Archeological Evidence of Jesus?
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Goddessatlaw | Monday, October 21, 2002 - 09:44 pm     Guys, I couldn't resist posting this link because it's a subject near and dear to my heart. Archeological Evidence of Jesus? I find the search for archeological evidence of Jesus and the other contents of the Bible fascinating, and maybe some of you do, too. I'm always looking for that iota of proof, which may be the lawyer and genealogist in me coming out (God gave me a brain with which to think, yes?) For many, belief in the contents of the Bible is an issue of faith. As a Catholic, of course there's a huge element of that for me, but there's always that "looking for something to hang my hat on" thing with me, too. Two elemental pieces of reading on the subject of proof of Jesus are "The Historic Jesus" by John Dominic Crossman, a detailed examination of Jesus as a historical and political figure in the context of his political times; and "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel, which addresses the Gospels in their formats as biographies of Jesus, and provides fascinating and compelling histories of each. The most important point in this book, in my opinion, is that there are many archeological finds which have of late supported specific details related in the Bible which previously had been disbelieved; there are no archeological finds which disprove anything related in the Bible. A case in the working is the discovery of the tomb of the sons of Ramses the Great, which may or may not prove the untimely death of his first son, as memorialized in the Passover passages (I wish they could work alot faster on that dig). I'd be interested to hear from members of the Board regarding the archeological evidence of Jesus - either as a historical or religious figure. Does it matter to people of faith that archeological evidence has possibly been found? Does it cause anyone who is not of faith to reconsider their skepticism? If you are interested, what are the most important archeological finds to date? Anyone wish to discuss? Does anyone have alternative suggested reading on the subject? Link repaired (22) |
Goddessatlaw | Monday, October 21, 2002 - 09:56 pm     Sorry about the link problems, guys - I checked repeatedly to make sure I had it right, and I did - it just wouldn't link over here. It's MSNBC - "Link to Jesus?" - found on the MSN and MSNBC sites, regarding the stone ossuary just (re)discovered containing the name of James, son of Joseph brother of Jesus on the inscription. Jesus, of course, is known to have a brother named James, and the ossuary is dated to approximately the year of his death - AD 63. Demographics described in the artical also increase the likelihood of its reference to Jesus Christ. |
Goddessatlaw | Monday, October 21, 2002 - 10:07 pm     Archeological Jesus? GOT IT!! |
Sia | Monday, October 21, 2002 - 11:05 pm     Very intersting article, GaL; thanks for posting that. I will read it tomorrow thoroughly and want to discuss this, but I've promised myself that I'll start going to bed earlier than I have been doing. It is hard to stay up until 3 or 3:30 each morning reading here (when it's finally quiet at my house) and then get up at 5:30 to get my son off to school. Talk with you tomorrow! |
Djgirl5235 | Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 07:40 am     Goddess - What a mind-shattering article. I have always believed that Jesus was on earth at some time, and just to believe that was enough for me... but to have something concrete that likely lends proof to that belief is incredible! Thanks so much! |
Sbw | Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 03:43 pm     Goddess, I read the article on CNN last night. To me the whole thing was just amazing. I wish I knew more about Bible archeology and could discuss it intelligently but alas I cannot, therefore, it will take me a while to "digest" the scope of the find. |
Car54 | Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 03:56 pm     There is a story on NBC nightly news right now. |
Hillbilly | Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 03:58 pm     http://www.josephus-1.com/ "Josephus: An Eyewitness to Christianity Josephus was a historian who lived from 37 A.D. to about 100 A.D. He was a member of the priestly aristocracy of the Jews, and was taken hostage by the Roman Empire in the great Jewish revolt of 66-70 A.D. Josephus spent the rest of his life in or around Rome as an advisor and historian to three emperors, Vespasian, Titus and Domitian. For centuries, the works of Josephus were more widely read in Europe than any book other than the Bible. They are invaluable sources of eyewitness testimony to the development of Western civilization, including the foundation and growth of Christianity in the 1st Century" |
Goddessatlaw | Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 03:58 pm     Oh, thanks Car - it's not on here yet, so I'll look for it in 45 minutes. Thanks for the heads- up |
