The Resurrection of Jesus: Historical happening or religious metaphor? The California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church announces this discussion will be held on Palm Sunday. In conjunction with Church Communication Network (CCN), Mission Community United Methodist Church is presenting The Great Resurrection Debate on Palm Sunday, March 20, from 3-5 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. — live via satellite on CCN.

Arguing that the physical and bodily resurrection of Jesus was an actual historical event is Dr. William Lane Craig, Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in California. Dr. Craig believes there is powerful evidence to support his position.

Opposing him, with a view that the resurrection was not an actual physical event, is John Shelby Spong, the retired Episcopal Bishop of Newark, New Jersey. Bishop Spong believes the resurrection did not occur, and he feels the Christian message needs updating if it is going to make a difference in this century.

David Aikman, best-selling author and respected former Time magazine bureau chief, serves as the moderator for this debate of historical proportions. Viewers will hear the evidence, weigh the arguments, and then decide for themselves what actually happened that first Easter morning 2,000 years ago.

Mission Community is located at 9032 E. Mission Drive, Rosemead, CA 91770. It is in the corner of Rosemead Blvd and Mission Drive, just across Rosemead High School. For information, call Rev. Mike DeGuzman at 626-286-8002. For further information about the content of the seminar, log on to http://www.ccn.tv/programming/event/evt_20mar05.htm.