Biblical Archaeology: Why Do We Search?
Posted: Wednesday, February 04, 2009
by Jennifer Cuddy
I've noticed a sort of pattern emerging in my spiritual journey that I can only refer to as a "growing pains." Whereas I once was fully engulfed in reading the Bible rather innocently, pleasantly and enormously enthusiastically, I have recently taken a brief turn from the actual source ( the Bible ), and have started reading books on Theology, spiritual warfare, and watching documentaries on Biblical Archaeology. To my chagrin, the latter imposed a queer sort of stumbling block, though not one that disproves my new found faith per say, but does challenge my literalistic mind frolicking in my own ethnocentric sense of Biblical interpretation. Oddly enough, I had never thought of myself as a literalist before. Quite the contrary.
For millenia people have been searching for various Biblical landmarks and/or holy objects to validate the Bible. The most recent documentary I've seen called " Exodus Decoded " searches not only for the real Mt Sinai, but also gives a fascinating scientific explanation for the ten plagues of Egypt along with evidence of the Ark of the Covenant's actual existence. Graham Hancock's research outlined in his book " The Sign and the Seal " has convinced me without a doubt that the Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia. And in the newly released biography of the Russian princess, Anastasia, there is mentioned a successful Royal search for Noah's Ark found on Mt Ararat. Even Jimmy Carter claims to have witnessed this object while flying over Mt Ararat to meet with the Shaw of Iran in the 1980's. The list could go on and on as far as excavations go: to the Lost Tomb of Jesus, his site of crucifixion, the Shroud of Tiran, etc.. And to make these matters all the more difficult, the political unrest in the Middle East makes attempted quests nearly impossible, if not deliberately thwarted due to National Security threats in these areas. Also, because there is so much folklore in nearly every place that hints to an actual undiscovered site of "the real Mt Sinai," that these Bedouin legends can give one a false sense of assurance. For example: all of the three documentaries I have seen thus far have Bedouin traditions that stake claims to "Jebel Musa" aka Mt Sinai. Obviously, only one can be correct, if any one of them at all.
Yet, one thing that I have noticed in some of the mission statements of the explorers' is that some seem to be looking for proof to justify faith, rather than to search as an act of worship and devotion. I doubt that God would reveal his mysteries to those who look for evidence as a prerequisite to believe. And if you believe, why must you search? Or is it " because I believe, I search." Unless you are searching for the sake of your own glory, you would have to have some element of belief to embark on such a quest. However, sometimes these searches can only prove to be very confusing to a believer. Sometimes, the very discussion can be controversial in certain circles or denominations or even between rivaling religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Sometimes these searches can actually unite all three religions in some very unsuspecting and uncomfortable ways. It is because of this that I refer to this path in my journey as "growing pains." It isn't easy to be shown events in the Bible from various perspectives and it is the ultimate paradox. I can't even begin to imagine the tension that must reside in these areas.
Despite archaeological findings, we will never to be able to prove that it was God who instructed Moses to make the Ark of the Covenant, nor that God's will parted the Red Sea ( or as some might say, the sea of Reeds which is a sweet water lake, in fact ) even if we were to prove that all ten plagues did occur as the story of Exodus describes. And this is the element that we call faith. I do not have to see the Ark of the Covenant to know that it was God who inscribed his ten commandments on stone tablets to give to Moses. I do not have to climb Mt Ararat to believe the stories of those who have seen Noah's Ark on that mountain. I do not have to see the real tomb of Jesus to know that he resurrected from it because I believe it in my heart to be true. I believe it all because it is the only thing that ironically makes sense to me in this earthly world where we reside. And in the end, faith is the only thing that will truly matter. It is by far and away more fulfilling to believe in such a beautiful story than not to believe. I don't know why people would choose to live such a life of death as not to believe in this God, in this story, and in this that gives all the world hope, alas!
