The Death (and Life) of Jesus Continues to Make Headlines

Last updated on: December 6, 2017 at 8:15 am by Dillon Burroughs

The Death (and Life) of Jesus Continues to Make Headlines 2017-12-05T15:05:48-05:00 Dillon Burroughs

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Many news outlets have reported over the past week regarding scientific tests conducted at the traditional tomb of Jesus. National Geographic reported construction materials from the tomb date to the Roman era. Further, limestone tested at the site reveals remnants of a tomb from 1,700 years ago.

This limestone dates to the fourth century, a time when Romans enshrined this area in reverence of the site as the traditional location of the tomb of Jesus. What does this information mean?

First, it shows the location of the tomb of Jesus fits the time and location noted in the New Testament accounts. The Gospel writers mention a rock tomb with a stone rolled in front of it outside of the old city of Jerusalem.

Second, the evidence points to Christians commemorating this location at a very early time period. Before the New Testament circulated regularly as 27 books, the location of the tomb of Jesus had long been known and visited by his followers.

Third, this finding confirms something often overlooked in Christian history. Location was often considered of tremendous value to early believers in Jesus. Even if a person was not functionally literate, those who understood the importance of where Jesus was buried often invested time to visit the location.

Fourth, the biblical story and history are inseparable. Unlike some religious traditions, Christianity is based on historical people and events confirmed through a wide variety of archaeological and historical sources. While Christians believe “by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9), we also base our faith on facts.

In a cultural context when spiritual beliefs are often based on feelings, it is helpful to remember the Christian faith is based on facts rather than fake news. There may be a variety of interpretations regarding the Christian tradition. However, Christianity affirms Jesus was the one who both rested as a dead man in a tomb and lived to tell about it.

This story began in Bethlehem, the location we celebrate at this time of year as Christmas. Yet this story is more than a story. It is history, living history, that remains revered today.

+++

Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and blogs about his experiences of handwriting the Bible at the Holy Writ Project on Patheos.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook or Twitter.

handwrite the entire bible

handwritten bible

Handwritten copies of the Bible

church of the nativity

handwritten bible

Previous Post

December 4, 2017

What Is It Like to Write Out the Bible by Hand?

Next Post

December 8, 2017 Jerusalem: Top Headline in Scripture and Today's News

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category handwrite the entire bible handwritten bible Handwritten copies of the Bible transcribe the bible

Select a Month July 2018 April 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was promised descendants as numerous as the stars?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Abraham Jacob David Moses