Facts Quote by Charles Colson
“I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Faith and History, 1995
The speaker argues that the endurance of apostles’ testimony proves resurrection’s truth, comparing it to Watergate’s failure.
In simple terms: Apostles’ steadfast belief is presented as evidence of resurrection.
Key Takeaway
Examine historical claims critically, not just by endurance.
Themes
faith
history
evidence
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- religious debates
- academic research
- public discourse
Key Concepts
testimony reliability
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternative explanations exist for the apostles’ perseverance?
- How does faith influence perception of evidence?
A Different Perspective
Endurance alone doesn’t confirm truth; other factors matter.
![“The average college graduate's proficient literacy in English [the ability to read lengthy, complex texts and draw complicated inferences] has declined from 40 percent in 1992 to 31 percent ten years later.” quote by Charles Colson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/abf/charles-colson-7127_ability_the-average-college-graduate-s-proficien_246756.jpg)
