The Archaeology of the Jesus Tomb

When I was in college a frustrated roommate snapped at me, “You are cynical about everything but Jesus!” I’ve always taken that as a compliment. No wonder I rolled my eyes when I saw the commercial for the new “documentary” The Jesus Tomb.

After watching it last night, I think Newsweek summarized it best in an article they published last week. The article sums up the case for the Jesus Tomb in four arguments.

1. “recent Biblical scholarship argues that Mary Magdalene’s real name was Mariamene”
2. “DNA tests show that microscopic human remians scaped from the Jesus box and the Maramene boz are not related, at least not matrilineally, leaving open the two humans whose bones were once in those boxes were married.”
3. “The patina on the Talipot [Jesus' tomb] ossuaries… matches that of the James box.”
4. A statistical argument saying that it is too great of a cooincidence to find all these names (surrounding the story of Jesus) to not be the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth.

Does this make this diffinitive proof that they found Jesus’ tomb and he did not rise from the dead? No.

Penn (without Teller) and the Gideon

What a humbling confessional from Penn on what it’s like to be “prostletized.” It reminds me of the genuine love that could be behind my sharing of the Gospel.
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Are you looking for a sign?

For those who are looking for a sign from God before they believe him here’s a story from Yahoo! Odd News. A couple friends were flying their microlights in New Zealand when their plane ran out of fuel. Knowing that most people who crash in this type of aircraft die one friend told the other that the only thing they could do to survive is pray- presumably sarcastically.

Desperate the pilot prayed and they miraculously landed on a small grassy area beside a 20-foot high sign that read: “Jesus Is Lord– The Bible.”

Vatican scientist says belief in God and aliens is OK

I’m still not quite so sure what I think about this (or how I can fit this into the topics of my blog), but Yahoo! Odd News published an article where the Vatican approved believing in God as well as believing in aliens.

As a limited sci-fi fan (Star Wars and some Star Trek TNG) I have often thought about what the theological implications might be of the discovery of intelligent aliens creatures (somehow I am able to rationalize around non-intelligent life). Some say that CS Lewis has addressed this issue in his Space Trilogy but (only having read the first book) I think he is using sci-fi to prove his theological point with an allegory.

The Reason for God: A Review

Thanks to Cameron Olson, the first book I’ve received for review was a good one- The Reason for God by Tim Keller. For years I’ve been searching for a good book to give people who are searching for Christ that doesn’t oversimplify the issues or attack strawmen. I think he deals comprehensively with modern criticisms of Christ and the church as well as build an excellent case for believing in them.

Do Christians Spy?

Thursday night, on the Celebrity Apprentice, we saw a clear interaction between Christ and culture. In fact, of all the Apprentice episodes I’ve seen never has Christ been mentioned more without being a pejorative.

Stephen Baldwin, put in the difficult position of representing Christians, found himself in an ethical quandary succinctly stated by Trump himself: “Do Christians Spy?” You see, depending upon your perspective, Baldwin was involved in either a controversial strategic move or a joke gone bad when one of his teammates was sent to “rat” on the opposition.

Schaeffer on Art

In continuing my review of Francis Schaeffer’s book, How Should We Then Live?, I need to comment on his philosophy of art. What does this have to do with this blog? Because if one’s worldview is reflected in their creative output, as Schaeffer theorizes, then we can look at art to see their worldview. Understanding one’s worldview is the first step in apologetics.

Stop Complaining!

On the Today show I recently watched a segment about a group of people trying to help people stop complaining. Their website explains why they want to do this:

Your thoughts create your world and your words indicate your thoughts. When you eliminate complaining from your life will you enjoy happier relationships, better health and greater prosperity. This simple program helps you set a trap for your own negativity and redirect your mind towards a more positive and rewarding life.

I have to agree that I would also like to see the world freed from complaining. I agree that it would be a better place without it. At risk of seeming like I am complaining myself, while their goal is admirable their means are fruitless.

The Golden Compass

I am already getting a ton of questions about the new movie, The Golden Compass. People are telling me that it is anti-Christian and should be avoided (and even protested). Since this topic is starting to boil over, I have to take a break in my series on the Heidelberg Disputations to talk about this movie.

How to insult God with good deeds- the Heidelberg Disputations (3 of 28)

The third of Luther’s Heidelberg Disputations says:

Although the works of man always appear attractive and good, they are nevertheless likely to be mortal sins.

This is a shocking statement. Even though I know I agree with Luther’s reasons and conclusions on this matter I have to pause when I read this statement- do I really believe that? What this would mean is that someone like Mother Teressa, who spend her whole life serving the poorest and weakest people on our planet, might have worked hard to insult God.