Research Articles: Contemporary Issues

Commentary on recent archaeological discoveries, current issues bearing on the historical reliability of Scripture and other relevant news concerning the Bible.

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The Seraiah Assumption and the Decree of Daniel 9:25 4/17/2019 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

In this article we will discuss why the decree of Daniel 9:25 must be identified with one issued by the Persian king Artaxerxes I, known also as Longimanus, in his seventh regnal year...

Setting the Record Straight on the Primeval Chronology of the Septuagint (part 4) 2/20/2019 - by Henry B Smith Jr MA MAR

II. Analysis and Discussion 3. Liber Biblicarum Antiquitatum 4. Augustine’s Renegade Scribe Theory 5. The Anti-Conspiracy Stance III. Conclusions

Setting the Record Straight on the Primeval Chronology of the Septuagint (part 3) 2/20/2019 - by Henry B Smith Jr MA MAR

II. Analysis and Discussion 2. Straw Men and Ad Hominems

Setting the Record Straight on the Primeval Chronology of the Septuagint (part 2) 2/18/2019 - by Henry B Smith Jr MA MAR

II. Analysis and Discussion 1. The Rabbinic Deflation of the MT’s Primeval Chronology

Setting the Record Straight on the Primeval Chronology of the Septuagint (part 1) 2/18/2019 - by Henry B Smith Jr MA MAR

In September of 2018, Lita Cosner and Dr. Robert Carter of Creation Ministries International wrote a critique of two articles I published under the auspices of the Genesis 5 and 11 Research Project.1 Their article, Is the Septuagint a superior text for the Genesis genealogies?”, can be found on the CMI website. I recommend that the reader simultaneously read my exposition and interaction below, along with their online posting.

Pinpointing the Date of Christ's Birth 12/17/2018 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

I have just recently realized that some objective biblical criteria do exist for dating the birth of Christ, and can be used to restrict our options to a very narrow range of possibilities...

When Did Herod the Great Die? Part 2 11/7/2018 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

We now conclude this study of the death date of Herod by looking at a few additional ideas raised by a few commentators against the 4 BC theory...

Digging for Truth-Episode 20: Relating the Bible to Archaeology 11/6/2018 - by Lien Voong

Join Dr. Scott Stripling, Scott Lanser and Henry Smith in a round table discussion about the relationship between archaeology and the Bible. Topics of discussion include: worldview paradigms, a level playing field, and the Bible as an ancient text.

Digging for Truth-Episode 15: Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries of 2017 8/2/2018 - by Bryan Windle

Join co-host Scott Lanser as he interviews special guest Pastor Bryan Windle, as shares the top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2017 related to the Bible.

Digging for Truth-Episode Seven: The Temple Mount 5/7/2018 - by Henry B Smith Jr MA MAR

Dr. Scott Stripling joins the program to discuss the overwhelming evidence for the Temple in Jerusalem from the time of Solomon to the time of Jesus.

Understanding the 2,300 “Evenings and Mornings” of Daniel 8:14 4/30/2018 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

At the 2017 Evangelical Theological Society meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, I had a conversation with a friend about the meaning of the 2,300 “evenings and mornings” mentioned in Daniel 8:14...

Science Meets the Shroud of Turin, Part 1 3/30/2018 - by John Long

It is science that most accounts for the continuing interest in this old linen. Put simply, is what is to be seen on the Shroud the work of a late medieval artist, or could it be directly due to the death and resurrection of Christ? What follows is an introduction to three readily available sources for what modern science has learned about the Shroud of Turin...

How Acts and Galatians Indicate the Date of the Crucifixion 3/26/2018 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

My goal in this paper is to look closely at details in Scripture itself that point to a clear-cut date for the Crucifixion...

How the Passover Illuminates the Date of the Crucifixion 2/28/2018 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

I have found that a close study of the term “Passover” and matters related to it profoundly illustrates how intricately the Lord God has tied together the books of the Bible, where one part far removed from another explains and illuminates an obscure detail elsewhere that is otherwise almost inscrutable...

How Lunar and Solar Eclipses Shed Light on Biblical Events 7/29/2017 - by Rodger C. Young MA

Although there are two to five solar eclipses visible from some place on Earth in any given year, the total solar eclipse predicted for August 21, 2017 has attracted more attention than any eclipse in recent memory...

The Importance of Context in Bible Study 6/29/2017 - by Col. (Ret.) David G. Hansen PhD

During my freshman year of college, a Bible professor said we should put Bible stories into context to find the excitement in them and appreciate their real meaning. I never understood what he meant and was too embarrassed to ask in front of the class...

ABR Researches Jerusalem Tombs for the Shroud of Turin Project 5/30/2017 - by Abigail Leavitt and Scott Stripling

Since AD 1390, the Shroud of Turin has evoked great veneration and great mystery. The blood stain patterns on the Shroud appear to represent the image of a crucifixion victim from antiquity...

Digging for Truth Audio Series: Top Ten Discoveries of 2016 2/25/2017 - by Bryan Windle

What we read in the Bible has a clear historical connection. In Digging for Truth, Bryan Windle reveals archeological evidence for biblical characters and events to help us make links between scripture and history.

What is God’s Perspective on Immigration? 1/28/2017 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

What exactly is “illegal immigration”? At its simplest, it is the movement of people from one area into another, such that this movement violates laws and regulations in place at any given time at the destination...

Geography: Who Cares? 10/27/2016 - by Col. (Ret.) David G. Hansen PhD

For years I told students in the geography classes I used to teach about a true event that illustrated the thesis of this article: i.e., most people are not interested in geography...

Thoughts at Thanksgiving on the Problem of Evil 11/27/2015 - by Kristen Davis

November. The weather has begun to change, the air is cooler, and the whole world seems to let out a sigh of relief as the end of the year approaches and the beginning of the holiday season is upon us. It is the month marked by gratitude, when believers and non-believers alike reach deep into their hearts, and decorate their Facebook pages with a daily "thankful" post as they reflect upon the year.

Does New "Eyewitness" Evidence Point to Noah’s Ark? 10/21/2015 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

The past several days have seen a renewed flurry of interest in Noah's Ark. It began during the week leading up to the National Conference on Christian Apologetics, held from October 16-17 at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Digging Into the Documents and the Attempted Hijacking of Paradise 9/26/2015 - by Paul Ferguson PhD

Traditional liberal scholarship claims that the book of Genesis is a jumble of conflicting, contradictory sources. Genesis 1, they say, was written during the exile in Babylon by priests (ca. 586 BC). Genesis 2 was written sometime around the period of Solomon (ca. 950 BC). Genesis 1 was part of the "P Document" (Priesty Code) that runs through the whole book in various places. Genesis 2 belongs to the "J Document," which also goes through Genesis. It is called J because it prefers the divine name Jahweh (pronounced Yahweh).

Whom Do You Receive? 4/22/2015 - by Henry B Smith Jr MA MAR

I recently wrote an article for our friends at Answers in Genesis about archaeology and the Conquest. One of the subjects I discussed in my article, of course, was the issue of Jericho and Kathleen Kenyon’s conclusions that seemed to undermine the account in Joshua 6.

