It is equally important historically. It is the earliest such definition we have, dating to the early 50s AD, and referring back to a set of beliefs that are even earlier. (The traditional form of words indicates that the crucifixion, burial, resurrection and appearances had been verbally packaged this way for some time.) This matters enormously. It means that despite the conspiracy-promoting paperbacks and op-eds that get published every Easter, the Christian belief in Jesus’ death for our sins