The burial site of Jesus has been found and suggests he had a wife and son, according to highly sensitive claims in a documentary by “Titanic” director James Cameron and Israel-born Simcha Jacobovici. If this is accurate (and it’s really hard to tell at this point), it basically puts forth a real-life Da Vinci Code situation, challenging the basic tenants of Christianity as we know it. Interesting stuff.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070226/lf_afp/usisraelreligionchristianityarchaeologyfilm_070226170455
001 // Brian Ford // 02.27.2007 // 11:20 AM
The trouble is, Christianity (or those who speak for it) will always find a way to step around “challenges”.
Dinosaurs? No problem: God put the bones in the earth to challenge our faith.
Those who demand a strict interpretation of the Bible will find a way to work around any kinks. Those with a slightly more progressive view of Christianity will say: “Eh — whatever — it doesn’t change the teachings that I consider to be important.” (Which is a good view to hold.)
And, all of this is only if there is 100% conclusive evidence that this is an accurate find — which I don’t think will ever be the case. It appears that their methodology wasn’t all that solid and in that field: It’s important to (as Carolyn put it) “have all your ducks in a row” before you announce your findings and hypothesis.
There are several holes in their theories and as such this is unlikely to ever be anything more than a really cool and fun “what if.” And, to me, that’s more exciting anyway.
002 // Jeff Croft // 02.27.2007 // 11:34 AM
I agree 100%.
003 // David Hemphill // 02.28.2007 // 10:45 PM
As a Christian, I have to say that I don’t believe James Cameron found the bones of Christ and Mary or others, but whoever told Brian that “God put the bones in the earth to challenge our faith.” is an idiot. There’s proof that dinosaurs existed and lived with humans.
I agree that the Bible has some things that need to be interpreted, but I also believe that are concepts central to Christianity that can’t be taken any way but literally — for instance — Christ’s resurrection. Any interpretation other than literally invalidates the whole reason of following the teachings and applying them to your life.