Freethought & Rationalism Archive

RUmike · 12-06-2004, 09:15 AM

British archaeologist discovers 'John the Baptist' cave near Jerusalem

Quote:

KIBBUTZ TSUBA, Israel (AFP) - A British archaeologist has uncovered a cave in the mountains near Jerusalem which he believes conclusively proves that the Biblical figure of John the Baptist existed.

"The first concrete evidence of the existence of John the Baptist has been found on site," 46-year-old Shimon Gibson told AFP.

Gibson, who holds a degree from University College London and has written several works on Biblical archaeology, believes the discovery to be "the first archaeological proof of the historical veracity of the Gospels".

Other archaeologists, however, believe Gibson's conclusions go too far, and that the discovery of an ancient place of worship linked to John the Baptist does not prove that he actually existed.

A little more here: British archaeologist discovers 'John the Baptist' cave near Jerusalem

Chris Weimer · 12-06-2004, 09:53 AM

Does Medina existing mean that Gabriel gave Muhammed the Holy Word?

Diogenes the Cynic · 12-06-2004, 10:10 AM

I think all that can really be proven is that the cave was a site of pilgrimage for 4th or 5th century Christians.

Toto · 12-06-2004, 11:14 AM

The last thread on this identical subject:

http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=95190

with a number of links and suitably skeptical comments.

Weltall · 12-06-2004, 11:52 AM

Wow, I missed it the first time around. Guess it didn't rate a spot in the nightly news where I am. Is there any reason they've brought this up on the news again? I read the previous thread and it doesn't look like they've found anything new. I still remain extremely skeptical this is anything but dubious claims stacked on top of leaps of logic with a foundation of wishful thinking.

MortalWombat · 12-06-2004, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weltall

Is there any reason they've brought this up on the news again?

I dunno. Maybe because Christmas is coming up pretty soon.

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12-06-2004, 09:53 AM	#2
Chris Weimer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: none Posts: 9,879	Does Medina existing mean that Gabriel gave Muhammed the Holy Word?

12-06-2004, 10:10 AM	#3
Diogenes the Cynic Moderator - Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota Posts: 4,639	I think all that can really be proven is that the cave was a site of pilgrimage for 4th or 5th century Christians.

12-06-2004, 11:14 AM	#4
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	The last thread on this identical subject: http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=95190 with a number of links and suitably skeptical comments.

12-06-2004, 11:52 AM	#5
Weltall Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Francisco Posts: 3,283	Wow, I missed it the first time around. Guess it didn't rate a spot in the nightly news where I am. Is there any reason they've brought this up on the news again? I read the previous thread and it doesn't look like they've found anything new. I still remain extremely skeptical this is anything but dubious claims stacked on top of leaps of logic with a foundation of wishful thinking.

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