archaeology

Gabriel's Vision, archaeology, and the authority of scripture

The interpretation of a recently discovered Jewish text by Israel Knohl, professor of Biblical Studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, has been causing moderate fluctuations in the media and blogosphere. Opinions are divided over whether the text, written in ink on a stone tablet, is authentic, legible, or the sort of thing that could ‘shake our basic view of Christianity’. In case you’ve missed all the fun, have a look at an article from last year by Knohl at haaretz.com; the article in the New York Times that appears to have ignited the current debate; good commentary and discussion at the Catholic News Agency site, Cosmic Log, Scott’s Catholicism Blog; an English translation of the badly corrupted text; a useful Vision of Gabriel Watch at paleojudaica.com; and my own reflections on the possible historical implications of Knohl’s contention.

Have the bones of Jesus been found?

On March 4th a documentary will air on the Discovery Channel discussing the 1980 find of the remains of Jesus and family.

1 - How would discovering the bones of Jesus change the belief that Jesus’ body rose to heaven on the third day?

2 - If DNA evidence could be retrieved from Mary, Jesus and Joseph - could it show that Jesus was their son?

3 - Who else is in that tomb with them? Mary Magdelan? Would we find some children? Would we be able to track there DNA to current descendants?

4 - If the science of this proves likely, what might be the impact on Christianity going forward? Would it force a re-thinking of the bible and a reorganization of church teachings?

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