Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Toto · 12-30-2012, 02:27 PM

For fans of academic mortal combat:

Is Israel hiding the secret source of Christianity?

Quote:

The archaeological controversy swirling around two Roma-era burial tombs in Jerusalem refuses to die. Indeed, it has become something of an ugly academic slugfest.

In one corner stands the Israeli archaeological establishment represented by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Professor Amos Kloner of Bar-Ilan University, backed by various respected archaeologists and scholars. In the other stands Simcha Jacobovici, the filmmaker and self-styled “Naked Archaeologist,” backed by another group of respected archaeologists and scholars.

. . .

Jacobovici believes he has discovered the truth about early Christianity and is being targeted from two directions: by the Israeli establishment who want to play down Christian findings in the Jewish state; and by Christians who don’t want their religious beliefs undermined by historical evidence to the contrary. He accuses his detractors of being “sleeper agents of Christian theology, masquerading as academics.”

sotto voce · 12-31-2012, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

For fans of academic mortal combat:

Is Israel hiding the secret source of Christianity?

Quote:

The archaeological controversy swirling around two Roma-era burial tombs in Jerusalem refuses to die. Indeed, it has become something of an ugly academic slugfest.

In one corner stands the Israeli archaeological establishment represented by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Professor Amos Kloner of Bar-Ilan University, backed by various respected archaeologists and scholars. In the other stands Simcha Jacobovici, the filmmaker and self-styled “Naked Archaeologist,” backed by another group of respected archaeologists and scholars.

. . .

Jacobovici believes he has discovered the truth about early Christianity and is being targeted from two directions: by the Israeli establishment who want to play down Christian findings in the Jewish state; and by Christians who don’t want their religious beliefs undermined by historical evidence to the contrary. He accuses his detractors of being “sleeper agents of Christian theology, masquerading as academics.”

'He dubbed the first one “The Jesus Family Tomb” based on the collection of names that seemed to be members of the family of Jesus. Israeli scholars argued that the collection of names was a coincidence.'

Why would Christians be concerned by this? The Israeli Govt., perhaps. But this could be rather more disturbing news for the humanists of the Vatican, that insists that

'James, Joseph, Simon and Judas' and 'all his sisters'

were not the children of Mary and Joseph.

Christians, otoh, are no doubt quite content for excavation to proceed. Though they may be highly sceptical of 'data' the production over which the Vatican has had any influence, directly, or via sponsorship. As should be everyone else.

Minimalist · 12-31-2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Jacobovici believes

Enough said. The guy is a clown.

sotto voce · 12-31-2012, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Quote:

Jacobovici believes

Enough said. The guy is a clown.

Diogenes the Cynic · 01-01-2013, 11:13 AM

I don't see why the Israeli Government would care about any implications for Christian theology. Tourist dollars, maybe. Fleecing Christians by showing them fake sites and relics related to Jesus has been a proud and loud tradition in the Holy Land since the days of Constantine (whose mother, apparently, would believe damn near anything) and probably before.

If the historicity of Christian theology were to be debunked, maybe they're afraid they would lose Christian tourism. I think if that's the case, they are greatly overestimating the effect of empirical evidence on religionist mentalities.

Not that I think there's anything to the Talpiot nonsense. Jacobovici is a huckster (and has no archaeological or historical credentials, by the way) and I don't buy the the IAA is worried about hiding anything.

Sheshbazzar · 01-01-2013, 02:37 PM

What might we expect from those who dig through garbage heaps and desecrate graves looking for religion ?
Garbage religion feasts upon religious garbage and gnaws on the bones of the dead.

mountainman · 01-01-2013, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diogenes the Cynic

I don't see why the Israeli Government would care about any implications for Christian theology. Tourist dollars, maybe.

What do you mean maybe?

Business is business.

Quote:

Fleecing Christians by showing them fake sites and relics related to Jesus has been a proud and loud tradition in the Holy Land since the days of Constantine (whose mother, apparently, would believe damn near anything) and probably before.

sotto voce · 01-02-2013, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountainman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diogenes the Cynic

I don't see why the Israeli Government would care about any implications for Christian theology. Tourist dollars, maybe.

What do you mean maybe?

Business is business.

There's more to it than simple mammon. All of the tourist sites are run by antichrist organisations, so there is a hefty measure of shared 'ideology' in this. Though it comes down money, and sex, in the end, yes. What doesn't.

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01-01-2013, 11:13 AM	#5
Diogenes the Cynic Moderator - Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota Posts: 4,639	I don't see why the Israeli Government would care about any implications for Christian theology. Tourist dollars, maybe. Fleecing Christians by showing them fake sites and relics related to Jesus has been a proud and loud tradition in the Holy Land since the days of Constantine (whose mother, apparently, would believe damn near anything) and probably before. If the historicity of Christian theology were to be debunked, maybe they're afraid they would lose Christian tourism. I think if that's the case, they are greatly overestimating the effect of empirical evidence on religionist mentalities. Not that I think there's anything to the Talpiot nonsense. Jacobovici is a huckster (and has no archaeological or historical credentials, by the way) and I don't buy the the IAA is worried about hiding anything.

01-01-2013, 02:37 PM	#6
Sheshbazzar Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: On the path of knowledge Posts: 8,889	What might we expect from those who dig through garbage heaps and desecrate graves looking for religion ? Garbage religion feasts upon religious garbage and gnaws on the bones of the dead.

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