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

Remains of the Day

Scholars dismiss filmmakers' assertions that Jesus and his family were buried in Jerusalem.

Tabby Yang | posted 2/28/2007 09:09AM

Jesus married Mary Magdalene, had a son named Judah, died, and stayed dead, says Simcha Jacobovici, an award-winning filmmaker. A Discovery Channel documentary on his findings, The Lost Tomb of Jesus, ...

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Mike Willmore

Posted: March 13, 2007 1:48 AM

It is so obvious that if the remains were about they would have been discovered by the jewish heirarchy after the crucifixion for the political purposes of exposing the whole resurection story as a hoax. Can one really suppose that the disciples would have gone through what they did for a belief on what would so obviously have been a lie that they would have all be privy to. I don't think so !!! The pseudo scientific smoke screen mentioning DNA should fool no one

Velma Elaine Phlegm Watson

Posted: March 12, 2007 7:58 PM

Would the bones of Christ change my faith and adoration. Hell No, as their is no Jesus DNA for comparison. It is so unfortunate that Satan's business on discrediting our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as the true son of God gets attention, attention, and more attention. Is our faith so weak, that we must always"wonder if", maybe it is so? The more I read the Bible and I do read some of Cayce's work on Jesus, as well as other religious material, I always keep in mind that no other figure in the history of mankind has touched so many lives through comforting the tired, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, while yet performing miracles even today, after dying on the cross, over coming death, walked among his followers forty days before ascending to Heaven, where he sits at the right hand of God, to Judge the living and the dead. So, all Christains better beware that Satan is out to rob every man, woman, and child of their Faith and Salvation. Thank you for your informative articles.

Joyce

Posted: March 12, 2007 7:12 PM


I am not a biblical scholar, but from everything I have read in the Bible, the book of Revelation, this is what we are to expect in the last days. I am thankful that I look to Him and not man for my answers.

Rev. Hagopian

Posted: March 12, 2007 6:20 PM

We should keep in mind that there has been a disturbing trend among the television networks and cable production companies toward sensationalism being presented as documentary. What were once known as serious documentary makers are now stooping to such money-making rubbish. I believe it is all about money, ratings and selling advertising. I grieve over this, as I do not believe that there are many truthful, legitimate documentaries out there that are objective and free from political or financial influence. Unfortunatley, the same audience that devours "reality shows" and hungers for the fantasy of "professional wrestling" is the one all these networks are trying to capture. Shame on them! As far as I'm concerned, producers and "documentarians" like Cameron and Jacobovici are more interested in money than in truth. They are the "wolves in sheeps clothing" when it comes to objectivity.

Gary	Posted: March 12, 2007 9:33 AM

While I don't like the premise of the movie "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" one bit, I think we need to keep our facts straight so we don't mislead anyone. You claim that the 'opening page (of the movie's website) says, "An incredible archaeological discovery in Israel changes history and shocks the world. Tombs with the names The Virgin Mary, Jesus of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene and Judas, their son, are found and an investigation begins.' I was outraged when I read this because this is not what I read a little over a week ago. I thought the producers of the movie were changing their claims. But, that's not the claim the website makes. Quoting from the website opening page... "JESUS TOMB "An incredible archaeological discovery in Israel changes history and shocks the world. Tombs with the names Maria, Jesus son of Joseph, Mariamne e Mara, and Judah, their son, are found and an investigation begins." As you can see, it doesn't make a virgin Mary or Jesus of Nazareth claim.

Maria

Posted: March 10, 2007 11:25 AM

Stand firm, Jesus was both man and God's Son. There is nothing new with those who must continue to challenge this truth, this way, this life. Pray for those who have not yet answered the call of the Holy Spirit, the one who gives us the knowledge of Christ as truth. The one who calls us to reach others and love all because Christ is in us, He has opened our eyes. Has there been any religious figure of any other kind in the world who claimed to be God? No. 2007 years later, He commands interest from believers and non-believers. "Now faith is the assurance of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality", Hebrews 11:1. Now we are without excuse because we "know" Jesus Christ is King. Alleluiah to the King of Glory, the Son of God. The only God. Amen?

Paul Dubuc

Posted: March 09, 2007 9:46 PM


Thanks for a good summary of the issue and the problems associated with it. Hope it dies and gets buried soon so we can all get on to more fruitful uses of our time.

