Mass Hallucination Theory


Argument: 

  • Jesus was actually a magician who made everyone hallucinate his resurrection.

Rebuttal: 

  • If Jesus had hypnotized people in order for them to believe a hallucination, that would mean He would have to have hypnotized people multiple times

  • Hallucinations are mental, not actual events. Dream states exist in the mind, not in reality. Similarly, hallucinations exist in the mind, not in reality.

  • Scientific data are lacking for group hallucinations

  • A mass hallucination doesn't account for the empty tomb

  • The New Testament carefully contrasts resurrection appearances of Jesus from a vision of Jesus:
    • Paul Vision: 2 Cor. 12:1-7; Acts 18:9-10
    • Stephen Vision: Acts 7:55-56
    • Paul's Meeting: Acts 9, 22, 26