Gary Habermas (born June 28, 1950) is an American New Testament scholar and theologian who frequently writes and lectures on the resurrection of Jesus. As Habermas states, he "has specialized in cataloging and communicating trends among scholars in the field of historical Jesus and New Testament studies." As of August 2026, Habermas was a distinguished research professor of Apologetics and Philosophy, in the Liberty University School of Divinity, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and a former chair of the Philosophy Department there.
Early life and education
Habermas was born Gary Robert Habermas on June 28, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan.
Habermas earned a master's degree from the University of Detroit in philosophical theology in 1973. He received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in interdisciplinary studies from Michigan State University in 1976; his thesis was titled, "The Resurrection of Jesus: A Rational inquiry".
Career As of August 2026, Habermas was a Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy, in the Liberty University School of Divinity, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He has in past been the Chairman of the Department of Philosophy there.
As Habermas states in his biographical sketch at The Veritas Forum, he "has specialized in cataloging and communicating trends among scholars in the field of historical Jesus and New Testament studies."
Habermas is the creator of the "minimal facts argument," an apologetic method that uses what Habermas has claimed are widely accepted assumptions about Jesus to advocate for the historicity of his resurrection. In 2016, Habermas described the relevant "minimal facts" as those recognized by "the vast majority of even critical scholars".
Reception In his memoir Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel Qureshi relates how Habermas was influential in his conversion to Christianity, and describes him as looking like "a mix between Santa Claus and an offensive lineman".
Personal life Habermas formerly coached the Liberty Flames club hockey team for 9 years.
Works Books
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References
External links Official website Gary Habermas on Theopedia