Science and the Bible: Friends or Foes? 3/23/2015 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

A strong temptation for Christians with advanced training in the sciences is to compromise on the plain sense of the biblical text when faced with apparent conflicts between it and popular scientific views. Some such views are clearly contrary to Scripture, such as Darwin’s theory of evolution, and are promptly rejected by those who value the Bible as God’s revelation. Other views, however, are more subtle in the way they conflict with the Bible, causing some to wonder, “Maybe the ‘plain sense’ of Scripture is not the right sense?”

The Destruction of Antiquities 10/22/2014 - by Scott Stripling DMin

Archaeological sites are in danger around the Ancient Near East. While there are antiquities laws in place throughout the region, they rarely suffice to deter the destruction. Once the crime is committed, the data is irretrievably lost, or at best, it is devalued. The plot of Clive Cussler’s best-selling novel, Crescent Dawn, portrays the conflict between those who want to preserve antiquities and those who want to plunder or destroy them. Sadly, this goes far beyond fictional depictions. There are four main causes of the destruction of antiquities...

Some Ruminations on the Shroud of Turin 7/24/2014 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

Because the Shroud of Turin has received much public attention in the news, on television and on the Internet, it needs little introduction. However, there has not been much truly recent news about the Shroud in the popular media, so I thought it was time to see if anything had slipped under my radar.

Is It Time to Throw Away Your Bible?: The Reliability of Old Testament Texts and Predictive Prophecy 4/4/2014 - by ABR Staff

We presently live in a culture of great skepticism and confusion. Many scholars, scientists, historians and forces within culture believe the Bible is an outdated, irrelevant book, filled with fables, stories, and mythological constructs that are not based on reality. Members of the ABR staff gathered together in a roundtable discussion to talk about some of the criticisms presently being leveled against the Bible. In this 11 part series (on a 2 DVD set), find out why you can trust the Bible.

Preview of the Winter 2014 Issue of Bible and Spade 3/27/2014 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Check out this preview of the latest issue of Bible and Spade, soon to be delivered to our members and subscribers.

The Benefit of the Doubt 3/17/2014 - by Scott Stripling DMin

Recently, archaeological remains were discovered in Jerusalem that affirmed the presence of Hasmoneans in Jerusalem during the second century BC. This was in accord with historical texts, such as the book of 1 Maccabees. In this brief article, Dr. Scott Stripling illustrates how the principle of the "benefit of the doubt" is often applied to some written texts, but with a double standard when it comes to King David and the Bible.

The Date of Camel Domestication in the Ancient Near East 2/17/2014 - by T M Kennedy

Dr. Erez Ben-Yosef and Dr. Lidar Sapir-Hen of Tel Aviv University's Department of Archaeology and Near Eastern Cultures have used radiocarbon dating in an attempt to pinpoint the time when domesticated camels arrived in the southern Levant, pushing the standard estimate from the 12th down to the 10th century BC. The findings, published recently in the journal Tel Aviv, are being used to argue that camels were first used in the mining operations near the end of the 10th century BC. They state that this is the first evidence of domesticated camels in ancient Israel. Such proclamations erroneously extrapolate the findings of the research far beyond what the actual data proves. In reality, there is abundant evidence that the Bible's mention of camels as early as the time of Abraham is contextually and historically accurate. In this article, TM Kennedy demonstrates the accuracy of the biblical texts in their historical setting as it pertains to camels.

Interview on WFIL with Henry Smith 1/27/2014 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Mark Daniels of WFIL in Philadelphia interviews ABR Director of Development, Henry Smith.

Biblical Archaeology in 2013 1/13/2014 - by Brian Janeway PhD (c)

The Meetings of the American Schools of Oriental Research, or ASOR, took place in the city of Baltimore, MD this past November. For those unfamiliar with this organization, it is comprised of archaeologists and scholars who make the “lands of the Bible” the focus of their research and investigations.

Where is Mount Sinai in Arabia (Galatians 4:25)? 12/19/2013 - by Gordon Franz MA

Proponents of the "Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia" thesis continue to appeal to Galatians 4:25 as a supporting argument for their theory. Gordon Franz shows how the first century reader would have understood Paul's geographic reference.

Preview of the Fall 2013 Issue of Bible and Spade 12/12/2013 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Check out this sneak preview of the latest issue of Bible and Spade, soon to be delivered to our members and subscribers.

THEY’RE BAAAAACK!: The American Atheists' Christmas Billboard 2013 12/5/2013 - by Gordon Franz MA

During the Christmas season of 2010 there was a billboard in New Jersey on one of the approaches to the Lincoln Tunnel to New York City. It had three wise men riding their camels in the starlit night toward an open-sided shelter with a gabled thatched roof next to a couple of palm trees; a donkey was tied to the stall, a bright star overhead, and Mary and Joseph watching over the new-born Baby Jesus. Then I saw the words: “You KNOW it’s a Myth. This Season, Celebrate REASON!” It was signed by the American Atheists and said they were “Reasonable since 1963.” Well, they’re baaaack! This Christmas season the same signs have been spotted in Sacramento, California.

A Biblical Model of Human Dignity: Based on the Image of God and the Incarnation 10/23/2013 - by John Roskoski PhD

The foundational source of Human Dignity, the intrinsic worth of a person, has been an issue within Theology and Philosophy for thousands of years. While the concept of a living person having a basic worth is common among societies and cultures, the metaphysical or underlying source of this dignity, or worth, has always been debated.

Report on the “International and Judi Mountain Symposium” – Sirnak, Turkey 10/14/2013 - by Gordon Franz MA

The “International Noah and Judi Mountain” symposium was held in Sirnak, Turkey, under the auspices of Sirnak University. One of the purposes of this conference was to set forth the case for Cudi Dagh, the mountain just to the south of Sirnak, as the landing place of Noah’s Ark in South East Turkey. This mountain is not to be confused with the (late) traditional Mount Ararat, called Agri Dagh, in northeastern Turkey.

Preview of the Summer 2013 Issue of Bible and Spade 9/12/2013 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The Summer 2013 issue of Bible and Spade will soon be delivered to subscribers and members.

Affirming Inerrancy 9/11/2013 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The most foundational doctrine of the Christian faith is the Doctrine of Scripture, for in the pages of Holy Scripture we find the revelation of God concerning Himself and His glorious Son, Jesus Christ. All of Christian doctrine is found in the pages of Scripture, and thus it is our absolute foundation of knowledge and truth. This doctrine continues to be under assault from within the ranks of the Church, and of course, by those outside the faith. It has become fashionable these days for many professing evangelicals to assert that traditional notions of inerrancy are indefensible and outdated. They go to great efforts to impugn the inerrancy of Scripture, but somehow try to logically hold onto the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The ABR staff believes these efforts undermine the very basis and content of the Gospel message. We would like to take this opportunity to affirm our commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture...

Canaanite Child Sacrifice and Abortion: A Powerful DVD 7/30/2013 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Old Testament passages referring to pagan child sacrifice are numerous and dreadful. The Israelites, delivered from the bondage of Egypt by the mighty hand of Yahweh, the Lord of heaven and earth, did not simply engage in idolatry. They were guilty of adopting the ghastly Canaanite practice of child sacrifice.

