Possible Discovery of Early Christian Books in Jordan: Updated May 25

Non-Technical - Mar 30, 2011 - by Henry B. Smith Jr. MA

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*Updated 5/25/11*

We strongly suggest caution in declaring the authenticity of these books. The evidence is almost certain now that they appear to be a hoax.

http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/ver358015.shtml

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1371290/70-metal-books-Jordan-cave-change-view-Biblical-history.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12888421

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1372741/Hidden-cave-First-portrait-Jesus-1-70-ancient-books.html

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article7173961.ece

http://deorientation.blogspot.com/2011/04/jesus-mona-lisa-smile-update-better.html

Some good insights from Todd Bolen, friend of ABR: http://blog.bibleplaces.com/2011_04_01_archive.html

Insights from ABR supporter George Grena: http://lmlk.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/hello-helios/

Editorial note: The analysis at this link below delves into the Greek text engraved on these codices. We urge caution here as well, as this scholar believes Daniel was written during the 2nd century BC and has many other erroneous views of the Bible. His analysis on this subject, however, appears very useful:

http://danielomcclellan.wordpress.com/2011/03/31/peter-thonemann-on-the-lead-codices/

4/12/2011 12:14 PM #

In an article published yesterday by the UK's Daily Express, Thonemann states, "The image they are saying is Christ is the sun god Helios from a coin that came from the island of Rhodes." Not sure if he arrived at this independently from my blog, but it wouldn't surprise me since these coins are so heavily published. Also in defense of the original ANE-2 comment by Robert Deutsch saying that these are images of Alexander the Great's coins, please note that the Rhodians used Alexander's image as their god, Helios. There are many (dozens, if not hundreds) of unique coin images of Alexander with the similar wavy hairstyle, but for Helios (a pagan sun deity), the artists merely added rays of light that look like horns (not thorns).

G.M. Grena - 4/12/2011 12:14:44 PM

4/24/2011 8:15 PM #

There is no direct evidence linking the forged image to a coin. It certainly resembles various solar deities, but it is hardly a copy from a coin. It is, however, a replica of the famous mosaic portrait at Sepphoris dubbed the "The Mona Lisa of the Galilee." Follow the link listed above in Smith's post.

James Deitrick - 4/24/2011 8:15:18 PM