Customer Reviews

The Brother of Jesus: The Dramatic Story & Meaning of the First Archaeological Link to Jesus & His Family

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

In October of 2002, headlines around the world proclaimed that an archaeologist had discovered an ossuary bearing an inscription that read "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." While Christians hailed this newly discovered "proof" for the existence of Jesus Christ, others were dubious and demanded that the ossuary be subjected to strenuous examination.

First of all, I must say what an ossuary even is. As a young Christian, I remember being puzzled at the Bible's statement that, after the crucifixion, Jesus' body was laid in a tomb, "in which no one had ever been laid." You see, at the time of Jesus' death, many Jewish people were placed in a tomb after death, and after the flesh had rotted off of their bones, the bones were then placed in a chest, or ossuary, where they were kept on a more permanent basis.

Anyway, this book is really two books in one. The first part of the book is by Hershel Shanks, and gives both the story of the finding of this ossuary, and a defense of its authenticity. I found this part to be quite interesting and found it to be quite persuasive. I must admit, though, that this is not the report of a disinterested party, plus examination of the ossuary is likely to continue for a long time to come, with new insights constantly found.

The second part of the book is actually my favorite! It is written by Professor Ben Witherington III, and is an investigation into the person known to history as James the Just or James the brother of Jesus. Beginning with the biblical passages that reference him, the Prof. Witherington collects the information into a fascinating biography of James. After that, he looks at the extra-biblical sources that discuss James, and what they can tell us. [Note: Prof. Witherington comes down decisively on the Protestant view that James was a son of Mary and Joseph, and as such Jesus' half-brother.]

Overall, I found this to be a fascinating read. I am very happy that I read this book, and I highly recommend it to all Christians.

This book is actually the story of the James ossuary as well as a description of who James was. Shanks writes first about the James ossuary. In the first 80 pages he, tells the story of the find and dispels many of the concerns about the ossuary's authenticity. There was no sign of a modern tool used to make the inscription. The inscription (including the second half) is covered with patina which adheres to the ossuary yet there is no sign of a modern adhesive. Altman's reason for thinking that there were two handwritings may be explained by the softness of the limestone upon which are written the words "brother of Jesus." Ben Witherington then writes a very interesting account of James, the younger brother of Jesus, his asceticism, and his rise to prominence in the early church.

What's the verdict? Being an attorney Shanks says it this way: the evidence can not prove the authenticity beyond a shadow of a doubt, but there is a preponderance of evidence that would win a civil case.

Shanks and Witherington present us with a gift in their book about the discovery of a 1st century ossuary that could contain the bones of James the Just, the brother of Jesus. There is far too little written about James, which is all the more paradoxical since he is one of the few people from that time period to actually have some historic validity.

The book provides a thorough discussion of the archeological circumstances surronding such a finding, which by itself is an interesting and informative read. But beyond that, Shanks and Witherington provide a detailed discussion of the life and death of James. Personally, I would have preferred more in depth discussions here, and I would have preferred a lengthy discussion of the ties with the Essenes and the Ebionites as well as some speculation on the death of James (Josephus simply says that he was stoned, not stoned to death. It was not uncommon for people stoned to death to be hung from a tree, and there is no indication that James was hung, hence, maybe he was stoned, but not to death - I don't want to belabor the point here, just to note that a few paragraphs about alternate theories of James' death would have been nice).

In addition, there is a section on ossuaries which is very educational, including information about the population in Jerusalem, the types of names found on ossuaries, the different types of inscriptions, etc.

This is a great book for anyone interested in Jesus or the time period, and it certainly is a must read for people interested in James the Just. It's also going to be of interest for people interested in ossuaries in general. The book can be read by beginning students as well as advanced scholars.

PS - I would give this book a 4+ but the ratings only allow a 4 or a 5.

Shanks wrote the first half of the book and he has the nasty habit of repeating certain phrases over and over. I really don't care if he ate at a restaurant where the wine was excellent and the fish was delicious. Fortunately, the discovery of James' apparent ossuary is interesting and worth reading. In the second half of the book, Witherington describes the historical significance of James' role in the church and how he has been overshadowed by Paul and Peter.

I don't know whether to believe in the authenticity of the ossuary, but I did get a better understanding of early Christianity.

In late 2002, the world learned that the first archaeological link to Jesus Christ may have been discovered in the form of an ossuary, or bone box, bearing the inscription - in Aramaic - "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." At least some experts believed, we were told, that this was indeed the ossuary of James, brother of Jesus and leader of the first Jerusalem church. Of course, there is plenty of historical evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, but no tangible, solid, archaeological evidence had ever been found. The announcement of this possible link raised two immediate questions: is it really the ossuary of James? and, if so, what is the significance of the find? This book attempts to address those questions and others of a more theological bent. Hershel Shanks, well-known writer and editor of Biblical Archaeology Review, describes the discovery of the ossuary and argues for its authenticity, and then Ben Witherington III embarks on a summary of James' life and significance in both Judaism and Christianity, reinterpreting his importance in light of the discovery of the ossuary.

