Which of the archaeological discoveries discussed in this lesson interests you most? Explain.

I really enjoy reading about archaeological discoveries that prove the life of Jesus Christ on Earth. The Biblical stories of Jesus have been proven time and time again with discoveries about ancient customs, locations, and even documents that mention His name. We know Pilate lived during this time and served in a high governmental role during the time that Jesus was crucified. I enjoy seeing the tangible evidence for what I already believe.

The Codex Sinaiticus is interesting how Tischendorf came about having the manuscripts that the monastery was planning to burn in a fire. It is hard to believe that the monks did not understand the importance of the manuscripts and that they only allowed Tischendorf to handwrite a copy of the originals. I find it quite fascinating that the manuscripts contained most of the Old and New Testaments and then some.

The archaeological discovery in the lesson that interest me the most is the evidence of the Roman crucifixion. I’m pleased in the finding of a person who was crucified during the same period as Jesus. These discoveries prove the Biblical record and dispute those who question the crucifixion of Jesus.

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls held the most interest for me, mainly because these contains the writings describing the everyday life of the people and the environment that shaped them. Understanding a people’s culture is essential to understanding what the Bible meant to the audience to which it was written. Too often, we in the West look at the Bible through Western eyes instead of through the viewpoint and perspective of the culture of the people living in biblical times.

The monks using invaluable source of truth for mundane things is an example of the ignorance of men about the things of above.

I see that other students reacted the same as I when I was astounded the monks did not realize the importance, to the Christian world, of the manuscripts discovered in the kindling pile. However, when these writings were requested the monks responded as I imagined they would in that no matter what the content they did not want to release anything that belonged to them. The perseverance of the finder had my heart racing to capitalize on a narrow escape from deletion.

I was interested in the findings at the church with the Monks. To think some of these writings were to be used to help start a fire is mind blowing.