On the Resurrection, Fragments

However, some who claim there is no resurrection of the flesh argue that it is impossible; others believe that, given how vile and despicable the flesh is, it is not right for God to raise it; and still others contend that it did not initially receive the promise. First, regarding those who say it is impossible for God to raise it, I feel I should point out that they are ignorant, professing in words that they are believers, yet in their actions proving themselves more unbelieving than even the unbelievers. For all the heathen believe in their idols and are convinced that to them all things are possible (as even their poet Homer says, "The gods can do all things, and that easily;" and he added "easily" to highlight the greatness of the power of the gods), many seem more unbelieving than they. If the heathen believe in their gods, which are idols ("which have ears, and they hear not; they have eyes, and they see not"), that they can do all things, though they are merely devils, as says the Scripture, "The gods of the nations are devils," then much more should we, who hold the right, excellent, and true faith, believe in our God, especially since we have proofs of His power. First, in the creation of the first man, for he was made from the earth by God; this is sufficient evidence of God’s power; and then those who observe can see how men are generated from one another, and can marvel even more that from a tiny drop of moisture such an incredible living being is formed. Certainly, if this were only recorded as a promise and not seen accomplished, it would be much more incredible; but it is made more believable by its accomplishment.

Even concerning the resurrection, the Savior has shown us accomplishments, which we will discuss shortly. But for now, we are proving that the resurrection of the flesh is possible, asking forgiveness from the children of the Church if we present arguments that seem secular and physical: firstly, because to God nothing is secular, not even the world itself, for it is His creation; and secondly, because we are framing our argument to engage unbelievers. If we argued with believers, it would be enough to say we believe; but now we must use demonstrations. The previous proofs are sufficient to show the possibility of the resurrection of the flesh; but since these individuals are extremely unbelieving, we will provide an even more convincing argument—an argument not from faith, for they are beyond its reach, but from their own source of unbelief, namely, from physical reasons. If we, through these arguments, prove to them that the resurrection of the flesh is possible, they are truly deserving of great contempt if they can be convinced by neither the assertions of faith nor the arguments of the world.