Category Archives: Misuses of biblical archaeology

Ancient papyrus: Was Jesus Married? Don’t overlook this perspective…

Posted on September 19, 2012 by

Harvard professor Karen King is publishing her findings on an ancient papyrus that mentions Jesus’ “wife.” What to think? Here are four items that should shape our perspective. a) According to the New York Times article, “the provenance of the papyrus fragment … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible comments, Egypt, Inscriptions and Manuscripts, Jesus, Misuses of biblical archaeology, New Discoveries | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Latest Jesus-related Tomb

Posted on February 29, 2012 by

It’s happened again. The same individuals who brought us the highly problematic Jesus Tomb a few years ago have returned with another tomb. This one has an inscription and a picture of (allegedly) Jonah’s fish. Jonah was sometimes used by early … Continue reading →

Posted in Inscriptions and Manuscripts, Jerusalem, Misuses of biblical archaeology, New Discoveries | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Archaeology Interview on the “Christian Humanist” Podcast

Posted on June 18, 2011 by

I recently enjoyed an interesting and occasionally-humorous interview on archaeology and the Bible with the Christian Humanist podcast. We discussed ancient Israel, biblical chronology, Khirbet Qeiyafa, Indiana Jones (you can’t really get away from him) and a good bit more.  Towards … Continue reading →

Posted in Misuses of biblical archaeology, Biblical Archaeology, Tech & Resources, General Archaeology, Khirbet Qeiyafa, Speaking engagements | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Biblical Archaeology Bits for Mid-June

Posted on June 15, 2011 by

For those of you interested in biblical archaeology, here are few things to whet your appetite. – “Why Biblical Scholars Should Participate in at Least One Dig”  This is a nice article by John Byron, a Biblical Studies Professor. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Archaeology, Links to interesting stuff, Misuses of biblical archaeology | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Evidence that Lead Codices (Books) May Be Fake

Posted on April 1, 2011 by

Jim Davila at PaleoJudaica received an email from a colleague that sheds remarkable light on the “discovery” of the ancient Christian-linked lead books. In a nutshell, David Elkington (the same guy who’s hawking the lead codices) requested translation help last … Continue reading →

Posted in Jordan, Misuses of biblical archaeology | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Have You Heard About Those 2,000 year-old Lead Books?

Posted on March 31, 2011 by

* 2,000- year-old books/codices made of lead, each page no bigger than a credit card. * Text is partially in code and contains early Christian symbols, including a depiction of Jerusalem with a cross outside the walls. * Jordanian government … Continue reading →

Posted in Jordan, Misuses of biblical archaeology | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Noah’s Boat Found? Or just an “Ark-eology” Discovery?

Posted on April 29, 2010 by

Some major news outlets have been running a story that a Hong Kong-based Chinese team has found Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat. Unlike most other Noah’s Ark “discoveries”, this one is accompanied by photos and video. Todd Bolen posted on … Continue reading →

Posted in Misuses of biblical archaeology, Short videos | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Mazar Re-excavates Old Wall, Announces New Dating

Posted on February 23, 2010 by

More on that recent wall announcement in Jerusalem: Many news organizations have reported Mazar’s interpretation of the evidence without exercising caution. It might be 10th century and ‘Solomonic’ but these conclusions have not yet been published for review. If the … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Archaeology, Jerusalem, Misuses of biblical archaeology | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Have Coins from Joseph’s Time Really Been Found in Egypt?

Posted on September 26, 2009 by

Several readers may have seen or heard about a recent report that coins from Joseph’s time have been found in Egypt. A couple of news agencies have picked it up. I’ve even seen individuals posting about it on Facebook. There … Continue reading →

Posted in Egypt, General Archaeology, Misuses of biblical archaeology | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Surprise Visitor on Our Final Day at the Site

Posted on August 7, 2009 by

Thursday morning, August 5th: Some volunteers were cleaning the site for photography, while others (including myself) were erecting fences around the excavated areas. I looked up at a random moment and recognized Israel Finkelstein walking toward the gate area where … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Archaeology, General Archaeology, Israel, Misuses of biblical archaeology | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments