Review of book highlights the deeps of concern over methods
Just when the debate on the Talpiot Tomb had almost waned, it arises again. This time it is sparked by the review of a book by Simcha Jacobovici and Charles Pellegrino on the Tomb. Published in the Review of Biblical Literature the piece is written by Jonathan Reed, Professor of Religion at the University of La Verne, in California. It should be noted that this is not the first time Jonathan Reed has been publicly involved with this issue. He was part of a team of ‘experts’ that the Discovery Channel assembled for a post-airing debate on the Talpiot Tomb moderated by Ted Koppel. Reed will be remembered from that debate because of one contribution—his description of the documentary as “archoporn.” His distaste for the concepts espoused in the documentary and outlined in the book are clearly evident in the review.
While I can support Reed's dislike for the methods of Jacobovici and Cameron, the program has highlighted another aspect of this issue. Jacobovici provides a few video clips—probably from the program—on YouTube. In one such video, he discusses a little-known first century group known as the Nazarenes. This group most likely comprised the direct descendents of the followers of Jesus in Judea and Galilee.
Now if only the rest of the video of the Jesus Family Tomb had been as credible!