New Find: Jerusalem's Oldest Hebrew Inscription 7/25/2013 - by Doug Petrovich ThM MA

During the 2012 excavations at the Ophel in Jerusalem, which is located between the Temple Mount and the City of David, Archaeologist Eilat Mazar's team discovered a large building that dates roughly to the early Iron IIA Age (1000-900 BC). One of the large storage jars discovered there was inscribed with writing. Immediate debate ensued as to the significance of this find. ABR Associate Doug Petrovich has closely followed the academic discussion, and provides ABR supporters with the following analysis of this important discovery.

A Fuzzy Theology of Beginnings: Book Review 7/10/2013 - by Robert Cooperman

The following is a review of the book In the Beginning... We Misunderstood, written by Dr. Johnny Miller and Dr. John Soden. This book presents an "Old-Earth Creationist" view of origins, contrary to ISBR's [and ABR’s] "Young-Earth Creationist" view. The word "fuzzy" in the review title applies to the conclusions of the book, not to the facts which the authors cite.

A Biblical Understanding of Personhood Based on Genesis 2:7 6/27/2013 - by John Roskoski PhD

At the core of the issues regarding the decisions to terminate life, whether in the unborn or terminally diagnosed, is the issue of “personhood”. The decisions are often troubling and the overall issue has generated much confusion for caregivers and an array of philosophical positions. A source of this confusion and philosophical debate is the lack of a precise definition of “personhood”. This lack of precision often leads to conflicting arguments and extreme rhetoric from opposing sides and, thereby, deters meaningful dialogue and practical application.

A Preview of the Spring 2013 Issue of Bible and Spade 6/25/2013 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The Spring 2013 issue of Bible and Spade will soon be delivered to subscribers and members...

The Great Isaiah Scroll and the Original Bible: An Interview with Dr. Peter Flint 4/17/2013 - by John D Barry

For over forty years, the Great Isaiah Scroll was under lock and key, deep underground in Jerusalem. In 2008, for the 60th anniversary of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery, the Israel Antiquities Authority displayed the scroll.

The Shroud of Turin's Earlier History: Part Three: The Shroud of Constantinople 3/28/2013 - by John Long

Part 1 of this survey began an admittedly sympathetic summary of Ian Wilson’s theory (updated) that Jesus’ NT burial shroud was quietly preserved from antiquity, but only gradually introduced into Christian traditions as The Holy Image of Edessa. This was a famous cloth on which Jesus supposedly imprinted his face and sent to 1st century King Abgar V in Edessa (modern Urfa in Turkey.

The Shroud of Turin's Earlier History: Part Two: To the Great City 3/20/2013 - by John Long

The Shroud of Turin's Earlier History is a four part review of the historical evidence for the Shroud of Turin from the 1st century to the beginning of the 15th. In Part 1 a mysterious picture slowly emerges from antiquity as a cloth on which Jesus supposedly imprints his face and sends to a king in the northern Mesopotamian city of Edessa. But during the 8th through 10th centuries additional evidence suggests that this is a large, folded cloth depicting Christ's full, bloodied body.

Refuting Contemporary Attacks on the Resurrection: Part One with Gordon Franz 3/19/2013 - by Gordon Franz MA

Part One of Gordon Franz's discussion refuting many of the popular and contemporary attacks on the Resurrection of Jesus.

The Shroud of Turin's Earlier History: Part One: To Edessa 3/14/2013 - by John Long

If Biblical Archaeology is defined loosely as “the study of the ancient things related to the Bible,” then surely the sindon, linen used to wrap Jesus’ body in death, has to be of interest. Most informed Christians now know that there is a serious candidate, the Shroud of Turin.

Jericho on the History Channel Special "The Bible" 3/7/2013 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

On Sunday March 10, the History Channel will air Part Two of the five-part series, "The Bible". Last week's episode ended with a preview of Joshua and the Israelites planning to attack the Canaanite city of Jericho...

Cornuke's Faulty Computer Model of Paul's Shipwreck on Malta: An Exercise in Digital Guesswork 2/21/2013 - by Gordon Franz MA

This article is dedicated to my Maltese and American friends searching for the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck on Malta. St. Paul’s Day – February 10, 2013

A Preview of the Winter 2013 Issue of Bible and Spade 2/13/2013 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The Winter 2013 issue of Bible and Spade will soon be delivered to subscribers and members.

Review of the "Unsolved Mystery of Noah's Ark" 2/7/2013 - by Gordon Franz and Bill Crouse

Gordon Franz and Bill Crouse provide a review of the recent book, "The Unsolved Mystery of Noah's Ark" by Mary Irwin.

Unmasked Evil From the Modern Day Cult of Molech 2/1/2013 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Before the Israelites were preparing to enter into the land of Canaan, the Lord strongly warned them not to get ensnared in the idolatrous practices of the indigenous Canaanites.

The Crumbling of Creation: The Cause of the Earth’s Decay and God’s Glorious Cure 12/26/2012 - by Todd Beall PhD

Is man the basic cause of all the earth’s problems? Would the planet be better off if man did not exist on it at all? Some environmentalists think so.

Josephus (not Luke) Misdated Quirinius’s Census 12/18/2012 - by Jared M Compton

John Rhoads argues in a recent article that it was Josephus, not Luke, who misdated Quirinius’s census. Jared Compton offers a brief review of Rhoads' thesis.

Take An Online Course: Archaeology and the Bible 12/11/2012 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Associates for Biblical Research and God's Bible School & College (a regionally-accredited college in Cincinnati, Ohio) are teaming up to offer a for-credit college course in Archaeology this Winter/Spring.

A Sneak Preview of the Fall 2012 Issue of Bible and Spade 11/20/2012 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The Fall 2012 issue of Bible and Spade will soon be delivered to subscribers and members.

The Place of Textual Updating in an Inerrant View of Scripture: Part Three 11/1/2012 - by Michael Grisanti PhD

INERRANCY, INSPIRATION AND THE OT CANON: THE PLACE OF TEXTUAL UPDATING IN AN INERRANT VIEW OF SCRIPTURE. In part one of this article, Dr. Grisanti spelled out some of the foundational definitions and conceptions of inspiration and canonicity. In part two, the discussion turned to some potential examples of inspired textual updating. Part three engages with potential objections to Dr. Grisanti's thesis.

The Place of Textual Updating in an Inerrant View of Scripture: Part Two 10/24/2012 - by Michael Grisanti PhD

In part one of this article, Dr. Grisanti spelled out some of the foundational definitions and conceptions of inspiration and canonicity. In part two, the discussion turns to some potential examples of inspired textual updating.

The Place of Textual Updating in an Inerrant View of Scripture: Part One 10/22/2012 - by Michael Grisanti PhD

INERRANCY, INSPIRATION AND THE OT CANON: THE PLACE OF TEXTUAL UPDATING IN AN INERRANT VIEW OF SCRIPTURE. For good reason, there are often strong emotions attached to the issues of inspiration, inerrancy, the autographa, and the canon. This article does not seek to overturn a conservative or evangelical understanding of the biblical doctrine of inspiration and inerrancy. I wholeheartedly endorse the commonly held evangelical view of both theological concepts and do not question that God superintended the entire process of inscripturation with the result that the OT Scriptures were God-breathed. Those Scriptures are without error, infallible, and fully reliable.

