In a article posted on October 29, Taranis lameneted about scientific proof of the existence of Jesus. Now that some times has past, more information has come forth. Some regarded the mortuary box bearing the Aramaic inscription, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus” as proof. Others saw it as forgery. The controversy still goes on strong as science tries to decide if this stone box may have held the bones of James, brother of Jesus, who was stoned to death in A.D. 62.
Andre Lemaire, writer for the Biblical Archaeology Review, says that this box is likely the real deal. However, Lemaire did calculate that in ancient Jerusalem the chances of a father by the name of Joseph having two sons named Jesus and James would happen about 20 times over two generations, but that a brother would only be mentioned on a mortuary box if he were of unusual prominence.
Critics assert that differences in lettering style suggest that the phrase “brother of Jesus” was added later, by a second hand. Though there are several leading paleographers, or experts in ancient writing, that say the inscription was done by one person.
Let’s not also forget the belief by many conservative Christians who believe in the sexual virginity of Mary, and you have a full-fledged controversy on your hands.
The real debate is being carried by scientist hungry to prove with evidence, outside the bible, that Jesus existed. There are very few references to Jesus out side the bible. Josephus, the official Jewish historian of the time, describes James as “the brother of Jesus who was called the Christ/Messiah.” But there is even debate over what of Josephus’ works are legitimate. Some of the entries attributed to him have be classified as false as they were found to be added on in the following centuries. For example, the Jewish Josephus would never refer to a person as a messiah. Also, historians have argued that in Josephus’s declaration of Jesus as prophet means little, as many people in that time claimed to be prophets.
Another early and subtle reference to the Jesus is found in a letter written by Mara bar Sarapion, a first-century Syrian stoic imprisoned by the Romans. He wrote to his son, commenting on punishment of the Athenians for killing Socrates and the Samians for burning Pythagoras. He said, “Or what did it avail the Jews to kill their wise king, since their kingdom was taken away from them from that time on?”
But, what I question, is why the seeking of scientific evidence is of such importance outside of normal historical curiosity. To what extent will scientist of Christian faith go to in order to prove the existence of Jesus.
For the most part, that has already been accomplished. The places mentioned in the bible have been found and well documented. Historically, few doubt that a person named Jesus walked the middle-east around year zero.
But no amount of stone boxes, crucifixion nails, or shrouds will prove what they are attempting to prove: that Jesus is the son of God. There is one reason they will always fail on this front - the believe that Jesus is the son of God is a personal matter, not a scientific one.
Even if scientist found the manger, it still does not prove anything other that a baby named Jesus was born there. It does not prove he walked on water, or healed the sick.
Spirituality will always be a personal choice, not one that can be proven beyond any doubt. This should actually comfort Christians (and even Jews for that matter). Why? Because God gives each of us the choice to believe what we wish. If undeniable proof were brought forth, what choice would we have in the matter?
In a lot of matters, people will find the evidence they want to support their stance. It happens in politics all the time. But isn’t the precept of religion the point?
Standing in a Temple, saying Hebrew prayers with my fellow Jews, does not make me a good Jew. Doing good by my fellow man makes me a good Jew. Showing up for Yom Kippur service does not making me a good Jew. Asking for the forgiveness of my transgressions from those I’ve wronged makes me a good Jew.
On the same token, a stone box with some carvings on it does not make Christianity. It does not make Jesus divine. It never will.