The Jesus Family Tomb?

Is this Talpiot Tomb the final resting place of Jesus Christ?

This story is really so ridiculous that I hate to have to give any credence to it whatsoever by devoting time and energy to responding to it, but I know some of you will have some questions. The Discovery Channel is set to release on March 4 a documentary produced by James Cameron (Titanic) and directed by journalist Simcha Jacobovichi entitled "The Lost Tomb of Jesus." Jacobovichi claims that the tomb is the final resting place of Jesus, his mother Mary, his wife Mary Magdalene, and his son Judah. Let me just go ahead and give you my final evaluation. This is Hollywood sensationalism meets horrible archaeology, pseudo-science and a lot of smoke and mirrors. This is what we like to call in Arkansas "horse manure."

The conclusions are based on findings from a tomb discovered in Jerusalem in 1980. The tomb contained ten ossuaries, boxes used to house bones after the bodies of the deceased had decomposed for a year. Now, among those ten ossuaries were five containing the following inscriptions: "Jesus (or Joshua), son of Joseph," "Maria," "Mariamne e Mara," "Judah, son of Jesus," and "Matia." Now, according to the documentary, Maria is to be identified as Jesus' mother Mary. Mariamne is actually Mary Magdalene, who, according to the documentary was Jesus' wife. Judah is the son of Jesus and is to be identified with the "lad" sitting in Jesus lap in John's account of the Last Supper. And "Matia" is supposedly another name for "Matthew," the disciple of Jesus. The film also gives the idea that there is DNA evidence supporting the claim that this is the tomb of Jesus.

Okay. So where to start with this piece of fantasy? The case that the film makes is so shaky that it is like taking down a straw man. First, let's take the names. Many of the names included in the inscriptions were the most common among Jews of the first century, Jesus (or Joshua), Joseph, Mary, and Judah. The modern equivalent would be finding a family burial plot that included the names John, Jim, Mary, and Bob. The occurence of each of these names together in the same tomb is simply a function of the preponderance of these names in Israel at the time.

The documentary states that statisticians have concluded that the likelihood of these names appearing together in a single family tomb from this time period are 1 in 600. Sounds like the statistics are in their favor, right? Wrong. Think about it. The statistics state that one out of every 600 occurrences would result in a tomb with this combination of names. Jerusalem at the time was a city of approximately 50,000, whose population could swell to as much as 200,000 during festival times such as Passover. Take the lower figure and divide it by the five names found on the ossuaries then divide that figure by 600 (the statistical probability). The result is the likelihood that there would have been at least 17 tombs in the city bearing these names. It is about as likely as you would be to find in a city of 50,000 today family burial plots with the graves of at least ten people, four of who having the names John, Jim, Bob, and Mary.

However, that is not the end of the statistical problems for the film. The statistical probabilities derived for the film include the names "Mariamne e Mara" and "Matia" which the filmmakers identify as Mary Magdalene and Matthew. The problem is, there is really no evidence to conclude that either of these names were ever applied to the biblical characters mentioned. As a result, these two names can be taken out of the statistical considerations. In which case, the statistical probability of finding the remaining four names together in a tomb from this period becomes even greater. So, statistics don't win the argument.

What about the conclusion that Mary Magdalene and Jesus were married? There is no evidence from the tomb to conclude that the Mariamne from the tomb and the Jesus from the tomb are to be connected with each other. It is just as likely that Mariamne could have been the spouse of "Judah, son of Jesus," "Matia," or one of the unmarked ossuaries in the tomb. The DNA sample taken for the film merely indicate that Mariamne and Jesus were not related to one another. This alone makes it possible that they were married, but it does not establish that they were. Besides, remember, there is no basis on which to believe that Mariamne is to be identified with Mary Magdalene. Furthermore, as has been adequately argued as a result of The Da Vinci Code, there is no evidence whatsoever linking the Biblical Jesus and Mary Magdalene in marriage.

What about the location of the tomb? The tomb is in Jerusalem. Jesus died in Jerusalem, so it seems reasonable that he would be buried in Jerusalem. That is indeed what the New Testament tells us. Jesus borrowed a tomb for three days beloning to a man named Joseph of Arimathea, then he rose from the dead. But would there be reason for a family tomb in Jerusalem? No. Jesus' ancestral home was Bethlehem, a few miles to the east of Jerusalem. He and his entire family lived in Nazareth, a village far to the north. Jesus was merely a sojourner in Jerusalem, there to attend the Passover feast.

