The minimal facts argument, championed by Gary Habermas and Mike Licona in their book "The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus" proposes that by using only the minimum number of facts accepted by the majority of mainstream scholars, there is a strong enough basis to conclude that the resurrection of Jesus historically happened.

Many apologists have used this approach when arguing the resurrection, although the number of facts cited vary from about four to between twelve and fifteen.

The argument puts forward two main premesis:

1. There are certain facts regarding Jesus and the early Christian traditions that are universally accepted by the majority of scholars
2. These facts can be best explained by a God as depicted in the Bible

1. That Jesus died by crucifixion
2. That very soon afterwards, his followers had real experiences that they thought were actual appearances of the risen Jesus
3. That their lives were transformed as a result, even to the point of being willing to die specifically for their faith in the resurrection message
4. That these things were taught very early, soon after the crucifixion
5. That James, Jesus’ unbelieving brother, became a Christian due to his own experience that he thought was the resurrected Christ
6. That the Christian persecutor Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) also became a believer after a similar experience.

The reality is:
The 'facts' are not, in fact, universally accepted by scholars.
All the facts on the list have absolutely no historical evidence (outside of the Bible).
The fourth point is only substantiated by the 1 Corinthians 15 creed (which we will deal with here)
Even if all the facts listed above were solidly supported by evidence, there is no reason to believe the God of the Bible is the best explanation for them. That could be included as one of the possibilities (if that posibility were ever demonstrated), but any and all other possible candidates would have to be ruled out before accepting this God as the best explanation.

Going forward, I want to deal with the four most frequently put forward by apologists:
(if you feel you would like any of the other 'facts' looked at more closely, please let me know and I'll happily oblige)

1. Jesus died by crucifixion
2. The empty tomb
3. Post resurrection appearances
4. Believers were will willing to die for their faith

It is important to understand these are not facts – they are assertions. Facts need to be demonstrated.