Debunking Ancient Aliens 10/16/2012 - by Michael S Heiser PhD

The assertion that a number of ancient archaeological sites were built by aliens continues to expand and grow. These claims are ultimately based on evolutionary presuppositions concerning the development of man and are often shown to have many inaccuracies.

Revisiting Inerrancy Video Discussion 10/16/2012 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Assaults on the inerrancy of Scripture continue from within the church itself. This video panel discussion, led by Dr. Albert Mohler, delves into this all important subject.

Was An Archaeological Forgery Mistakenly Portrayed As Authentic? 9/26/2012 - by Gordon Franz MA

During the summer of 2007, Bob Cornuke was a keynote speaker at Promise Keepers events. In one of his presentation he announced the discovery of a stone object that had an inscription that he claimed was translated “Yahweh,” the name of the God of the Israelites.

Brief Reflections on the So-Called "Jesus Wife" Fragment 9/24/2012 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

A Harvard study on a papyrus fragment apparently making mention of Jesus and a "wife" was recently published. ABR Director of Development, Henry Smith, writes this brief commentary for ABR supporters and web visitors.

Benedict's Anchor: Was It From the Shipwreck of the Apostle Paul on Malta? 9/13/2012 - by Gordon Franz MA

On Saturday, April 17, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI visited the island of Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. On his stop at the Church of St. Paul’s Grotto in the city of Rabat, he was shown an inscribed lead Roman anchor stock that had been discovered five years earlier off the coast of Malta.

A New Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 8/9/2012 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

A new, free online publication has now become available for Christians interested in more advanced Old Testament study, "The Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament."

Why the Shipwreck of Paul Was Not on the Munxar Reef on Malta 8/7/2012 - by Gordon Franz MA

Reasons Why the Apostle Paul and Dr. Luke Were Not Shipwrecked on the Munxar Reef off Malta...

Going for the Gold: The Apostle Paul and the Isthmian Games 7/16/2012 - by Gordon Franz MA

A sport shoe company ran an advertisement during the 1996 Olympics, with the line, “You do not win the silver medal, you lose the gold!” That line caught the essence of athletic competition. The athlete enters the competition with the goal of winning the event, not losing it.

A Sneak Preview of the Summer 2012 Issue of Bible and Spade 7/10/2012 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The Summer 2012 issue of Bible and Spade will soon be delivered to subscribers and members.

Not So Fast!: "Brother of Jesus" Might Be Authentic, But Not "James, The Son of Joseph" 6/28/2012 - by Gordon Franz MA

After a trial of more than five years with 138 witnesses, more than 400 exhibits and a trial transcript of 12,000 pages, Judge Aharon Farkash of the Jerusalem District Court cleared the defendants of all forgery charges in the case of the James Ossuary. Still, the trial details leave us with concerns about the total authenticity of this artifact. ABR Staff member Gordon Franz interviewed one of the trial witnesses and conservator, Orna Ohen, in 2008.

Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times 5/17/2012 - by Gordon Franz MA

On display at the Franklin Institute from May 12 to October 14, 2012. ABR Staff Archaeologist Gordon Franz provides commentary and a free study guide from a Christian perspective.

Tanit in the Mirror: The Worship of Self and the Slaughter of Children 5/12/2012 - by Scott Lanser MA

Often subjects discussed in the realm of archaeology can be investigated with little direct connection with the experiences of our present day. Whether that perception is true or not, it is a reality, and the study of the ancient past can often be very esoteric and compartmentalized to the modern mind. Not so concerning the subject of child sacrifice. The parallels to the modern day practice of abortion and the murder of innocent, defenseless babies is plain and unavoidable.

Jephthah's Vow 4/26/2012 - by Tim Chaffey MDiv ThM

In the Winter 2012 issue of Bible and Spade, we published an article by Dr. John Roskoski, detailing the historical setting and investigation into the meaning of Jephthah's vow, found in Judges 11. The article below was published by Tim Chaffey of Answers in Genesis, and we have received permission to publish an excerpt of it here. The complete article can be found on the AIG website by clicking the link. This is part of an ongoing series of articles dedicated to the subject of child sacrifice and abortion.

Exposing the Dark Work of Abortion 4/2/2012 - by John Piper

"Take no part in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead, expose them." Ephesians 5:11

Secular "Ethicists" Endorse After-Birth Abortion: Another Version of Modern Day Child Sacrifice 3/5/2012 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

A report from the so-called "Journal of Medical Ethics" has caused quite an uproar across the web. The authors of this report argue that "what we call ‘after-birth abortion’ (killing a newborn) should be permissible in all the cases where abortion is, including cases where the newborn is not disabled."

Review of "The Human Faces of God" by Thom Stark 3/2/2012 - by Mike Warren MA JD

Michael Warren reviews the book, "The Human Faces of God", by Thom Stark. Warren's incisive analysis demolishes typical arguments advanced against the Bible and the Christian Faith.

Abortion and Exodus 21 2/20/2012 - by Dave Miller PhD

The Winter 2012 issue of Bible and Spade may be the most important issue we have ever produced. It is dedicated to the subject of child sacrifice in the ancient world and Israel, and modern day abortion. In conjunction with this issue, ABR will continue posting online articles to supplement Bible and Spade. We pray that this series will help change hearts and minds on this critically important subject.

The Power of Presuppositions 1/19/2012 - by Scott Lanser MA

Every day we make decisions based upon our assumptions concerning truth. Consider the popular yet profoundly erroneous assumptions people make today concerning ultimate realities:

King David: Man or Myth? 1/19/2012 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

King David is portrayed as a "King Arthur" type of mythological figure by many Bible skeptics. This attitude not only reveals a presuppositional bias against the Bible, it also ignores archaeological discoveries that support the portrayal of David and his kingdom in the Biblical accounts.

Lex Talionis and the Human Fetus 1/10/2012 - by Meredith G Kline PhD

The Winter 2012 issue of Bible and Spade may be the most important issue we have ever produced. It is dedicated to the subject of child sacrifice in the ancient world and Israel, and modern day abortion. This article is being reproduced here in conjunction with the release of this issue. In it, Meredith Kline demonstrates that the law of Moses considered the fetus to be fully human, affording the child legal protection while in the womb. We pray that this issue of Bible and Spade and our online articles will help changes hearts and minds on this critically important subject.

Abortion and the Ancient Practice of Child Sacrifice 1/5/2012 - by Andrew White MD

The Winter 2012 issue of Bible and Spade may be the most important issue we have ever produced. It is dedicated to the subject of child sacrifice in the ancient world and Israel, and modern day abortion. In conjunction with the release of this issue, ABR will also be posting online articles to supplement Bible and Spade. In addition, ABR is offering the "180" DVD, featuring Ray Comfort. This 33 minute video documents discussions with 8 individuals who are pro-abortion. With impeccable logic and grace, Mr. Comfort helps these folks change their minds about modern day child sacrifice taking place in abortion clinics all across our land. We pray that this DVD, Bible and Spade, and our online articles will help changes hearts and minds on this critically important subject.