Finally, what of the historical evidence? The universal testimony of both biblical and secular history from the first century is that Jesus' followers believed he had risen from the dead. That firm conviction transformed a group of timid, fearful disciples into bold witnesses for the message of Jesus Christ. They were willing to suffer and give their lives for Jesus for the very reason that they knew he had overcome death and would grant them the gift of eternal life. If it had been widely known that the Jesus had not risen from the dead, their message would have been meaningless. And if the disciples themselves knew that Jesus had not been raised from the dead, they certainly would not have given their lives for what they knew to be a hoax.

The Jesus Family Tomb is a ridiculous piece of sensationalism and poor archaeology. The Christian faith in the resurrection of Jesus has withstood 2,000 years of attack, and there has never been one credible piece of evidence put forward to call into question the fact that "He is risen, just as he said."

For more information on The Jesus Family Tomb, see Darrell Bock 's and Ben Witherington's blogs on the subject.

Monday Movie Review

After several recommendations from a lot of different people, I finally watched Facing the Giants this weekend. The film tells the story of a struggling Christian school football team and how their coach inspires them by his faith and commitment to God to go on to win a state championship.

As for the review, let me begin with the what all the people who recommended this movie: "This is a really good movie. The acting is pretty bad, but the movie is really good."

So, if you are going to watch this movie, you need to start out with that caveat in mind. The storyline is pretty good for what the film sets out to accomplish, but the quality of the acting and the production is not the best.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie and agreed with the basic concept that the film tried to portray, namely "with God, nothing is impossible." You have to understand that that is the message that the film is trying to convey. Most movies asks you to suspend reality somewhat to bring across their point, and Facing the Giants is no different. If you are able to suspend reality, and accept the storyline, then Giants effectively teaches the power of God to overcome any struggles we may face and conquer the "giants" in our lives.

Every thread of the storyline reinforces this point. (Spoiler Warning) The coach's car is falling apart and an anonymous donor gives him a new Ford F-150 pickup truck. The coach also receives a $6,000 a year raise when the teams starts winning. The commitment of the coach and the football team leads to a revival on campus in which one of the team members becomes a Christian and is reconciled to his father. The coach, with God's help, is able to turn the football team around and save his job. The coach and his wife, struggling with issues of infertility, are able to get pregnant, not once but twice. The football team, defeated in the first round of the playoffs and facing elimination, are reinstated in the playoffs because the team that beat them is disqualified for playing two inelgible players. The football team then goes on to face the Giants, four time state champs who are bigger, stronger, faster, and better coached. The game comes down to a field goal attempt in which the undersized, less than confident, second string kicker named (you guessed it) David must kick a fifty-one yard field goal to win the game with two seconds left on the clock.

Now, let me say loud and clear that I absolutely and completely agree with the basic premise of the movie that nothing is impossible with God. I can affirm in my own life that God has done some things that I thought were absolutely impossible. However, I think the movie overstates its case. Literally everything in the movie works out for the best. And that is not how life often works. God can do the impossible, but he is also sovereign, and sometimes his purpose and plan for our lives means that we will face difficulties that won't always easily be wrapped up.

I would have enjoyed the movie more if it had shown the reverse side of this coin. Had the coach and his wife continued to praise God without getting a child, had the team not went on to the state championship, had some tragedy struck the football team, I would have more readily accepted the movie as a reflection of real life. The coach and players continually say, "We praise God when we win, and we praise God when we lose." The full force of the movie and its impact as a whole would have been greater to me if there had been a realistic representation of the latter part of that statement.

As it now stands, the film could be construed as reinforcing a health and prosperity gospel, that if you love God and have enough faith and serve him, everything will always turn out perfect. That is why I offer a caution in viewing the film. It is a great movie for Christian families, so long as you understand that it does not represent the whole story. Be sure to talk to each other about the reality of the Christian life. Remember, being faithful to God's call for his life led Jesus to a cross and countless other believers to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Beyond that, the movie also gets preachy at times. I completely support the idea of realistically depicting the lives of people of faith in film. I think realistic people of faith are sadly absent from television and movies. I think it is awesome that a church (the movie was produced, written, directed and cast by members of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA) would step out in faith to produce a movie as a means of conveying the Christian message. However, the dialogue in the movie often sounded like it came directly from the pastor's sermon for the week. People of genuine faith and conviction and character usually talk about their faith without using phrases that sound, well, like a sermon.

