1849-1850 Bryan Windle – James Ossuary Update
James Ossuary
One of the biggest controversies in biblical archaeology over the past 20 years is the James Ossuary, a box carved out of stone in which the bones of the deceased were placed. This particular ossuary is authentically 2000 years old but its inscription may be a modern forgery.
That’s what Israeli officials contended when the took the owner to court, in a trial that lasted for seven years. The trial, proved nothing. The James Ossuary is still controversial but in these programs we examine the evidence: http://www.radioscribe.com/bknspade.htm.
Our guest is Bryan Windle, who is a pastor who is also involved in archaeology. He works with Associates for Biblical Research and he has a website: Bible Archaeology Report.com.
#1477 Gary Manning – The James Ossuary and the Suspect Tomb of Jesus’ Family
James Ossuary
Although there always seems to be something interesting happening in Biblical Archaeology (as we regularly say on the program), with new discoveries and developments, there are also times when overly sensationalized claims are promoted. Sometimes these claims are part of an effort to promote a TV program, a book, or a magazine. So sometimes we have to address these issues.
On this program we talk with Gary Manning, a professor of New Testament at Biola University, about claims that have linked the James Ossuary (with the inscription James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus) with a tomb discovered several decades ago in the Talpiot neighborhood of Jerusalem. Because the names on the ossuaries in this tomb sound familiar to Bible readers, the discovery has been sensationalized with unsubstantiated claims linking them to the family of Jesus, and now one of the most sensational ossuaries in the news over the past decade has also been linked with the tomb.
The evidence is just not there.
1472-1473 David Gibson – Finding Jesus
David Gibson (rear)
Easter, along with Christmas, are the two times of the year when major media inflict upon us stories of dubious religious value in a wild attempt to resonate with a religious audience. But occasionally those stories do have credible content, such as the current CNN series Finding Jesus, which is supported by a book of the same name, written by David Gibson and Michael McKinley.
This CNN series examines six holy objects to see what they can tell us about the story of Jesus, such as the Shroud of Turin, the James Ossuary, the Gospel of Judas, pieces of the true cross, and some ancient bones connected to John the Baptist. Some are more credible than others, but all are carefully examined and offer a window into the gospel story of Jesus’ ministry.
1428 Clyde Billington – Egyptian Coffin and James Ossuary
The cover of the latest issue of ARTIFAX.
The latest issue of ARTIFAX magazine is out and we need to catch up on some news items with my co-editor, professor Clyde Billington. The cover story covers the discovery of a unique Egyptian style coffin found in the Jezreel Valley.
We also discuss a new geological perspective on the authenticity of the controversial James Ossuary, the bone box that may have held the earthly remains of Jesus’ brother. Our final news item concerns some discoveries made along side the road in two locations in Israel’s Shephelah, including a 6,000 year-old temple.
#1251 Ossuary Trial Nears The End
James Ossuary
The ongoing saga of the ossuary inscribed “James, the son of Joseph, the brother of Jesus,” may be nearing the end of its legal phase. That is, the ossuary trial which has been going on for about five years in Jerusalem, is now in the hands of the judge. This program summarizes what’s been happening, based on the latest dispatch from Matthew Kalman, the only journalist who has been following the trial on a regular basis. We talked with Matthew Kalman a year ago for some background on the trail. A decision is expected in a couple of months, perhaps (the judge has a lot of testimony to weigh).
Also discussed on this program, the discovery of small jewelry images at Tel Dor and the Givati Car Park excavation in Jerusalem, and the cultivation of balsam trees.
We have also received word of the death of Ehud Netzer, the distringuished archaeologist responsible for the discovery we discussed two programs ago, the royal theater box of Herod at Herodium. Netzer was on the site of the excavations when he fell and suffered fatal injuries. Reports of his death were covered by various media, including Haaretz and the BBC . We’ll have more on Ehud Netzer next week, and in additional programs in the future. I first interviewed Netzer in his home in Jerusalem 17 years ago. He was always cordial and informative. It’s a sad loss.
TB&TS 