Possible Psychological Explanations for the Post-Resurrection Appearances of Jesus: A Rejoinder to Andrew Ter Ern Loke and Nick Meader
Recently, Andrew Ter Ern Loke and Nick Meader published a critique in this journal of an article in which I consider the possibility of bereavement visions as an explanation for the initial sighting of the post-resurrection Jesus by Peter (Lk. 24.34; 1 Cor. 15.5) and mass delusions as an explanation...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Interlibrary Loan: | Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany) |
| Published: |
2026
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| In: |
Journal for the study of the historical Jesus
Year: 2026, Volume: 24, Issue: 1, Pages: 23-47 |
| Further subjects: | B
mass psychogenic illness
B Cognitive Dissonance B distorted memory B post-resurrection appearances B bereavement visions |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | Recently, Andrew Ter Ern Loke and Nick Meader published a critique in this journal of an article in which I consider the possibility of bereavement visions as an explanation for the initial sighting of the post-resurrection Jesus by Peter (Lk. 24.34; 1 Cor. 15.5) and mass delusions as an explanation for the collective sightings. Loke and Meaders’ response comes under four headings: distorted memory, bereavement hallucinations, ‘mass hysteria’ and cognitive dissonance. In each of these they seek to undermine the effectiveness of my arguments in favour of a more traditional interpretation of events. In my response I attempt to flesh out my earlier presentation and to clarify any misconceptions and misunderstandings, hoping thereby to strengthen my position. I also seek to challenge the view expressed by these scholars that contemporary events such as alleged appearances of the Virgin Mary or of Jesus himself have no relevance to my argument. |
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| ISSN: | 1745-5197 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal for the study of the historical Jesus
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1163/17455197-bja10059 |