I would also caution against trying to use the movie as an evangelistic tool. Although, it gives a clear statement of the value of faith in God, it is a little too over the top for the average unbeliever. If you have someone who is very receptive to the gospel and very close to crossing the line of faith, then the movie could be an effective tool. But for the average spiritual seeker, I would advise using some other tools. For one, the quality of the movie might be a distraction to your friend. If they are quickly turned off because of the quality of the movie, you may have lost the opportunity for further conversations. I would recommend movies with spiritual themes that can serve as conversation starters with your friends (movies like The Chronicles of Narnia, The Green Mile, Saving Private Ryan, or Harry Potter).

In summary, I enjoyed Giants and will share it with my family and Christian friends, while recognizing that while trying to communicate its message, it leaves unsaid some important aspects of facing the giants in our lives with faith in God. Enjoy the movie, but we aware of its shortcomings and be careful about trying to use it to win people to faith.

Now, That's How to Get Out of Church

Check out this article about a woman in Florida who faked her own death because she was getting too close to other members of the choir in her church.
How many people in churches do the same thing without actually having the funeral service?

Restaurant Review

Friday night, I took LaRissa out for our Valentine's getaway. We went to Addison, TX, and ate at the Avanti Euro Bistro. Avanti is located in Addison Circle, a large apartment development in Addison made to look like an old, large city, bricktown type neighborhood. The lower levels of the apartment complexes are shops and restaurants. It was a really cool environment.
Avanti is a Euro/Mediterranean style restaurant. The decor is modern, with nods to Mediterranean stylings. (LaRissa said she new we were in a unique restaurant when the big screen television in the bar was on the fashion channel instead of sports.) There is a live band that is supposed to play each evening, but they were not playing while we were there. Our dining was relatively private, the lighting was subdued, and overall made for a romantic atmosphere.
We started the evening with warm bread and olive oil and an appetizer of stuffed portabello mushrooms covered in a hollandaise sauce. The portabellos were topped with smaller mushrooms, tomatoes, and lump crab meat. They were wonderful.
For our entrees, we went two different directions. I am the more adventuresome diner. I would rather try something different and risk the danger of getting something gross for the possible opportunity at trying something incredible, while LaRissa would rather play it safe and stick with something she knows is good. I had the Long Island Duck Confit, strips of roasted duck breast, covered in a Grand Marnier orange sauce and served over a bed of long grain and wild rice with a side of steamed vegetables. The orange sauce was sweet and tangy, and the duck had a nice, firm texture.
LaRissa got the Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp with Lump Crabmeat. The shrimp were huge and wonderful. Of the two meals, LaRissa's was probably the better, but I'm glad I tried something different.
We finished the evening with rich, bold coffee and the creme brulee. It was good, but something of a disappointment (vanilla pudding with a carmelized top).
Oh well, pretty hoity toity fare for a boy from Arkansas who is content with beans and taters. It was a wonderful evening and scored major points with my wife. I have learned that going all out for Valentine's Day is an investment that is well worth it in a marriage.

Brick's Condition

I haven't blogged in a while because I have been pretty focused on Brick's condition. Not much new to report there. His condition continues to worsen slightly each day. He now cannot hear at all and is sleeping pretty much around the clock. He also cannot see very well and cannot speak clearly. So, during his last days, his communication with others is pretty limited. Because Brick cannot really interact with others, it would be great if you would pray for him to have an awesome sense of God's presence right now and that he would be able to spend time worshiping God. Also pray for God to give him grace and mercy for the time he has left.

The End of the Journey

This picture hangs on the wall of my office. It is a picture of a through-hiker who has come to Mount Katadhin, Maine, the end of the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail. The title of the photo is "The End of the Journey."

I looked at the picture last night as I was on my way out the door to go visit my friend Brick in the hospital. Brick is going home today. His cancer has advanced to the point that his doctors advise against doing any further radiation treatment. So, Brick is home to spend whatever time he has left with his wife and daughters. He has just about come to the end of the journey. He has walked the trail well, and I am pleased to be one of the ones who comes behind him.

Brick continues to amaze me as he handles himself with grace and faith. Although he can barely see or hear and has difficulty speaking, he continues to show incredible concern for others and leaves everyone who sees him amazed at his love for them.

I do not like having to let go of Brick. He has been an awesome friend and example. Brick is coming to the end of the journey, but there is something more incredible awaiting him.