The James ossuary is a very controversial find, as you might expect. Shanks does a good job describing just why it is so controversial, but his attempts to convince the reader that this is indeed the box that once contained the bones of James are less than completely convincing. There is no provenance for this discovery, as it was obtained by a private collector from the antiquities market - while the owner says he was told it came from the village of Silwan, there is absolutely no way we can know where the box actually came from. There is a definite bias in the field against unprovenanced discoveries, yet they cannot be ignored - the Dead Sea Scrolls, for example, came to light in this manner. The evidence that the box dates back to the first century is pretty solid, so we must look primarily at the inscription in order to ascertain its authenticity. The evidence seems more problematic than Shanks would have us believe. He does bring up some dissenting opinions, but he basically dismisses all such arguments (or, I should say, arguers) with the mantra "they're not paleographers." Shanks, I might add, is not a paleographer himself; he could in fact be called an amateur in his field. He does point to a number of paleographers who think the inscription is authentic, but he basically dismisses rather than disproves dissenting opinions. Then he tries to offer up a statistical argument as to how few men of the era would have been named James, had a father named Joseph, and had a brother named Jesus - this results in a mess that does his argument no good at all. It's an extremely weak, very questionable argument. In the end, you basically have Shanks asking readers to take his word - and the word of the experts on his side - for the ossuary's authenticity. I'm certainly not convinced.

Witherington's much longer section on the life and significance of James has its good points but sometimes becomes mired down in theological arguments that would be better left to a separate book. This book starts out as an attempt to prove the authenticity of the ossuary, but Witherington assumes that authenticity and uses it to open a number of cans of theological worms. Much of his time is spent debating whether James was in fact Jesus' brother; it is a debate that goes back many, many centuries and to some measure divides the Christian church today. Catholics believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary, arguing that James and the other "brothers" mentioned in the Gospels were actually Jesus' cousins. Those of an Eastern Orthodox persuasion believe the brothers of Jesus were born to Joseph prior to his marriage to Mary. Protestants believe that Mary and Joseph had several children after the virgin birth of Jesus. Granted, this is important in terms of the ossuary, as - if it is authentic - it would seem to support the Protestant stance.

The most interesting (and less contentious) part of Witherington's narrative is his call for a renewed appreciation for the importance of James and the early Jewish Christians of Rome. James clearly was a bishop-like figure in the early church in Jerusalem, whom both Peter and Paul seemed to defer to. James became a martyr to the faith, probably in the early 60s, when he was killed for his acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. His death offended many Jews, we are told, which is a most informative, important fact. While he did help mediate the incorporation of Gentiles into the Christian faith, James stayed true to his Jewish beliefs while accepting Jesus as the Messiah, making him a crucial link between Judaism and Christianity. His importance in the early church was deemphasized as the importance of Peter and Paul grew in the years following his death. Witherington sees James as a figure who can bring Christians and Jews much closer even today, and this part of his narrative is well presented and very significant.

In the end, I think this book has its weaknesses. It tries to be two things at once, and Witherington's contributions, while important, are weakened by his assumption that the ossuary is authentic, an assumption that I do not think is proven by Shanks' presentation. The book does feature a foreword by Andre LeMaire, the paleographer who "discovered" the inscription, studied it minutely, and basically brought the news of the find to the world. Since Shanks insists that paleographers alone are worthy of determining the authenticity of the inscription, this book would have been greatly helped by an actual written analysis by Lemaire himself. Certainly, this book is fascinating, but definitive proof of the authenticity of the ossuary (with all the theological implications that would entail) it is not - at least in my own opinion.

Since the book was written, and after many of the reviews were written, the ossuary has been found, indeed, to have been a genuine ossuary with forged writing. It is no longer supposed the final resting place of the bones of St. James the Just, brother of Jesus.

Of course, one may still profitably read the story of the ossuary, and review some of the debate over its authenticity, as presented in the book; it forms a recent history about science of the antiquities, and about human foibles.

The second half of the book, an introduction to James, is entirely unrelated to the ossuary. It forms a good overall introduction, easier to take in than several of the other, scholarly tomes -- some of which are even more challenging regarding the quest for the truth story of James.

Shanks and Witherington bring a sophisticated and compelling study with "The Brother of Jesus" (2003 paperback). Theirs is a careful consideration of the authenticity for the "James the son of Joseph the brother of Jesus" ossuary publicly introduced in 2002. (It was discovered a number of years ago, extracted from it's original resting place, and then housed in various Israeli locations over several generations until its 21st century public presentation.)