Child Sacrifice and Abortion: A Preview of the Winter 2012 issue of Bible and Spade 12/29/2011 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The Winter 2012 issue of Bible and Spade may be the most important issue we have ever produced. It is dedicated to the subject of child sacrifice in the ancient world and Israel, and modern day abortion. In conjunction with the release of this issue, ABR will also be posting online articles to supplement Bible and Spade. In addition, ABR is offering the "180" DVD, featuring Ray Comfort. This 33 minute video documents discussions with 8 individuals who are pro-abortion. With impeccable logic and grace, Mr. Comfort helps these folks change their minds about modern day child sacrifice taking place in abortion clinics all across our land. We pray that this DVD, Bible and Spade, and our online articles will help change hearts and minds on this critically important subject.

The Landing-Place of Noah's Ark: Testimonial, Geological and Historical Considerations: Part Four 10/26/2011 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

Previously, we looked in Part One at the general validity of testimony in establishing facts. Next, Part Two examined ways to reconcile the Ararat testimonies with general scientific concerns. Part Three considered ways geological data, in particular, can coexist with the Ararat testimonies. Finally, we turn now to address a matter of history.

The Landing-Place of Noah's Ark: Testimonial, Geological and Historical Considerations: Part Three 10/25/2011 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

In Part One of this study we looked at issues relating to the general validity of testimony as a tool for evaluating truth-claims, and in Part Two discussed ways to accommodate these testimonies in the search for Noah’s Ark without throwing science out on its ear, just exercising care to use it with minimal assumptions about unknown initial conditions. Since geology is supposedly an objective science rather than one that assumes unknowable initial conditions, in Part Three we now look at the claim that geological studies have proven that Mt. Ararat is a young volcanic peak that could not have existed at the time of the Flood.

The Landing-Place of Noah's Ark: Testimonial, Geological and Historical Considerations: Part Two 10/24/2011 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

There are a number of issues that frequently are raised as reasons for disregarding the body of testimony asserting Noah’s Ark has not only survived on Mt. Ararat, but has been seen by numerous eyewitnesses. We now turn to a consideration of several of these issues.

The Landing-Place of Noah's Ark: Testimonial, Geological and Historical Considerations: Part One 10/20/2011 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

The lack of success in finding Noah’s Ark on Turkey’s Mt. Ararat has prompted various researchers to search for the Ark elsewhere. Since the biblical “mountains of Ararat” cannot be exegetically equated with the single mountain known today as Mt. Ararat (Agri Dagh, “the painful mountain,” in Turkish), we cannot use Scripture to prove Mt. Ararat was where the Ark landed, nor that it was even in existence as the Flood waters were abating. This ambiguity has opened the door for suggestions that other peaks could have been the site of the Ark’s landing-place.

Bogus Giant Human Skeletons From Greece 10/3/2011 - by Gordon Franz MA

Several friends have sent me the eight pictures and map that have been circulating on the Internet, especially among Christians, of three or four giant human skeletons that were allegedly found in an archaeological excavation a few kilometers to the east of Mycenae in the Peloponnese of Greece.

WBPH TV 60 Interview with ABR's Henry Smith 9/23/2011 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

ABR Director of Development Henry Smith, appears as a guest on WBPH TV-60 on September 22, 2011.

The Death of Biblical Minimalism 9/22/2011 - by Dewayne Bryant MA

It is a good time to be a Christian. Information is more readily available and accessible than ever before. Whether it appears in books, in articles in print and on Web sites, or in podcasts and other media formats, Christian apologists are producing vast amounts of material in defense of the Christian Faith. In the field of archaeology alone, new discoveries are unearthed every year, adding to our body of knowledge about the biblical world. Because of new information, old theories are being continually revised and refined. In some cases, this information is completely overturning critical theories.

"The Lost Shipwreck of Paul": A Critique of the Video 9/6/2011 - by Gordon Franz MA

Robert Cornuke, a retired police officer and now president of the BASE Institute, has recently released a video (August 2011) about his adventures on the island of Malta. In the video he located old divers and spear fisherman on the island who claimed they found four lead anchor stocks off the Munxar Reef of St. Thomas Bay in 90 feet of water during the 1960’s and 70’s.

Guilty as Charged 8/11/2011 - by Kevin Anderson PhD

This article was originally published as an editorial in the Creation Research Society Quarterly and is being republished on the ABR website with their gracious permission. The staff of ABR deeply appreciate the work being done by our brethren at CRSQ defending the historicity of the early chapters of Genesis.

Martyrium of Apostle Philip Found 8/4/2011 - by Brian Janeway PhD (c)

For more than fifty years an Italian archaeological mission has excavated at the ancient site of Hierapolis, Turkey, 250 km. east of Izmir in the western section of the country.

Fear of Man or Fear of God? Living a Life of Conviction over Compromise 7/12/2011 - by Scott Lanser MA

Recently I had a most disturbing conversation with a young man who was attending a prestigious Christian liberal arts college. As we chatted, I expressed the value of being involved with ABR in our quest to uphold the authority of the Bible. I was chagrined by his less than enthusiastic response; he actually became slightly distressed, and glibly commented he was concerned about his reputation if he would join ABR, because it might negatively affect his scholarly pursuits.

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 2011: Days Seven to Ten 6/6/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

On Friday June 3, we finished the 9th season of ABR’s Excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir. Before the day was over, we had been treated to a second breakfast by the Palestinian family who has stored our tools for the last 3 dig seasons, we hosted a visit by the Master’s College IBEX study tour group, we filmed 3 YouTube videos and wrapped up our excavation.

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 2011: Day Six 5/30/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

We have now started our second week at Khirbet el-Maqatir. Much to Dr. Bryant Wood’s chagrin, we have not made much progress on the Late Bronze 1 fortress (the Ai of Joshua).

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 2011: Days Three to Five 5/28/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

I got lost in a flurry of activity this week and have missed a couple days of reporting. Today is Saturday and a bunch of us went to the Shabbat service with Jewish believers in Jesus here at Yad HaShmonah. Earlier this morning we actually experienced the latter (spring) rains frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. This one, a short but hard downpour about 9 AM, was a really later latter (spring) rain for this country. But, in all honestly, it brought no significant relief from the heat – 96 degrees yesterday!

Rocking the Boat, Part Two: The Hydrological Model of the Flood 5/26/2011 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

I wrote "Rocking the Boat: The Value of New Ideas" for the May 2011 issue of the ABR Newsletter. It stirred up a surprising number of comments! It is gratifying to see people actually read and thoughtfully consider the information ABR provides. Such comments encourage us to believe our labor is not in vain in accomplishing two goals: first, strengthening the faith of those who already KNOW they are God's people, who trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins; and second, addressing the doubts that plague the minds of those who would LIKE to believe, but find their understanding of the Christian faith clashes with the concept of reality our culture has instilled in them. Living in a society that continually bombards them with a worldview which denies the existence of absolute Truth and objective moral standards, some have honest trouble giving unreserved mental assent to the Bible's teachings. We want to help these folks see how reasonable and satisfying, both mentally and spiritually, the teachings of the Bible are when properly understood, by clearing up the distortions of the media and secular academics.

Israel Finkelstein Revises His Dating: Is the Indefatigable Minimalist Slipping? 5/25/2011 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

During his presentation, Israel Finkelstein revised his dating, and stated that he was now dating the transition from Iron Age I to IIA to about 950 BC. This was momentous.

