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Christianity Today, February (Web-only), 2007 |

Satire

An Exclusive Interview with James Cameron

"I think you have the wrong guy!" he admits.

Interview by Ted Olsen | posted 2/27/2007 01:12PM

Related articles and links |

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James Cameron is the producer of "The Lost Tomb of Jesus," a Discovery Channel documentary that claims a tomb outside Jerusalem once held the remains of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, a "son of Jesus," and family members. We reached him at his home in Redding, California.

So, tell us about your interest in the historical Jesus.

Um, I guess I'm interested in Jesus, yeah. Where did you say you were from, again?

Christianity Today magazine.

Are you selling subscriptions or something?

No, we want to talk about your documentary.

What?

The one about Jesus' tomb.

Um, yeah, I think you have the wrong guy. I think you want the other James Cameron.

You're not James Cameron?

No, I am, but not …

… And your wife's name is Suzy?

Susanna.

Right. We found your number online. We figured the chances of you not being the filmmaker James Cameron are, like, a jillion to one. And you live in California, so that pretty much clinches it.

We're in Redding. Do you know where Redding is? It's, like, 500 miles from …

Let's get back on topic. What's your response to the criticism that no actual New Testament scholar supports your thesis?

Okay. We're done here. Don't call me ever again.

In the tie-in book, you say that "some of the most respected experts in biblical history and archaeology have contributed to this investigation." Could you name one who actually supports the argument that this is "the greatest archaeological story ever"? Just one? Hello? Mr. Cameron?

Ted Olsen is the former solicitor general of the United States.

Related Elsewhere:

Christianity Today's 'Remains of the Day' covers Christian scholars' objections."

More responses to the Jesus tomb claims are available from Ben Witherington III, Darrell Bock (1 | 2), Scot McKnight, Paul Maier, Mark Goodacre, Tyler Williams, Michael S. Heiser, and pretty much every other biblical studies blog out there.

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February (Web-only) 2007, Vol. 51

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Malcor

Posted: February 28, 2007 1:26 PM

It's a satire, Isaac. That implies humor. ;) Yeah, it's a joke, and an amusing one. James Cameron (the producer) is taking the names on an ossuary (the most important one being a poorly translated possibility) to mean that they must be the actual Biblical figures. He does't take into account their positions in society (or space) at the time, attitudes of the local government, actual TESTAMENTS of what happened in the Bible itself, etc, etc. He just sees the names and immediately assumes that they must be what he wants them to be and that everything is we know is wrong because of that assumption. Using logic like his, one could potentially open up a phone book, find the name "Jesus" (or any other religious figure, say Moses or Mohammed, heck, there's probably a Buddha in there too) in it, and immediately come to the conclusion that said figure has either returned from the grave or has been alive lo unto these many centuries without us knowing, simply the name matches.

opusmle

Posted: March 02, 2007 12:45 PM


I don't "get" the satire. But I do think "soverpeck" has a good point. I'd read an article of this nature.

Andrew McAuley

Posted: March 12, 2007 6:27 AM

Why would anybody believe DaVinci Code theology? These guys are out to make a buck and to believe them you have to check your brains at the door. For 2000 years the resurrection has been a central part of Christianity. There were enough witnesses to it back then that no one could dispute it. People believed in it to the extent that cowardly men who ran away and denied their Lord were suddenly willing to speak boldly of his resurrection before the same people that killed Jesus. Later on all the apostles except John gave up their lives rather than deny the resurrection.To not believe in the resurrection means no salvation and an eternity separated from God in Hell. I'll take the real Jesus thank you very much.