The Body of Jesus Found part Deux

“Brace yourself. James Cameron, the man who brought you 'The Titanic' is back with another blockbuster. This time, the ship he's sinking is Christianity.” That was the lead line by Time Magazine’s Jerusalem correspondent Tim McGirk about the 90 minute documentary produced by Cameron and director, Simcha Jacobovici to air this week in Canada and on the Discovery channel March 6th . The claim is Archeologists have found the burial site of Jesus. Unlike the "The Da Vinci Code' Cameron and Jacobovici claim it's true.

27 years ago, when Israeli construction workers were gouging out the foundations for a new building in the industrial park in the Talpiyot, a Jerusalem suburb of Jerusale,. the earth gave way, revealing a 2,000 year old cave with 10 stone caskets. Archeologists were summoned, and the stone caskets carted away for examination. It took 20 years for experts to decipher the names on the ten tombs. They were: Jesua, son of Joseph, Mary, Mary, Mathew, Jofa and Judah, son of Jesua. And Cameron and Jacobovici claim to have amassed evidence through DNA tests, archeological evidence and Biblical studies, that the 10 coffins belong to Jesus and his family

But Israel's prominent archeologist Professor Amos Kloner didn't associate the crypt with the New Testament Jesus. His father, after all, was a humble carpenter who couldn't afford a luxury crypt for his family. And all were common Jewish names.

Kloner was the first archaeologist to examine the site, (he was also the man who determined the “James the brother of Jesus” ossuary discovered not to long ago was a forgery) said the idea fails to hold up by archaeological standards but makes for profitable television. Kloner said that of 900 burial caves found within four kilometers (two and a half miles) of Jerusalem's Old City and from the same era, the name Jesus or Yeshua was found 71 times, and that "Jesus son of Joseph" had also been found.

In a document that examines the artifacts, Professor Kloner writes, "It is easy to see how the writer wanted to attract the attention of modern day viewers by using forms that are as similar as possible to current script. Their placement and design are 'monumental' and stand out. The vast majority of such ossuary inscriptions were carelessly written and schematic."

Stephen Pfann, a biblical scholar at the University of the Holy Land in Jerusalem who was interviewed in the documentary, said the film's hypothesis holds little weight. "I don't think that Christians are going to buy into this," Pfann said. "But skeptics, in general, would like to see something that pokes holes into the story that so many people hold dear."

Professor L. Michael White, of the University of Texas, said he also doubted the claims were true. "This is trying to sell documentaries," he said, adding a series of strict tests needed to be conducted before a bone box or inscription could be confirmed as ancient. "This is not archeologically sound - this is fanfare."

In my mind Cameron and Jacobovici are trying and cash in on the same group of people who thought the DaVinici Code was based on facts. Even Cameron admits, "This is the beginning of an ongoing investigation. "If things come to light that erode this investigation, then so be it." However, he will make a lot of money before the public knows the complete picture. Folks, Jesus was resurrected! There is no body to be found. That fact has been attested to by over 500 witnesses, according to the book of Acts, who saw him resurrected. Thomas, touched the wound made in his hand and side by the nails and the spear; and the disciples all except one, died martyrs deaths—for a lie if Jesus is not resurrected. Stayed tuned to this story. After the hype and the money, the truth will come out

Sources referenced

Ariella Ringel-Hoffman for Israel Culture

Tim McGirk--Time Magazine

Jerusalem Post