The Jesus Discovery: The New Archaeological Find That Reveals the Birth of Christianity by James D. Tabor and Simcha Jacobovici releases tomorrow.
The publisher’s description suggests that the book will reveal “an iconic image and a Greek inscription” on two ossuaries which pre-date AD 70 and which “constitute the earliest archaeological evidence of faith in Jesus’ resurrection.” The conclusion is that whoever was buried in this tomb was a Christian.
The authors go further and claim that since this new tomb is only 200 feet (60 m) from the so-called Jesus Family Tomb that it makes it more likely that the Talpiot Tomb is “the real tomb of Jesus of Nazareth.”
It sounds to me that this discovery is one part fact mixed with three parts speculation. If you read the book or listen to the reports in the impending media barrage, keep in mind the difference between the artifacts and the interpretation. If the history of the two authors is any guide, the quest for fame and fortune trumps the desire for truth. The best way to get your name and your book in the media is to question the foundations of Christianity.
4 thoughts on “Tomorrow: The Jesus Discovery”
Even one part fact and three parts speculation is one part fact. Both Tabor and Jacobovici guess a great deal but it shouldn't detract from the objective evidence for those looking for objective evidence.
http://www.netzarim.co.il
Seems like the big news would be the inscription about Jesus & the resurrection. Not where it was found. Jesus was well known around the whole region, so I would think there were quite a few inscriptions that could turn up in the future on bone boxes that proclaimed their faith in Christ.
Todd,
Not sure how finding the earliest evidence of faith in Jesus' resurrection would negate Christianity…I suggest you wait and read the academic peer reviewed article that goes up on bibleinterp.com tomorrow at noon…This was a licensed excavation with a highly qualified archeologist, Rami Arav in the lead.
Comparing with the comments made
here, the "Unknown" commenter appears to be James Tabor. I think it's best if all commenters sign their name. I look forward to reading the article at bibleinterp.com. Thanks for letting us know.