity evolved from a persecuted movement to an institutionalized religion, the resurrection became central to the Church’s authority and legitimacy. The Roman Church, in particular, utilized the resurrection to assert its role as the guardian of orthodoxy. By controlling the interpretation of the resurrection and its implications, the Church positioned itself as the mediator of salvation.

The resurrection underpinned key Christian sacraments, such as baptism and the Eucharist, which symbolically reenact Jesus’ death and resurrection. These rituals reinforced the Church’s role as the conduit of divine grace and the interpreter of Jesus’ mission.

However, this institutionalization also introduced tensions. By tying the resurrection to dogmatic formulations, the Church risked alienating those who sought a more personal or mystical understanding of faith. Additionally, the resurrection’s role in legitimizing ecclesiastical power has been criticized as a means of consolidating authority rather than fostering genuine spiritual growth.

Could Jesus’ message work without the resurrection?

The question of whether Jesus’ teachings could stand independently of the resurrection touches on the essence of his message and its enduring relevance. Even without the resurrection as a literal event, the ethical and spiritual teachings attributed to Jesus retain their transformative power.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) and the parables attributed to Jesus offer profound moral guidance that resonates across cultures and religions. These principles of universal love, forgiveness, humility, and direct relationship with the divine do not inherently rely on the resurrection for their validity.

Thus, while the resurrection functions as a mythic and theological construct, the ethical teachings attributed to Jesus stand as a complete and self-sufficient framework for moral philosophy, independent of the resurrection narrative. This suggests that the message transmitted through the Gospels can function effectively as a universal moral philosophy without reliance on the resurrection narrative.

Conclusion

The resurrection of Jesus is a multifaceted phenomenon that transcends its historical and theological dimensions. As a fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, it affirms Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. As a tool for early Christian legitimization, it provided a unifying narrative and a foundation for faith. Yet, the possibility of its mythic construction invites critical reflection on the nature of religious belief and community formation.

Theologically, the resurrection embodies the central Christian themes of redemption, hope, and renewal, offering a profound vision of humanity’s relationship with the Absolute. Its institutionalization by the Church highlights its influence while raising questions about the interplay between faith, power, and authority. Whether understood as historical fact, mythic archetype, or theological symbol, the resurrection remains a defining element of Christian identity and spirituality.

References and further reading

• Richard Carrier, On the historicity of Jesus – Why we might have reason for doubt, 2014, Sheffield Phoenix Press, ISBN: 9781909697492
• Richar Carrier, Jesus from outer space: What the earliest Christians really believed about Christ, 2020, Pitchstone Publishing, ISBN: 978-1634311946
• Bart D. Ehrman, Did Jesus Exist?, 2013, HarperOne, ISBN: 9780062206442
• Bart D. Ehrman, Jesus – Apocalyptic prophet of the new millennium, 1999, Oxford University Press on Demand, ISBN: 9780195124736
• Bart D. Ehrman, How Jesus became God – The exaltation of a Jewish preacher from Galilee, 2014, Harper Collins, ISBN: 9780062252197
• Crossan, John Dominic. The Birth of Christianity: Discovering What Happened in the Years Immediately After the Execution of Jesus. 1999, HarperOne, ISBN: 978-0060616601
• Wright, N. T. The Resurrection of the Son of God. 2003, Fortress Press, ISBN: 978-0800626792
• Vermes, Geza. The Resurrection: History and Myth. 2008, Penguin Books, ISBN: 978-0141030050