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)Hi Jennifer, well done and well put. I think I love "because I believe, I search", the best. It says it all. And I have to laugh, you have seen more documentaries about the bible in the last few months than I have seen in years! You are a student by nature and it is having its benefits as you grow in understanding of God's word and our Lord Jesus Christ. Now I am curious to see these documentaries :-)Yes, I think it is important for Westerner's to explore the cultures that give faces to the stories more vividly. For us it can be slightly challenging to do so, but it is worthwhile to grow in our understanding this way. Thanks for reading, as always. I apologize to all for being such an absentee commenter, but I am so involved in study that it literally takes all of my free time.Talk to you soon,Jennifer
Ji Jennifer,You are doing great. I agree with Teresa, you have read more of those books recently than I probably ever have. I don't know just what drives those archaeologists to spend their lives in this type work either. But really, I'm thankful they do it. There have been many instances where certain passages of scripture have come into question due to lack of evidence. Only those fellows finally have come up with positive proof of such an existence, etc.It not only strengthens my faith but may, under certain circumstances, persuade the skeptic or unbeliever.I have only one word of caution, be careful that you weigh everthing agains what is said in holy scripture. That is the only infallible source we have. God bless your efforts.Hi Joel!I am so pleased that you have come by and commented. It also strengthens my faith when discoveries are found, and yet, it is true what you say to be cautious of claims if they are not aligned with scripture. I think the whole "DaVinci Code phenomenom" is a good example of this.For me, I would most love to journey to Ethiopia, as if the ark truly is there, then this would be the closest anyone might come to literally be in God's presence. I would love to see how this effects the people there who guard it, learn their folklore that associates the ark's journey to that place, and of course, pilgrimage as an act of devotion. I would love to study the history of this tribe with its ancient Jewish traditions, descendants of Sheba, etc.. It makes perfect sense to me that this is exactly where it had been hidden for all eternity; perfectly hidden and protected from the modern world.Btw..I do very much miss your blog.Jennifer
This article captures so many of my internal conflicts. Coming from Africa and knowing what European Christians have done to indiginous peoples often makes me wonder. Keep the faith, though.Are you talking about apartheid in South Africa or generalised colonialism? Missionaries?
Yes, Jennifer, that's why it's called faith. I don't think God is going to make it possible to prove the Bible true in physical terms -- at least not during this life. He wants us to place our faith in Him instead of trying to figure everything out ourselves.No, neither do I. And this is my point. God can find us, but we can not find God.Imagine if you did find the real Noah's Ark or stand upon the real Mt Sinai..Would you expect to see beams of light or loud bursts of thunder? Maybe you would, but what if you didn't? How would that effect you? Are we hoping to in some way speak to God as the ancients once had?Thanks for coming by!
Hi, Jennifer - Have you read Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones' work? He used only the Bible, I'm told, as his source of truth. Like you, I enjoy some of the films, etc., and learning is exciting. Yet the truth is in that one source. It remains a mystery how it is that as God speaks to us there, our spirit becomes open to His, for the revelation to us of the living Christ.
A doctor, Lloyd-Jones became a preacher well known in UK, his home, and beyond. You might enjoy his trilogy books on Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.God bless you!Thank you, I will look him up. If you've never heard of him, N.T. Wright is also a fantastic writer. He is the Anglican Bishop of Durham, England. His books give a very fresh perspective on Christ's redemptive power, and within the whole sweep of the Bible, He is the climax and God's "putting the world to rights." Read his book" Simply Christian." He is the C.S.Lewis of the post modern era!
I find it encouraging when archaeologists make a discovery that authenticates the Bible story, but to depend on these discoveries for our Christian growth, shows a lack of faith. When the Bible says, "In the beginning God", it did not expect us to have to prove His existence; He just is.Concerning the Ark Of The Covenant, I have read many articles claiming that it is located in a tunnel deep within the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, but because the mount is now controlled by the Islamic faith, no one has been given permission to search for it. Who knows what story is correct!
Totally appreciate this article - God wants us to use the brains he gave us and have a depth of relationship with him and DIG.... Marijo (Mary Jo - my dad was a creative speller)
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