Homepage
Newsletter
Search
Updates
About
Adler
Dolhenty
Adventures
Philosophers
Critiques
Glossary
Quotations
Mini-courses
Aquinas
Essays
Philosophy
Politics
Religion
Education
Science
Media
FAQ
Ask
Guestbook
Forum
Bookstore
Emporium
Newsstand
Calendar
Subscribe
Feedback
Tell a friend
Votecaster
Cartoons

Religion Resource Center

The Jesus Family Tomb?

Religion Resource Center Main Page


Books about Religion in The Radical Academy Bookstore
Click Here for New & Used College Textbooks at Discount Prices

Click Here for College Education Information & Study Resources


Shop Amazon Stores in the Radical Academy

Bookstore
Magazine Outlet
Music Store
Classical Music Store
Video Store
DVD Store
Computer Store
Camera & Photo Store
Computer/Video Games
Software Store
Musical Instruments
Outlet Store
Cellular Phones
Toys & Games
Tools & Hardware
Automotive Store
Outdoor Living
Consumer Electronics
Home & Garden
Kitchen & Housewares
Baby Superstore
Apparel & Accessories
Gourmet Food
Grocery Store
Sporting Goods
Jewelry & Watches
Health & Personal Care
Beauty Store



These are links to articles and essays which appear elsewhere on the Internet. This material is NOT on our website. Because the Academy lists material from other websites on the Internet does not imply acceptance or approval of the comments or opinions expressed by the author of the material. Nor is the Academy responsible for any misrepresentation of the facts included. It is your job to be a critical reader.

Posted on March 1, 2007

Introduction and resources provided by Leadership University

 

The Jesus Family Tomb?

James Cameron, director of the movie Titanic, and his documentary director Simcha Jacobovici, claim they have found the "Jesus Family Tomb," the tomb in which Jesus, his wife Mary Magdalene, and their son Judah were buried, along with other family members. This week amid much fanfare, they unveiled the ossuaries, or ancient "bone boxes," where they believe Jesus' and his family members' bones were buried (but have since decayed). They have produced a special for the Discovery Channel, "The Jesus Family Tomb," which airs Sunday night, March 4, at 9pm Eastern, and they've released a book to go with it, The Jesus Family Tomb. One thing is certain: if their theory is correct, the bodily resurrection of Jesus is false. He would have been just another man crucified by the Romans and entombed in an ossuary.

What are we to make of this? While Cameron and Jacobovici claim they have good evidence that this is indeed where Jesus was buried, there has been skepticism among archaeologists (especially the ones who excavated the gravesite in 1980), as well as Christian leaders who are frustrated at yet another attempt, Da Vinci style, to discredit the traditional faith. Even the secular media have been dubious. Newsweek writes, "Good sense, and the Bible, still the best existing historical record of Jesus of Nazareth, argue against Jacobovici's claims." Time magazine called the theory "problematic" and filled with "debatable conjecture." They're right. Here's why.

First, there is too much historical evidence that we already have about Jesus which doesn't fit with this tomb theory. For one thing, Amos Kloner, the archaeologist who originally excavated the site, knew that "Jesus," "Mary" and "Joseph," as well as "Mathew" were very common names at this time in Israel, so the fact that they're in a tomb together is not surprising at all. Kloner still maintains there's nothing special about the tomb. Second, there are names on some of the ossuaries in the tombs that we don't have any other historical record as being part of Jesus' family: "Matthew," and "Judah" (the latter whom Jacobovici claims is Jesus' son). Third, there are members of Jesus' family that we do know about which are not buried in this tomb. Why would they be buried somewhere else? In fact, why would Joseph, Jesus' father, be buried in Jerusalem at all, since he was born in Bethlehem and died in Nazareth? Fourth, New Testament scholars (both secular and Christian) agree that the early Christian movement could not have began without some sort of belief in the Resurrection of Jesus. But how could such a belief have been maintained (and how could Jesus' followers have risked their lives for it) if Jesus' tomb was right there outside of Jerusalem for anyone to look at? Surely the Jewish authorities who wanted to shut down the burgeoning Christian movement would have produced Jesus' body for all to see. See more detailed articles on this below.

Furthermore, critics and scholars alike are already attacking Jacobovici's DNA evidence (allegedly showing Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married) as well as attacking the probability statistics that supposedly show a 600 to 1 chance that this is not Jesus' family tomb. The articles we have collected below are mainly from some scholarly blog sites. As this is an ongoing saga, we will be adding new articles on this subject as they become available, so be sure to bookmark the page.

The Jesus' Family Tomb: Scholars Respond

Problems Multiply for Jesus Tomb Theory, by Ben Witherington III: Ben Witherington, author of What Have They Done with Jesus?, outlines many problems with the book, The Jesus Family Tomb, co-released with the Discovery Channel special.

Hollywood Hype: The Oscars and Jesus Family Tomb, What Do They Share, by Darrell Bock: Seminary professor and author Dr. Darrell Bock points out significant questions concerning the evidence and conclusions of "The Jesus Family Tomb."

The Jesus Tomb? Titanic Talpiot Tomb Sunk from the Start, by Ben Witherington III: New Testament scholar Ben Witherington blogs on the "Jesus Family Tomb" theory on the day of the press conference announcing the discovery.

Related Articles

The Historicity of the Empty Tomb of Jesus, by William Lane Craig: In this scholarly article, Dr. Craig examines the evidence for the empty tomb from the New Testament, including Paul's narrative of the Resurrection and early traditions in the Gospel accounts. Craig does not presuppose the New Testament is historical, but sifts through the documents to argue for the historicity of each section of Scripture.

Contemporary Scholarship and the Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus, by William Lane Craig: In this summary article, Craig recounts how in the last 25 years, a turn in contemporary scholarly study of Jesus has led to conclusions that tend to strengthen, rather than weaken, traditional interpretations of the Biblical accounts of the Resurrection.

Cruci-fiction and Resuscitation: The Greatest Hoax in the History of Humanity?, by Russ Wise: Russ Wise from Probe Ministries examinesthe view liberal scholars have of the Resurrection: that there was no miracle, and that it is not central to Christianity. Also included is a discussion of the Gospels that did not make it into the Bible.

Jesus and DaVinci: Who Was Jesus Really?: The DaVinci Code is related to the controversy surrounding "The Jesus Family Tomb." Visit our sister website for articles related to the famous book and movie.

 

Christian Leadership Ministries has created a Resource Center to help you find resources for ministry. Browse our growing collection of books, Bible studies, videos and other resources offered for the purpose of encouraging you in your spiritual growth and ministry. Items published by Campus Crusade for Christ, NavPress, InterVarsity Press and many others, as well as those created and published specifically for the Christian professor, are made available for your selection. Every effort is made to serve you by providing proven resources at competitive prices. Resource Center. The place to buy ministry materials.

All material within this frame is © 1995-2007 by Leadership University. All rights reserved.


Enrich your life with a book about religion...

Enrich your life with a religion magazine...

Academy Showcase Specials


Religion Resource Center Main Page


-- Top of Page --

[Homepage] [Newsletter] [Search] [Support the Academy] [Link to Us] [Contact the Academy] [Citing Articles from Our Website] [Privacy Policy & Disclaimer]

Copyright 1998-99, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2004-05, & 2006-07 by The Radical Academy. All Rights Reserved.