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 2011: Day Two 5/24/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

For the first day of the dig, we were pretty pleased at how well we got things going. Today, we got into our squares in earnest. While pottery, tools, weapons and jewelry are interesting, my favorite find in archaeology is architecture. Walls and floors make me a happy archaeologist, and today I was really feeling it!

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir: Season 9-Day One 5/23/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

At 4:30 this morning, I believe we had the best early breakfast ready and waiting for us in the 9 years I have been digging at Khirbet el-Maqatir and staying at Yad Hashmona!

The Search for Joshua’s Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir: Season 9-Set Up Day 5/22/2011 - by Gary Byers MA

Tomorrow we begin the first day of excavation at Khirbet el-Maqatir, 10 miles north of Jerusalem in Israel’s West Bank. Directed by Dr. Bryant Wood, this is the dig’s 9th season, all sponsored by the Associates for Biblical Research.

The Fallacy of Historical Reconstructionism: ‘Blind Faith’ Actually Belongs to the Atheists 5/18/2011 - by Doug Petrovich ThM MA

We recently received a note from "Cathy", a self-proclaimed atheist.

Rocking the Boat: The Value of New Ideas 5/16/2011 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

In the realm of Creation Science, there are a few concepts which have taken on the status of virtual orthodoxy - the measuring rod by which new proposals are evaluated. These concepts include such ideas as the Flood being an event accompanied by massive horizontal earth movements and magma-outpouring activity all over the world, and that the Ice Age directly traces its origins to the Flood. Because these concepts are usually backed by well-known Christian organizations, there is an unspoken assumption that they know best and we should take them at their word.

The Tel Dan Stela and the Kings of Aram and Israel 5/4/2011 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

A people known as the Arameans lived in the regions of Syria and Mesopotamia in antiquity. They were a large group of linguistically related peoples who spoke dialects of a West Semitic language known as Aramaic. Although not politically unified, they developed powerful city-states that had a strong cultural influence in the Near East in the first millennium BC. The Aramaic language, very similar to Hebrew, became the official international language during the Persian Period, ca. 539–332 BC, and eventually replaced many of the local languages of the area, including Hebrew. As a result, in New Testament times the main local language was Aramaic rather than Hebrew.

More on Simcha Jacobovici and the Nails from Caiaphas' Tomb 4/21/2011 - by Gordon Franz MA

On Tuesday, April 12, 2011, filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici held a news conference in Jerusalem. In it, he claimed that two nails, excavated more than 20 years ago, were the ones hammered into the hands of Jesus at His crucifixion. The nails, which had “disappeared” soon after the excavations, were recently rediscovered in the labs of Tel Aviv University and are now in his possession. In an interview with Bloomberg News (April 12, 2011), he claimed: “Do I know 100 percent that these nails were used to crucify Jesus? No, I think we have a very compelling case to say: these are them.”

Simcha Jacobovici and the Nails From Caiaphas' Tomb 4/14/2011 - by Gordon Franz MA

On Tuesday, April 12, 2011, a news conference was held in Jerusalem by filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici. In it, he claimed that two nails that were excavated more than 20 years ago were hammered into the hands of Jesus at His crucifixion. They had “disappeared” soon after the excavations but were recently rediscovered in the labs of Tel Aviv University and are now in his possession. In an interview with Bloomberg News (April 12, 2011), he claimed: “Do I know 100 percent that these nails were used to crucify Jesus? No, I think we have a very compelling case to say: these are them.”

Would the Apostle Paul Have Burned A Copy of the Koran? 4/12/2011 - by Gordon Franz MA

Recently, a pastor in Florida burned a copy of the Koran (also spelled Quran). His stated reason was “to make an awareness of the radical element of Islam.” Unfortunately his actions led to tragic consequences. Riots ensued in Afghanistan because of what some termed “blasphemy against the Koran” and this violence led to deadly results.

Armchair Archaeology and the New Atheism 4/8/2011 - by Dewayne Bryant MA

Archaeology has an air of mystery about it. Whenever the subject is brought up, many people instinctively think of the iconic Indiana Jones and his adventures on the silver screen. Others think of buried treasure or exotic locations. In the early days of archaeology, European travelers could be seen out in the field in Victorian garb, sitting under lace umbrellas and sipping tea from fine china. The wealthy traveled with all the fineries of home, surveying the scene while native workers toiled under the hot Middle Eastern Sun. There was much less of the scientific rigor of modern archaeology. It was sometimes little more than glorified treasure hunting. Today there is much more to the discipline than romantic visions of danger, intrigue, and golden fortunes.

The Influence of the Ancient Near East on the Book of Genesis 3/24/2011 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

At many Bible colleges and seminaries today, students are told to understand the book of Genesis as typical ancient Near Eastern (ANE) literature, sharing many features in common with them. Representative of scholars teaching this view is John H. Walton of Wheaton College. He proposes that, following a pattern scholars detect in ANE literature, Genesis 1 presents a cosmology that bypasses entirely the creation of the initial raw materials of the universe. Instead, it, regards them as preexistent, with their origin never addressed.

Failed Resuscitations 3/21/2011 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

In recent days, my mind has been preoccupied with the plight of Western society, and specifically, the state of the Church at large in America. Several events have initiated this preoccupation and now converge to instigate this writing of this article. Within a period of just ten days, I had the following four experiences:

The Christmas Myth as Displayed by the American Atheists 12/21/2010 - by Gordon Franz MA

At the beginning of this Christmas season (2010), I was going into New York City to do some research at the New York Public Library. As usual, I took public transportation into the city (it’s less stressful than driving and you don’t have to worry about parking). As we were approaching the Palisades in the bus lane to the Lincoln Tunnel, I saw out the left-hand side of the bus a billboard that caught my attention. It had what looked like a scene from a Christmas card. I thought to myself: “That’s nice; somebody is wishing us a joyous Christmas.” As the bus got closer, I saw the three wise men riding their camels in the starlit night toward an open-sided shelter with a gabled thatched roof next to a couple of palm trees; a donkey was tied to the stall, a bright star overhead, and Mary and Joseph watching over the new-born Baby Jesus. Then I saw the words: “You KNOW it’s a Myth. This Season, Celebrate REASON!” It was signed by the American Atheists and said they were “Reasonable since 1963.” Their web address was also given.

How the Social Gospel Undermines the Authority of Scripture: A Response to Post Modernism 12/21/2010 - by Scott Lanser MA

I often take the spiritual pulse of my congregation and Christian colleagues and friends to help me gain a sense of the spiritual warfare being waged against believers in America. I add to that extensive reading on the sociological movements and philosophical perspectives in American culture and their impact on the Church of Jesus Christ. Trends emerge from these studies and conversations that occasionally encourage me but most often disappoint me. Fundamentally, American Christians are held in the cultural grips of post-modernism, with its openness to spiritual “things” but its resistance and distrust of anything that smacks of institutionalism. So the openness we see sometimes quickly closes when Jesus is brought into a conversation, since He is seen as part and parcel of the institution called “church.” Post-moderns are profoundly disappointed in how the institutions around them have let them down and ripped them off: Government, Schools, Parents, and the Church. They have seen and continue to watch played out in front of them how these institutions fail in their self-absorbed greed and lust for power and their patent abandonment of the responsibilities under their charge. Every day they see another husband abandon his wife and children, they see another church leader fall in scandal, they read of a teacher shamelessly abuse their position of trust to feed their own personal lusts and desires. Children growing up in America see decadence all around them; those telling them how to walk the path are compromising and abusing their God-entrusted roles of authority.

