ARCHAEOLOGY NECESSARY FOR FAITH?

In 1873 the English clergyman Samuel Manning wrote concerning Jerusalem:  "Dawn by an irresistible attraction, pilgrims flock hither from the ends of the earth. The crumbling walls, the squalid filthy streets, the mouldering ruins, are regarded with a profound and reverential interest by millions of mankind, such as no other spot on earth can excite." 

THE Lure of the Holy Land has drawn people since at least the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine.  For some 1,500 years, pilgrims came and went, seeking a religious, personal contact with the Holy Land.  Yet, surprisingly, it was not until the early 19th century that scholars began accompanying these pilgrims, thus opening the era of Biblical archaeology-the study of the artifacts, peoples,  places, and languages of the ancient Holy Land. 

The findings of archaeologists have resulted in an increased understanding of many aspects of Bible times. Also, the archaeological record has often harmonized with Bible history.  But is such knowledge  necessary to a Christian's faith?  To answer, let us focus our attention on the site of many archaeological digs-the city of Jerusalem and its temple.

'A Stone Will Not Be Left Upon a Stone'

On the Jewish calendar date of Nisan 11, in the spring of 33 C.E., Jesus Christ, accompanied by some of his disciples, left the temple in Jerusalem for the last time. As they made their way to the Mount of Olives, one of the disciples said: "Teacher, see! what sort of stones and what sort of buildings!"-Mark 13:1.

These faithful Jews felt a deep love for God and his temple.  They were proud  of this magnificent complex of buildings and the 15 centuries of tradition they represented. Jesus' reply to his disciple was shocking:  "Do you behold these great buildings? By no means will a stone be left her upon a stone and not be thrown down." -Mark 13:2. 

Now, that the promised Messiah had arrived, how could God allow the destruction of his own temple? Only gradually, with the aid of his holy spirit, would Jesus' disciples fully grasp what he meant.  What, though, do Jesus' words have to do with Biblical archaeology?  

Next time: ARCHAEOLOGY NECESSARY FOR FAITH? 

From the jw.org publications