Goddessatlaw | Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 04:12 pm     Thanks for that link, Hillbilly - I'd never seen it. Josephus is a prime example of documents gaining tremendous credibility over simple archeological finds. For example, Josephus (who was just HUGE, in my opinion, on the subject of proof of Jesus among other things) had described in his writings the harbor of Herrod the Great, specifically that it was as large as one of the major harbors at Athens. People thought Josephus' overall accuracy was in question because of what clearly was incorrect - you could look at the harbour itself and see it is a relatively small contemporary harbour. However, excavations began not long ago on that harbour which showed that the original harbour extended far out into the water underground, that it had fallen in and actually WAS the size of the referenced Athens port. All of a sudden, proof that Josephus knew what he was talking about all along. (This story is recounted in "The Case for Christ," cited above). His historical writings also have gained enormous credibility as the archeological evidence rolls in (they were always respected - believed is another thing). Just amazing. |
Goddessatlaw | Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 07:57 pm     For anyone interested in more generalized Biblical archeological searches, there is a slim paperback called "Ancient Mysteries" by Rupert Furneaux. A chapter within deals specifically with the search for proof of Biblical mysteries, such as whether Noah's Ark is on Mount Ararat, where was Golgotha (the site of the crucifixion), whether the bones of St. Peter have been found within the Vatican, the Shroud of Turin, etc. The material is a bit dated, as the book was written in 1977 (obviously things have advanced a bit on the Turin evidence), but it is an engaging read, nonetheless. On the subject of Jesus, there is a section regarding the Edict of Caesar, which scholars lost their minds over when it was found. It was written in stone dated around A.D. 50, and decreed death for the violation of tombs. Scholars consider it a direct verification of the very early rise and persecution of Christians (within 20 years of the death of Christ) This law was passed because the Romans believed this "dangerous" religio-political sect, i.e. Christianity, gained its impetous through superstitions surrounding what Romans believed was nothing but a generic tomb robbery. |
Goddessatlaw | Friday, November 01, 2002 - 07:29 pm     OH NO!!!!! Burial Box Linked to Jesus Cracked |
Twinkie | Friday, November 01, 2002 - 07:57 pm     "It's something very contentious," said Keall. "As I like to say, it won't stand up in a court of law. So in the end, it's a spiritual thing, an act of faith." That's good enough for me! |
Goddessatlaw | Friday, November 01, 2002 - 08:05 pm     Tell you what, Twinkie, study the subject of "proof" long enough and you realize there is no such thing (at least definitively). It's all dictated by what persuades you personally. I believe in this artifact, and it's killing me that it's now damaged. Why on earth would they agree to transport such a delicate relic? |
Grooch | Wednesday, November 06, 2002 - 05:59 pm     Has anyone seen the movie "The Body" starring Antonio Bandaras? I never heard of it before, but it's about an archeologist who might have found the tomb of Christ with his remains in it, in Jerusalum. And all the 3 major religions and their politics over it, and what it will happen if the tests come back and confirm it. It was very interesting. |
Goddessatlaw | Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 06:27 am     No, I haven't seen that, Grooch, although I'll be looking for it now. Thanks for the reference. I love "The Seventh Sign," also, about a woman who slowly realizes that the seven signs of the apocalypse are occurring around her and their connection to the stranger who has rented a room from her. A great movie, and it requires a couple of viewings to pick up on everything that happens and why. |
Rissa | Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 07:04 am     Saw this thread a week or so ago but didn't have the time so I am just heading over to read the article now, love anything archeological. But the title of this thread surprised me a bit. I can't remember ever thinking that Jesus DIDN'T actually exist, the question has always been.. was he/is he the son of a God? But that he was a real living, breathing person I thought was just indisputable common knowledge. <things that make you go..hmmm> LOL |
Twinkie | Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 07:35 am     Maybe it was my upbringing but I've always believed that Jesus was on the earth and was also the son of God. Faith is all I need. But proof is even better. And I believe this is proof. |
Goddessatlaw | Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 07:50 am     Anyone who is interested in Biblical archaeology might want to visit the website of "Biblical Archaeology Review", a monthly magazine devoted entirely to it's named subject. This is the magazine which first published the James box find, and the article there is much more detailed. Biblical Archaeology Review |
Goddessatlaw | Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 07:29 pm     New link on the Jesus box: "Owner of Jesus-linked Artifact Speaks" |
Misslibra | Sunday, November 10, 2002 - 11:43 pm     The movie Grooch was talking about above called "The Body" is on right now in case any of you wanted to see it. I don't know if any of you have HBO but it's on HBO Signature West. I was turning channels and just found it on. |
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