On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
I get that Jesus was an important teacher and that he died a horrible death. But do I really have to 
believe that he came back to life after he was crucified?
It is historical fact that Jesus was seen on earth after his crucifixion; by some estimates, more than five hundred people saw him on at least ten occasions. It is, as the Catechism says, “at the very heart of the mystery of faith that transcends and surpasses history. … (t)he Resurrection above all constitutes the confirmation of all Christ’s works and teachings.” It fulfills the prophecies of Jesus himself and of those in the Old Testament.
The resurrection is the centerpoint of our faith. Without it, Jesus would be just another prophet or teacher; a superb one, but nothing more. We believe through through his death and resurrection, Jesus won for those who follow him the opportunity for eternal life.
