Family Tomb of Jesus

Via my radio show ive been getting a lot of requests for info on a book and discovery channel documentary produced by James Cameron (Titanic) about the Family Tomb of Jesus by Jacobvici and Pellegrino. Book-wise, its decent. Somewhat of a DaVinci code and Indiana Jones cross-over, but not exactly Grisham or a page turner like DVC.

What is it:

In 1980 a tomb was unearthed in Jerusalem that was marked by a chevron on the outside of the tomb. Actually some little boys discovered it, one of which whose mother, Rivka Maoz, happened to be studying archaeology in order to become a tour guide. She sees some little boys playing soccer with skulls and upon further investigation discovers 10 named ossuaries. She then proceeds to notify the Israeli Anitiquities Authority.

Based on the following they conclude that this is the family tomb of Jesus of Nazareth:

(80 stands for the yr the tomb was discovered and the 500 system is to i.d. the different tombs.)

80/505 Maria, a Latin version of Miriam. In Hebrew "Mary". A Joseph was buried next to her.
80/503 “Yeshua bar Yosef” Jesus son of Joseph. In Aramaic.
80/501 Hebrew "Yehuda bar Yeshua” Judah son of Jesus
80/506 had a cross or an “x” and was illegible
80/504 had “Yose” Jose in English. The archaeologists presume this is “ Joseph”.
80/500 Another Mary but in Greek. Presumes it to be the crypt of Mary Magdalene.

A cursory glance would intrigue most anyone. Yes, this sounds like an amazing coincidence...but read on:

1. Remember, in general postmoderns:
-don’t know history
-don’t know their Bibles
-love conspiracy theories
-love Jeus but have Christophobia

I know that sounds a little on the harsh side, but lets be real - it is what it is.


2. Three different languages are used in this tomb- Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek. This may suggest that it was actually a multi-generational tomb. And a little unlikely that they wouldve used Greek for something so personal and private.



3. In Mark 6:3, four of the brothers of Jesus are mentioned by name: James, Joses, Judas, and Simon. Jesus wouldve been approximately 30 when this incident (mk. 6:1-6) happened in Nazareth. It is referenced by the townspeople that he had sisters (at least 2), but there is no referene ever to Jesus having a brother named Matthew. Mark was written no later than 65AD, possibly earlier. Still no reference of a brother named Matthew. 


4. If Jesus had had a son, he wouldve easily been the 2nd most popular guy in all of history and what have we heard and know of him? Nothing.


5. Mary Magdalene was never referred to as Mariamene as the authors suggest. The correct reading of the inscription is “Mariame and Mara.”



6. Symbols. The ornamental chevron on the outside of the tomb would not have reminded anyone at the time of a crown of thorns or of even necessarily of royalty, etc. In fact, it may not even necessarily be a chevron. The symbol that was being used by Christians at the time was the fish, not a cross or chevron. BTW, the crosses would not really emerge as a symbol of Christianity until the time of Constantine (4th c).


7. Joseph is never referenced in the adult years of Jesus and going back to Mark 6, Jesus is referenced as the "son of Mary" and as the carpenter. I believe this is because Joseph has passed away. 2ndly I believe Joseph wouldve been buried in Nazareth.


8. Who is James Cameron?
Biblical archaeolgist? Biblical scholar? Ph.D in Ancient Near East Studies?
None of the above. The dude's a movie producer.

p.s. the ship sank, sorry, but get over it.