The Tablet Theory of Genesis Authorship 10/11/2010 - by Curt Sewell

Many pastors, writers, and even seminary professors rely on the “JEDP Documentary Hypothesis” to explain how the book of Genesis was originally written. This concept says that for many centuries the stories were passed down orally, usually with embellishments or deletions, and were not committed to writing until much later than the events they describe. Naturally, this idea doesn’t tend to inspire confidence in the literal accuracy of the account. Thus it’s favored by theologians of a liberal bent. In contrast, the “Tablet Theory” suggests that portions of Genesis were originally written on clay tablets by men who personally experienced the events described. The tablets were later compiled by Moses. Since the original writers were said to be eye-witnesses, their accounts should be historically accurate. This article briefly describes the development and implications of these two theories.

Babylon Revisited: Isaiah 21 – Future or Fulfillment? 10/6/2010 - by Gordon Franz MA

Students of Bible prophecy have generally overlooked an important tool for understanding this chapter; mainly, the archaeologist’s spade. Archaeology has a direct bearing on this passage from two different angles. First, there are ancient inscriptions that give first hand accounts, or historical reflections, of the fall of Babylon in 689 BC. Second, there is confirmation of this destruction by the German excavation at the beginning of the 20th century. With this, let us turn our attention to Isaiah 21.

An Army of Straw Men: Responding to Ronald Hendel 8/16/2010 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

In the July/August 2010 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review, a disturbing and highly prejudicial, anti-Christian column was published. The main thrust of this article aims directly and antagonistically at Christian scholars who hold to any form of orthodoxy...

The Curious History of the “Editor” in Biblical Criticism 7/1/2010 - by Clyde E. Billington PhD

A review of The Edited Bible, by John Van Seters (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2006. This recent book by John Van Seters should have a revolutionary impact on the critical study of the Bible, particularly on the study of the Pentateuch/ Hexateuch in the OT.

Who Framed Jesus? Putting the Recent Discovery Channel Special in Perspective 5/14/2010 - by Scott Lanser MA

In March of this year we were treated to yet another edition of information media’s relentless infatuation with reinterpreting and redefining the Bible with its insufferable post-modern spin. The Discovery Channel’s, Who Framed Jesus? was released just in time to throw a wet blanket on anyone who might actually believe the Bible’s account of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. Paraded before us was the predictable mixed bag of scholars and pseudo-scholars, who, in the typical fashion of those who have rejected the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible, offered their mush-minded opinions of what must have “really” been the cause of Jesus’ supposed “framing”...

Noah’s Ark Discovered Again? 4/30/2010 - by Bill Crouse and Gordon Franz

The discovery of Noah’s Ark was announced last Sunday (4/24/10) by a Chinese organization from Hong Kong (Noah’s Ark Ministries, International). The problem with this is that it seems like the “discovery” of Noah’s Ark is getting to be almost an annual event. What in the world is going on? We think it’s a question that is easy to analyze...

Earthquakes on the Increase? Or Warning of Judgment to come? 4/16/2010 - by Gordon Franz MA

Earthquakes play a role in Bible prophecy. They are mentioned in the Book of Revelation (6:12-17; 8:5; 11:13,19; 16:16-21) as well as the books of Isaiah (2:19,21; 5:25; 24:19), Ezekiel (38:19,20), Joel (2:10; 3:16) and Zechariah (14:4,5). A number of prophecy teachers point to what they assume to be an increase in the number of earthquakes and associate these quakes with the words of Jesus to show we are in, or near, the last days (cf. Matt. 24:7)...

Is the Resurrection Historically Reliable? 3/31/2010 - by Jared M Compton

Is the Resurrection historically reliable? The writers of Scripture, particularly Paul and the gospel writers, seem to have thought so....

Resurrection: Reason to Believe or Wishful Thinking? 3/28/2010 - by Brian Janeway PhD (c)

At Easter you may have unique opportunities to share your faith with others who otherwise pay little attention to the Christian creed. Are you prepared to provide them reason to believe?

Thinking Clearly About the "Jesus Family Tomb" 3/26/2010 - by Michael S Heiser PhD

According to James Tabor, after John was executed by Herod, Jesus went to Jerusalem and confronted the Jewish religious leadership with their corruption, demanding a return to righteousness and the kingdom of God. Jesus expected God’s help and protection in this mission, but was instead crucified. Jesus did not rise from the dead—an idea Tabor argues developed much later...

Silver Coins in Syria and Rejoicing in Heaven 3/17/2010 - by Gary Byers MA

A March 2, 2010 press release by the official Syrian news agency, SANA, and a March 4, 2010 AP article by Albert Aji provide information about the discovery of 252 silver coins from the time of Alexander the Great. A man in the Manbej area of northern Syria found them while digging the foundation for a new house. Youssef Kanjo, head of the excavations department at the Aleppo Department of Archaeology and Museums, confirmed there were 115 silver drachmas and 137 silver tetradrachmas found in a bronze container...

“Searching for Paul’s Shipwreck on Malta”: A Critique of the 700 Club’s February 26, 2010 Program 3/2/2010 - by Gordon Franz MA

On Friday morning, February 26, 2010, on CBN’s 700 Club program, Chuck Holton submitted a report about a man who believes he found an “amazing Biblical discovery” on Malta. This nine-minute video segment featured Robert Cornuke presenting his theory about the location of the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck on the island of Malta...

Interrupting Ehrman: Critiquing His Latest Polemic Against the Faith 2/4/2010 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The indefatigible skeptic is at it again...His most recent polemic is entitled: Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible (and Why We Don't Know About Them). Easily identified and refuted by committed Christian scholars and apologists who take Biblical authority seriously, this book targets the unsuspecting layman in the pew. And THAT makes it worth critiquing...

Biblical Reflections on the Earthquake in Haiti 1/15/2010 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

The mission of the Associates for Biblical Research is primarily geared toward the defense of the reliability, authority and inerrancy of God's Word, the Holy Scriptures. A deeply tragic natural disaster such as the earthquake in Haiti is a time of serious reflection for all who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is a time of thoughtful prayer, action to help those in need, and a time to think rightly about the condition of the world.

Ancient Hebrew Inscription Dated to time of David 1/10/2010 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

The inscription, written in ink on clay, is the earliest yet found in Hebrew. It was discovered about 18 months ago in a dig at Khirbet Qeiyafa, near Emek Ha'ela. While it was quickly dated, its language remained uncertain until Prof. Gershon Galil was able to demonstrate that it was an early form of Hebrew - containing roots commonly found in Hebrew, but which are very rare in other Semitic languages.

"Yahweh Inscription" Discovered at "Mount Sinai"! 10/11/2009 - by Gordon Franz MA

Robert Cornuke, the founder of the BASE Institute claims to have seen, and has photographs of, an ancient stone artifact from Mount Sinai that is inscribed with the name of the LORD, “Yahweh,” on it!