Pray for Brick

My friend, Brick James, was admitted to the hospital last night with complications related to his ongoing battle with cancer. He is now having difficulty seeing, hearing, eating, and walking. The cancer is advancing very rapidly at this point. Please continue to be in prayer for Brick and his wife and two daughters at this time.

Christian vs. Christ-follower, Part 4

Last one. Still really funny.

Jack Bauer is my hero!

This is seriously good television. Does anyone else find themselves asking WWJBD (What would Jack Bauer do)?

If you haven't gotten addicted yet and you can handle a serious adrenaline rush, check out 24. My wife and I rented the first season DVD about six months ago. We are now watching last season. This is about as fast a pace as you can handle in a TV show. Kiefer Sutherland plays agent Jack Bauere, a counter-terrorist agent in Los Angeles. Each season Jack is confronted with a terrorist plot to do some serious damage to the United States and has just 24 hours to save the world. There are twenty-four episodes in each season, so the entire season represents a real-time account of a single day in Jack's life. It is a very cool way to watch a show.

It is well-written and smart. Just a warning, though. Every episode leaves you at the edge of your seat, wanting more. The only negative I have about the show is that you have to suspend reality somewhat to believe all the stuff that happens to this one guy, but what TV show doesn't ask us to do that.

Jack Bauer is my hero!

Post-millenialism and a New World

One of the things that has gotten me thinking about heaven in the real world was a recent request by one of our women's small groups. The women are currently going through a bible study on the book of Daniel, a tough task for a lot of believers. As they have gone through the study, they have naturally come up with a lot of questions, so they have asked me to come and do a "Stump the Pastor" night with them so they can pick my brain.

In preparation for this question and answer time, I just began thinking through various issues of eschatology to begin to formulate some answers. I got to thinking about the four major approaches to eschatology (postmillenialism, historic premillenialism, dispensational premillenialism, and amillenialism) and was about to fly past posmillenialism.

Postmillenialism was perhaps the predominant viewpoint within the church for at least its first thousand years. Postmillenialism teaches that the world will get increasingly better through the efforts of Christians and the expanding of the gospel to the ends of the earth. As a result, the church will usher in a period of peace and the coming of God's kingdom that will last for a thousand years. At the end of that time, Christ will return to earth. The death nell for this millenial perspective came in the form of the horrors of the 20th century: WWI and WWII, the holocaust, the dropping of the atomic bomb, the cold war. It appeared that humanity was not getting better.

So, postmillenialists are a rare breed these days. But I got to thinking about the positive aspect of the postmillenialist perspective. You see, postmillenialists have a very positive outlook on life and the world and the ability of the church to make a difference in the world. They see the world as entirely redeemable. They hold out the possibility that we can impact culture for the good. I'm not yet a postmillenialist, but I am gaining a greater love for that kind of outlook in life.

Christian vs. Christ-follower, Part 3

Another funny one. This one is along the lines of what I have been talking about as far as seeing the holiness of everything.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

A couple of weeks ago, as we ate lunch after church, I asked Katie, my middle daughter, what she had learned in Kids' Own Worship (our children's church program for K-2nd grade). She quickly responded, "Jesus doesn't make sense."

I was a little concerned that maybe she had missed the point or that our curriculum was getting a little off track, so I probed a little more. What I found out was that she really meant "Jesus never sinned." But the more I thought about what she said, the more I realized she had stumbled onto a genuine truth of being a Christ-follower. Jesus doesn't always make sense. Jesus sometimes ask us to do things that aren't rational or safe or easy. Jesus sometimes does things in our lives that are difficult to accept or to understand. The teachings of Jesus often confront and challenging our conventional ways of thinking.

Jesus really doesn't always make sense. But the times that he doesn't make sense are often the times that he is growing me the most. The more I follow him, the more I discover, like Aslan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, that he isn't a tame lion and he isn't safe, but he's good.

Another indication that I'm aging and a parent

I was painting in our kitchen this Saturday while the kids watched cartoons and heard a commercial for Trix cereal. The commercial was all about how Trix now had a "new" shape. They are now round instead of fruit-shaped. I learned three things from this commercial: 1. I am now getting old enough that I remember that this is really a retro-version of Trix. Round was their original shape. 2. I really see a lot of children's programming since I am a father of four. 3. I am a total dork that I care what shape Trix comes in.

Related Blog on "The Holiness of Everything"

Check out Michael McMinn's post "Escape from the Christian Ghetto" for a great blog on how Christians are creating their own counter-culture that often isolates us from the rest of the world.