Posted on 12/21/2004 1:20:03 PM PST by Pharmboy
CANA, Israel (AP) - Among the roots of ancient olive trees, archaeologists have found pieces of large stone jars of the type the Gospel says Jesus used when he turned water into wine at a Jewish wedding in the Galilee village of Cana. They believe these could have been the same kind of vessels the Bible says Jesus used in his first miracle, and that the site where they were found could be the location of biblical Cana. But Bible scholars caution it'll be hard to obtain conclusive proof - especially since experts disagree on exactly where Cana was located.
Christian theologians attach great significance to the water-to-wine miracle at Cana. The act was not only Jesus' first miracle, but it also came at a crucial point in the early days of his public ministry - when his reputation was growing, he had just selected his disciples and was under pressure to demonstrate his divinity.
The shards were found during a salvage dig in modern-day Cana, between Nazareth and Capernaum. Israeli archaeologist Yardena Alexander believes the Arab town was built near the ancient village. The jar pieces date to the Roman period, when Jesus traveled in the Galilee.
"All indications from the archaeological excavations suggest that the site of the wedding was (modern-day) Cana, the site that we have been investigating," said Alexander, as she cleaned the site of mud from winter rains.
However, American archaeologists excavating a rival site several miles to the north have also found pieces of stone jars from the time of Jesus, and believe they have found biblical Cana.
Another expert, archaeologist Shimon Gibson, cast doubt on the find at modern Cana, since such vessels are not rare and it would be impossible to link a particular set of vessels to the miracle.
"Just the existence of stone vessels is not enough to prove that this is a biblical site," and more excavations are needed, he said.
Based on the shards, Alexander believes the vessels found at her site were 12 to 16 inches in diameter - or large enough to be the same type of jars described in the Gospel of John.
Other evidence that might link the site to the biblical account includes the presence of a Jewish ritual bath at the house, which shows it was a Jewish community. Locally produced pottery was used at the simple house, showing it could have been from the poor village described in the Scriptures.
Stephen Pfann, a Bible scholar in Jerusalem, said that while the American dig has generally been accepted by scholars as the true site, the shards found in modern-day Cana raise new questions.
"I think there is ample evidence that both sites are from the first century, and we need more information to correctly identify either site," Pfann said.
Alexander has been digging in modern Cana since 1999.
The current find came in a last-ditch "salvage dig" before a house is built on the site. A Christian Arab family financed part of the excavation, in accordance with Israeli law, before construction can begin.
Alexander believes that with more substantial investment, the site could became a major tourist attraction and pilgrimage destination.
"We're really working very hard to save some of this site because what we do have here is a village of Jesus," she said. "And it was here that he carried out the first miracle."
AP-ES-12-21-04 1601EST
No kidding. The reinvention of the Holy Land as the Holy Land Experience will be a big draw for visiting "Judeo-Christians" primed for a shrink-wrapped religious theme park. All of their pre-approved bottons will be pushed.
May all our marriages so last.
Perhaps in many locations the water needed to be purified to drink. Wine could have been served to the entire family. That is the same reason that beer was the primary drink for the English, the water (alone) could kill you.
We have been taught: moderation in all things. Overindulgence in pure water can probably kill ya, or make you wish you had died.
Also, from John 2:10 "Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." Anyone reading this passage can see that grape juice is not the topic of conversation. You get the guys buzzed with the good stuff, and then give them the cheapo stuff.
I never could figure out why my pastor was so hung up on grape juice. I believe it is sinful to drink in excess and be drunk, but a moderate use of alcohol I feel is allowable.
The issue of avoiding alcohol is not based on a biblical declaration that drinking is a sin. The Bible doesn't say that. It does, however, warn specifically about "tarrying long" at strong drink, and the position of many churches is simply one of avoiding a slippery slope that almost certainly won't lead to anything good.
Also note that not all wine was "strong" wine, as in alcoholic. We have no way of knowing which type Jesus created.
MM
Nope, that was malt wine. And so strategically offered to the diners: "Judas! (pause) Would you like a beverage?"
And then you have us Lutherans who are a cross between both the protestant and Catholic version of communion. Having been raised So. Baptist though I remember the theory in the 70s about the water to grape juice thing. Can't figure out how any well educated person could believe that...and there are many well educated So. Baptists. My Dad always told me we didn't drink because then you never had to worry about becoming an alcoholic. But they must not have been too worried because they bought me my first alcoholic drink on my 21st b-day. My folks still don't drink but now that I'm Lutheran.....but not to excess mind you.
LOL! Grandma, watch out..
For that matter, Israel -- the fact that it even still exists -- is proof enough.
Clever but inaccurate
Reread the article if your English skills permit.
Merry Christmas. :-)
Thanks, but wine makes my head tight. But I will take a little Jack Daniels on the rocks. Smooth 'n soothin'.
Alexander believes that with more substantial investment, the site could became a major tourist attraction and pilgrimage destination.
"We're really working very hard to save some of this site because what we do have here is a village of Jesus," she said. "And it was here that he carried out the first miracle."
My english isn't that great, but my copy and paste is fine.
That reminds me of a joke, which went something like this...
Q. Why is it always a good idea to take two Baptists (or Methodists) fishing, if you're going to take one?
A. To ensure that the one Baptist (or Methodist) doesn't drink all your beer. Take two, and they won't touch it.
And speaking of beer. My eight hours of insignificant cogdom have expired. I believe there is a bowl game on tonight. Cheers!
What languages do you speak ?
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