Chris

Posted: March 08, 2007 6:57 AM

This was a very helpful artical, I loved all the comments as well. We all know that in the end times people from all over will start to say 'Jesus is in the desart' No, He's in the sea', Jesus warned us of this along time ago, and it's comforting to know that there are so many saints out there with kind words and assurances from our savior, thank you so much, and praise GOD. PLEASE PRAY FOR JAPAN, PLEASE PRAY FOR JAPAN! The people go which ever way the wind blows(EVEN IN CHURCH)and I fear a great turmoil to come into the minds of Japanese with the premeir of this movie here, oh please , for the sake of the Lamb, pray for JAPAN, and the church and all it's disciples, pray like never before, PLEASE!PLEASE PLEASE! IN CHRIST! -Christopher Lowery, Hiroshima, Japan

Pastor Chuck White

Posted: March 07, 2007 12:32 PM


Brothers and Sisters in Christ, To all of us who know our Redeemer lives, this "knew discovery" means nothing. Paul's battle against the heretics continues and we must fight the battle. Satan doesn't through easy punches and my concern is that the weak will fall without our support. This won't be his last punch, more are on their way but the victory belongs to the Lord. Colossians 1: 15 - 20.

Laura

Posted: March 07, 2007 8:30 AM


Instead of reading the deceptive lies of someone totally lost perhaps we should pray for them and that they will find Jesus alive and not in a tomb before the end comes. We are in the last days. It's the devil's attempt to decieve the lost . Read the good book instead of wasting time and money on a total lie.PUT ON THE ARMOUR THE WAR WAGES ON....

Georgina

Posted: March 07, 2007 7:12 AM

A response to Gisela No Jesus had no son. The bible mentions somewhere in Isaih that who can tell of His generology. We shold be carefull of these agents of satan that try to discredit the death ressurection and ascension on Christ. Its not new even way back then the pharises had there own story that is baseless and so shall there always be those that will allow themselves to be used to promote falsehood. Till today an eyewitness account is highly accepted in a court of law and we have eye witness account of what happened then. All this and the Da Vinci Code are just gimicks of the defence attoney for a crook (satan) based on nothing that is credible. If satan is a liar then what do you expect of his agents? All to remove the focus of the Gospel which is that the Son of God who knew no sin became sin for us by His death and we can be the righteousness of God in Him

Kevin

Posted: March 06, 2007 6:00 PM

If I remember correctly, the author of the 1996 (The Sunday Times of London, by a BBC producer?) article says that the ossuaries were empty when they were found. All of the information I have been able to find now seems to suggest that remains were in the ossuaries and were removed for burial. It just seems like a strange discrepancy. Even the book about the "tomb" of Jesus seems unsure if there were bones in the ossuaries. Although it appears there were bones in the large tomb complex itself, it is still unclear to me (and the "tomb" book) whether remains were actually found in the ossuaries. The 1996 article seems to indicate that the tomb had been beset by vandals or thieves years before it was found again in 1980. The new "tomb" book is vague on the point. I would also be highly skeptical of DNA evidence pulled from so called "residue" on an ossuary that had been in the ground for at least 1900 years and then in a warehouse for the last 27.

Mary	Posted: March 04, 2007 11:14 PM


The celibate Monks, Nuns, and Christ-followers (who forsake this world's pleasures, anticipating their future glory) are, technically speaking, more holy than Jacobovici's version of Christ.

Paul McKelvey, Cedar Park, TX

Posted: March 04, 2007 7:25 PM


This looks like a swipe from "Cross Bones," a fictional story by mystery writier Kathy Reichs. "Cross Bones" came out in June 2005. I wonder when Cameron started his project.

T-birds Roller derby

Posted: March 04, 2007 6:53 PM

dear all christian remeber matthew 24:22 is most important reason God is not lie because If christ hasnot coming earth then no flesh would saved But He says He still promised same 1 corinthains 15 from paul wrote. He says His promised that His israel must be forever from 1 kings 9:5,1 chronicles 23:25 is jerusaalm forever and micah 5:2 bethlehem is everlasting are 3 each of city exodus 3:15 is most important is His name is forever . Jesus in name We pray Amen !

JP	Posted: March 03, 2007 2:05 PM


"Witherington fails miserably"? Check his credentials in theology and Bible scholarship! What are Jeff's credentials in those fields? Jacobovici's? Camerons?

Jr fr Brazil

Posted: March 03, 2007 1:25 PM

What do I care what Mr. Cameron or this other fellow thinks? They see what they want to see. Their money and serpentlike craftiness will not deliver them from the way of all the earth and the judgement that awaits them and all those who fight Christ. Roman 4:19 says that "Without weakening in his faith, [Abraham] faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead." Also, in the previous verse, that "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed [that is, had faith]." This faithless generation (I now refer to today's Christians) relies too much on experts' opinions simply because it lacks any spiritual power. And they talk of revival in America! Anyone who even considers the possibility that Jesus has not risen has denied the faith. I understand, however, that this article was more than enough to banish any thinking person's reasonable doubts, if that is the case.

