Posted on 11/06/2005 9:04:05 AM PST by Sub-Driver
Archaeologists Uncover 'Oldest Church' in Holy Land By Robert Berger Jerusalem 06 November 2005
Berger report - Download 255k audio clip Listen to Berger report audio clip
The archaeological world is buzzing with news of a major find in Israel. The discovery is being hailed by Christian leaders, who see it as an affirmation of the faith.
An Israeli archaeologist points at a section of a Christian mosaic at an excavation site in the compound of the Megiddo prison in northern Israel, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005 An Israeli archaeologist points at a section of a Christian mosaic at an excavation site in the compound of the Megiddo prison in northern Israel, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005 Israeli archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of a third- or fourth-century church in northern Israel, which they believe could be the oldest ever found in the Holy Land. The church contains a well-preserved mosaic, with references to Jesus Christ and images of fish - an ancient Christian symbol.
"This find is once in a lifetime," Chief archaeologist Yotam Tefer told VOA. "It is very, very exciting."
The church was found during renovations at a prison in Megiddo - what the New Testament calls Armageddon - the site of the final apocalyptic war marking the end of the world.
"This is the place, the site of the last battle, Armageddon," said Mr. Tefer. "Of course, this is the place. So, this is why it's so important to the Christian world."
Word of the find has electrified the Christian world.
"Surely it is a great discovery, which will be a confirmation for all the Christians all over the world," said Pietro Sambi, the Vatican's ambassador to Israel, told Israeli television.
(Excerpt) Read more at voanews.com ...
If only Christians would be attentive!
Very interesting. Thanks.
Well, the Christians on FR will know. I don't imagine it will make the MSM.
The find IS extraordinary since Christian churches were OUTLAWED by Rome for the first three long centuries. To find one in the HOLY LAND is truly amazing. The Romans kept the heel of their Roman boot, so to speak, very firmly on the backs of Christians in those days. They were VERY nervous about their ever-growing influence.
Duh, Son of God founded it. First Pope: Peter. Paul, former Jewish persecutor of Christians, as the Apostle for the Gentiles.
They had good cause to worry.
I went over to google news search to find more and lo and behold look who is talking about it... http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/8E2FF0BF-D4BC-4BB4-B779-FAF8A7977FA8.htm
I read it on FOXNEWS this morning.
They are now also MSM.
Smirk.
Unfortunately not even a trace will appear in MSM. But it is indeed wondrous news.
Fox is borderline MSM - lol
Actually, the MSM has this covered pretty well, already. 151 stories so far, including all the TV networks. It's always best to check Google News before writing.
From Google News:
Voice of America Oldest Known Holy Land Church Uncovered
WJACtv.com, PA - 2 hours ago
JERUSALEM -- Israeli archaeologists said they may have discovered the oldest Christian church in the Holy Land. It's believed the ...
Archaeologists Uncover 'Oldest Church' in Holy Land Voice of America
Holy Land dig unearths what may be oldest Christian church Irish Independent
Oldest Known Holy Land Church Uncovered NBC 4.com
all 151 related »
With all that press coverage, will you now convert?
"With all that press coverage, will you now convert?"
Why would I do that? There was a church in Israel. 300 years after Jesus lived. I don't see how that would convince me any more than the dozens of churches near my home.
wow very interesting.
And a little indepth analysis would determine that of the US news organs who are reporting this, they are on the website equivalent of page A30.
I'm willing to bet that it hasn't made the broadcast news.
"Well, the Christians on FR will know. I don't imagine it will make the MSM."
As I pointed out to Ferdie, a quick trip to Google News will demonstrate that you are incorrect. The MSM covers religious things, and this is a fairly big deal, as discoveries go. An actual church location, only 300-400 years after Jesus.
It demonstrates that there were followers of Christianity at that time. I can't see that it demonstrates anything else. Think of what you know about things in the 17th century. That's how far these folks were from the time Jesus walked the soil of Israel.
I went to churches this old in Georgia last May. It was very much a wonderful experience.
That visit was on a glorious Sunday worship service where we met hundreds of arab Christians. When I looked out upon the large number of young arab girls age 13-15, I tried to imagine Mary at this age being told by an angel that she would bear the Messiah Jesus in her womb.
That is a pretty awesome image. I wonder if this new image is similar? "The church contains a well-preserved mosaic, with references to Jesus Christ and images of fish - an ancient Christian symbol."
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