Recounting various scientific/forensic examinations of the small bone box, the authors add their voices to its continuing controversy. Did this ossuary house the bones of St. James, the Just, the brother of Jesus Christ? Can it really ever be completely examined and understood without knowing the information from its original provenance?

These are difficult questions to answer, even in the wake of the ossuary's forensic study. After providing a complete and careful recounting of all the ossuary's scientific examinations Shanks and Witherington attempt clear answers with their presentation of James' history by reviewing the various personality and events associated with him. They review the ossuary bullae (sealant), its patina (the calcium carbonate surface) and its Aramaic calligraphy. They revisit the early Christian sources for James, the various personalities named "James" in the Scripture, authorship for the Epistle of James, the death and legend of James, the family of James, and much more.

Due to the technical nature of this 305-page book it should not be considered a quick read. Each chapter concludes with a plethora of source suggestions. Preferring to consult each source Shanks and Witherington cite, I completed the book in a little less than a month. The authors provide dozens of precision maps, informative charts, interesting photographs (colored and black and whites), and helpful endnotes.

In the end, I found pages 1 through 224 to be the most helpful. These first two parts demonstrate that the James ossuary (sandstone box itself) is authentic from the first century (such ossuaries were commonly used around Jerusalem only from about 20 BC to AD 70). Shanks and Witherington are also convinced that the first half of the writing- "James the son of Joseph" is probably authentic to the first century.

The third section of the book (pages 225 to 305) is less persuasive and would be more convincing with additional research (and scholarly debate). Here the authors believe the second half of the inscription- "the brother of Jesus"- to be a later addition and, thus, a forgery (page 235). Who can say for sure?

"The Brother of Jesus" is a good read witnessing to a fascinating subject. Shanks and Witherington have been at the forefront of the James ossuary's history from its 2002 introduction. The book is recommended to all who want to know more about the ossuary that may have housed the bones of Jesus' brother. It is also a good read for all Bible students. Order your copy soon.

"The Brother of Jesus" is actually two interesting books in one, and readers interested in the historical movement that is Christianity as well as the connective life of Jesus will find this book written by Shanks and Witherington fascinating, educational, and intriguing. Readers will feel more informed with the life of Jesus and the social structures of the times during which he lived. Does `The Brother of Jesus' help close any of ongoing questions for those who question Jesus as The Christ? Perhaps not, but there is clearer direction that may be a catalyst for some to reach into and hold a deeper understanding into the life of Christ.

The first part of the book is impeccably explored as an oratory of sorts by which Shanks provides to the reader a very thorough explanation into what exactly the `James Ossuary' is and how it was cultivated - If you will - to finally come into public light after nearly two thousand years. Chance? The story of the ossuary's own travels is in itself is quite remarkable. Additionally, Shanks provides an interesting and apparently accurate historical take on how THIS particular ossuary may very well be the bone-burial tomb of James the younger brother of Jesus.

Equally fascinating is the presentation and study made by Witherington on the life and activity of James the younger brother of Jesus. For so long has the debate been fueled regarding the sanguine line of Jesus, for many, The Christ. With the remarkable discovery of the ossuary, there were hopes that perhaps the bloodline of Jesus could eventually be discovered . . . and Witherington does an exemplary presentation about the life of Jesus. In his conclusion, Witherington does not believe that James was the blood brother of Jesus, but that of a step brother . . . which I am not completely convinced on. I think a more detailed and cited study into the life of James has been presented by Rev. Jeffrey Butz, in his book titled "The Brother of Jesus and the Lost Teachings of Christianity". Nevertheless, in my own conclusion as a Christian fiction writer, but more importantly, as A Believer, the issues surrounding the life of James will come down to each of our own holdings of faith. I do not think it matters one way or another if James is the sanguine brother of Christ The Lord or not. What matters is that Christ did and does exist.

This is an important reader. The more will know about the life and times of Jesus, the closer we become.

In late 2002, a remarkable find was announced by the Biblical Archaeology Society (whose director, Hershel Shanks, achieved fame and notoriety through the magazine, Biblical Archaeology Review, and the long-standing campaign to free the Dead Sea Scrolls from academic restriction). A small artifact, an ossuary (a small box in which remains of the dead would be stored after some time of decomposition in a tomb) had been discovered, bearing a remarkable Aramaic inscription: Ya'akov bar Yosef achui d'Yeshua (James, Son of Joseph, brother of Jesus). Despite the fact that all of these names are common to the time of the second Temple and Roman-occupied Judea, the combination of the three together in this familiar, familial relationship took the media by storm.