Christians in the Public Square: How Far Should Evangelicals Go in the Creation-Evolution Debate? 8/30/2009 - by Todd Beall PhD

The reason for abandoning a literal understanding of Gen 1 and 2 is not new. Sometimes the plain, simplest, most natural reading of the text is, indeed the best. Such is the case with Gen 1, despite all the attempts to explain it in some other, more complicated way...

Carbon 14 Dating Controversy in the Iron Age Period 6/16/2009 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

Carbon-14 dating is the center of debate as it pertains to dating from the Iron Age period. The date of the transition from the archaeological period known as Iron Age I to Iron Age IIa is a particularly hotly disputed topic...

Biblical Archaeology in 2009: Still Going Strong 6/6/2009 - by Brian Janeway PhD (c)

This review of biblical papers delivered at the 2008 ASOR meetings clearly shows that biblical archaeology is anything but dead, even if scholars are uncomfortable with the term itself. Indeed, it illustrates the central role that the Bible continues to play in the history and archaeology of the region; a source unmatched and unrivaled in its rich detail and description of life in antiquity...

Easter Readings 3/29/2009 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

It is inevitable...predictable...almost certain. Each year, some unbelieving scholar or entertainer seemingly comes out of nowhere with an erroneous theory that supposedly debunks the historical and bodily resurrection of the Son of God. The Da Vinci Code, the Gospel of Judas, Bloodline, The Jesus Family Tomb, liberal theologians, and even some so-called 'evangelical' scholars...on and on the list goes of those who, year after year after year, fecklessly attack the central doctrine of the Christian faith.

Noah's Ark Update 9/26/2008 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

To date, the Ark has not yet been found. Several locations for it have been proposed: Mount Ararat in northeastern Turkey; Mount Cudi (Judi) in southeastern Turkey; the so-called Durupinar site near Mount Ararat; and several mountains in northern Iran, including Damavand, Sabalon, and Suleiman...

Biblical Illiteracy 9/9/2008 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

One of the most serious problems facing the Church in the 21st century is the problem of Biblical illiteracy. Simply put, most professing Christians do not possess a sound and coherent understanding of the Bible...

Calling Science's Bluff: A Review of 'The Devil's Delusion' by David Berlinsky 8/12/2008 - by Brian Janeway PhD

Neo-Darwinists and atheists of all stripes ignore this book at their peril, particularly polemicists such as Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and their ilk who have recently published scathing critiques of religious belief in general and Christian belief in particular...

Is Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia? 6/10/2008 - by Gordon Franz MA

This article will examine four aspects of the question regarding whether or not Mt. Sinai is located in Saudi Arabia. First, the credibility of the claims will be questioned. Second, the false assumptions by the proponents of Jebel al-Lawz will be disputed. Third, the Biblical evidence will be discussed. Fourth, the archaeological evidence will be examined...

BLOODLINE: Serious Documentary or Hollywood Hoax? 5/26/2008 - by Gordon Franz MA

Incontrovertible proof to refute Christianity?

The Lost Ark of the Covenant: Still Lost 5/5/2008 - by Gary Byers MA

The Ark of the Covenant is in the news again. This time it comes from a world-renowned, truly distinguished, widely published scholar who is speaking from his field of expertise. Tudor Parfitt is professor of Jewish Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London...

Nebo-Sarsekim Found in Babylonian Tablet 4/28/2008 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

Nebo who? You mean you don’t remember Nebo-Sarsekim? No wonder, because if you consult your concordance, you will find that he is referred to but once in the Old Testament...

Tabloid Archaeology 9/26/2007 - by Gordon Franz MA

One day a friend sent me an invitation to a church meeting and asked me if I knew anything about the subject. On the flyer was a picture of a human skeleton with crooked teeth and a rock embedded in his forehead. The title above the skull read: “They’ve Found Goliath’s Skull!” Needless to say, that caught my attention...

David Rohl's Revised Egyptian Chronology: A View From Palestine 5/23/2007 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

David Rohl purports to have produced a better correlation between the findings of archaeology and the Bible by revising Egyptian chronology. Rohl, however, cannot so easily be brushed aside...

The So-Called Jesus Family Tomb 'Rediscovered' in Jerusalem 3/17/2007 - by Gordon Franz MA

On Monday morning, February 26, 2007, I heard this opening statement by Matt Lauer on the NBC Today show: "Is this the tomb of Jesus? A shocking new claim that an ancient burial place may have housed the bones of Christ and a son. This morning a Today exclusive that could rock Christianity to its core."...

Did the BASE Institute Discover Noah’s Ark in Iran? 2/16/2007 - by Gordon Franz MA

The recent reputed discovery of Noah’s Ark by the BASE Institute has gotten a great deal of airtime as well as publicity on the Internet. There are, however, some excellent reviews that critique the claim that Noah’s Ark landed in Iran...

Debunking "The Exodus Decoded" 9/20/2006 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

The Exodus Decoded made its US debut August 20 on the History Channel. Produced and narrated by Simcha Jacobovici, the film purportedly provides new evidence to demonstrate the Exodus really happened. Some of Jacobovici’s points are old hat...

Noah's Ark in Iran? 7/19/2006 - by Rick Lanser MDiv

Since mid-June, 2006 there has been a flurry of reports in the media and on the Internet about the possible discovery of Noah's Ark on a mountain in northern Iran. Robert Cornuke has now focused on what is perhaps the biggest target of all, both literally and figuratively – Noah's Ark...

After the Hype: The Significance of The Gospel of Judas 6/14/2006 - by Gary Byers MA

The Judas Gospel comes from a well-known genre of ancient literature called Gnostic Gospels. We know of about 50 of these ancient texts from discussions by early church fathers who rejected them as heretical...

Asher Shall Dip His Foot in Oil...Petroleum Oil, or Something Else? 5/24/2006 - by Gordon Franz MA

Today some Christian geologists and oilmen, encouraged by some prophecy teachers, are looking for greater treasures...oil...black gold, with the Bible as their "treasure map"...

Fact and Fiction: Checking the Da Vinci Code History 3/6/2006 - by David Witmer

Daniel Brown’s 2003 novel, The Da Vinci Code, has sold over 36 million copies in 44 languages and has been a best seller for months. Has the real truth about Jesus been repressed? Is Christianity a fraud?...

Does "The Lost Shipwreck of Paul" Hold Water? 12/19/2005 - by Gordon Franz MA

Mr. Cornuke’s investigations on the island of Malta led to the conclusion that the shipwreck occurred on the eastern end of the island of Malta, rather than the traditional site at St. Paul’s Bay on the northern side of the island...

The Historical Basis of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code 11/28/2005 - by Gary Byers MA

There is none! But that doesn't make for much of an article, and I have some really important things to say about this book. This article is not a book review, but a response to the novel because of the impact it has had on the general public...

Joshua's "Long Day" and Mesopotamian Celestial Omen Texts 8/29/2005 - by Bryant G. Wood PhD

A story has been circulating on the Internet that calculations done on NASA computers produced evidence for Joshua's long day. This is not a new story. The account has no basis in fact...

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