Liz Piccione

Posted: March 03, 2007 9:18 AM


As it is written: John 7:34 "Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come."

Disappointed

Posted: March 02, 2007 9:01 PM

I am so disappointed in those who claim to be Christians, yet say these findings - if they are indeed factual - would not alter their faith in Christ. Think of how ridiculous that sounds. Did Jesus not say that after three days He would rise from the dead? Well, these new discoveries would make Jesus out to be a liar. THAT DOESN'T SHAKE YOUR FAITH? If it doesn't, then maybe you need to examine what you faith is built upon. My Jesus cannot and would not lie to His followers. That's why His story is STILL being told 2,000 years later. Before the year is over, you will find Jacobovici and Cameron's work right alongside the "The Da Vinci Code" in the bargain bins at Wal-Mart. If these theories are such a threat to Christianity, then why did "The Passion" eclipse the longevity of "The Da Vinci Code" at the movie theaters? Isaiah 53 reads, "All we, like sheep, have gone astray..." No wonder we are compared to a species that easily gets lost.

Scott Paris

Posted: March 02, 2007 7:46 PM

No, Mr Cameron did not find Jesus body in the tomb. He rose from the dead. He ascended to the Father as he said he would, and was glorified. Now in spirit form he lives in us who believe, and that is myriads of people since the Day of Pentecost. I know Christ for he resides in me, just as he did Paul and the disciples of the first century. It is womderful, heaven before we get to heaven. It is reality. Apostle Paul wrote: "Christ in you the hope of glory." Collosians 1:27. Plus, "Do you know how that Jesus Christ lives in you except you be disqualified." 2 Corinthians 13:5. I walk in the heavens with Jesus now. And the Bible tells us that. "Who so ever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered-saved" Jesus Christ is God's love gift sent to the world to save the world. "God is love." 1 Cor. 13:8. And love never fails." same chapter. I don't need any thing of this world to prove Jesus was and is not in a worldly tomb, for he has proven himself to me. Plus myriads of saints!

Mike	Posted: March 02, 2007 1:06 PM

Gee, let me see if I understand. Jesus died, stayed dead, and was buried right in town with the rest of his family. No one (the state, the religious leaders of Judaism) for 2,000 years cared to point this out as Christianity was growing to be the largest faith on the planet. But now some dispassionate, purely objective truth-seeker is doing us the favor of enlightening us with the "truth." What a crock of $$$$!!! Thank you Jame$ Cameron and $imcha Jacabovici, for your service to yourselves. Please go away.

Dave	Posted: March 02, 2007 11:33 AM

No amount of documentary or archeological evidence to the contrary will convince skeptics of what they do not wish to be convinced of. Trying to meet such folks on their own ideological ground is futile. The most telling way to refute the skeptics is how we live. Believers demonstrate the Resurrection. We do not need 'proofs'. We should BE proofs. If, upon reflection, we think we might not be, then we better start praying, studying and living for Him. By the way, D.R. Hood, you might wish to read N.T. Wright's Resurrection of the Son of God. Jesus was no mere spirit to Paul and Paul was firmly grounded in his belief in the bodily resurrection of Him. Belief in the Resurrection, as Paul said, makes us believers. Anything less and we are not.

Joe	Posted: March 01, 2007 10:21 PM

In 2002 Ben Witherington said this about his phony James Ossuary: “This is probably going to be the biggest New Testament find in my lifetime, as big as the Dead Sea scrolls.” In 2007, James Cameron said this about his phonie ossuariers:"This is the biggest archeological story of the century. It's absolutely not a publicity stunt." I guess it is true that a prophet has no honor in his own country. So far, only the press in Witherington’s native Kentucky have delicately raised the issue of the pot calling the kettle bla…that is, the pot calling the ossuary cracked in Witherington’s overheated (the gentleman protests too much) protestations against the latest “biggest New Testament find” in his lifetime. See: http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/news/nation/16791591.htm

DocRoc7

Posted: March 01, 2007 9:20 PM


Anyone remember Paul L. Maier's two novels "A Skeleton in God's Closet" and "More Than A Skeleton"? The Discovery Channel and Harper-Collins book sound like the plot from these two books. Any comment Dr. Maier?

Michele

Posted: March 01, 2007 6:32 PM

If Jesus was the ordinary man that was put in that crypt he would not be causing such intense emotions in people 2000 years after his birth. The amount of good done by people inspired by him down through the centuries (99.999 % unrecognized or deliberatly ignored) out weighs the bad a million to one (mostly done by those using his name for there own agendas). What really rankles people today as much as when he walked the earth is his authority.

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