This book chronicles the discovery of the ossuary as well as the beginnings of the controversy that would eventually envelope it. One hopes for a second edition that will continue the saga. The first part of the book looks at the personalities involved in the discovery and initial identification of the ossuary, as well as authentication and provenance. Unfortunately, not all the information that is now available was known at the time of the publication of this volume. While the evidence presented here is interesting and in some ways convincing, it lacks important evidence later put together by the IAA (Israeli Antiquities Authority), with whom Shanks is having continuing arguments. Shanks does present many of the arguments against the authenticity of the ossuary, or at least the inscription. It is unclear if all of the inscription is done by the same hand.

While controversy remains, it seems increasingly likely that the ossuary is a forgery of one sort or another. That being said, the portions of the text dealing with the discovery and announcement of the ossuary still make for a fascinating case study, particularly as background to what has become an ongoing story.

The second half of the book, written by biblical scholar Ben Witherington, looks at the figure of James -- who was he? Witherington discusses the doctrinal problems around James as the brother of Jesus (it conflicts with various Orthodox and Catholic beliefs, while it presents little difficulty for most Protestants). It seems that James was, at the very least, a relative of Jesus, as well as a disciple. James became the leading authority of the church in Jerusalem; while Peter, Paul and other disciples spread throughout Palestine and throughout the Roman Empire, James remained as the head of the community in Jerusalem, in effect becoming the first bishop in the church. This authority came, according to the ancient scholar Eusebius, because he was the brother of Jesus.

James is also mentioned in the works of Josephus, as being killed by stoning after an unjust pronouncement by the Sanhedrin. While Josephus' work has been doctored on occasion throughout the centuries of monastic scribal transmission, Witherington argues that this passage was not doctored, in part because it does not conform to other traditions of James' death more prominent in the church (that he was thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple).

This portion of the text presents an interesting analysis of James, from a conservative Protestant perspective as the base, bringing in other traditions as relevant. Some may not subscribe to the conclusions Witherington draws, but his analysis is worth exploring.

This book was fast-tracked to publication, to get it to market while the James ossuary was still prominent in the media. As a result, there are some shortcomings. However, as part of the overall history of the ossuary, and part of the history of antiquities discovery, trading, and possibly, forgery, it is an interesting text.

In late 2002, a remarkable find was announced by the Biblical Archaeology Society (whose director, Hershel Shanks, achieved fame and notoriety through the magazine, Biblical Archaeology Review, and the long-standing campaign to free the Dead Sea Scrolls from academic restriction). A small artifact, an ossuary (a small box in which remains of the dead would be stored after some time of decomposition in a tomb) had been discovered, bearing a remarkable Aramaic inscription: Ya'akov bar Yosef achui d'Yeshua (James, Son of Joseph, brother of Jesus). Despite the fact that all of these names are common to the time of the second Temple and Roman-occupied Judea, the combination of the three together in this familiar, familial relationship took the media by storm.

This book chronicles the discovery of the ossuary as well as the beginnings of the controversy that would eventually envelope it. One hopes for a second edition that will continue the saga. The first part of the book looks at the personalities involved in the discovery and initial identification of the ossuary, as well as authentication and provenance. Unfortunately, not all the information that is now available was known at the time of the publication of this volume. While the evidence presented here is interesting and in some ways convincing, it lacks important evidence later put together by the IAA (Israeli Antiquities Authority), with whom Shanks is having continuing arguments. Shanks does present many of the arguments against the authenticity of the ossuary, or at least the inscription. It is unclear if all of the inscription is done by the same hand.

While controversy remains, it seems increasingly likely that the ossuary is a forgery of one sort or another. That being said, the portions of the text dealing with the discovery and announcement of the ossuary still make for a fascinating case study, particularly as background to what has become an ongoing story.

The second half of the book, written by biblical scholar Ben Witherington, looks at the figure of James -- who was he? Witherington discusses the doctrinal problems around James as the brother of Jesus (it conflicts with various Orthodox and Catholic beliefs, while it presents little difficulty for most Protestants). It seems that James was, at the very least, a relative of Jesus, as well as a disciple. James became the leading authority of the church in Jerusalem; while Peter, Paul and other disciples spread throughout Palestine and throughout the Roman Empire, James remained as the head of the community in Jerusalem, in effect becoming the first bishop in the church. This authority came, according to the ancient scholar Eusebius, because he was the brother of Jesus.

James is also mentioned in the works of Josephus, as being killed by stoning after an unjust pronouncement by the Sanhedrin. While Josephus' work has been doctored on occasion throughout the centuries of monastic scribal transmission, Witherington argues that this passage was not doctored, in part because it does not conform to other traditions of James' death more prominent in the church (that he was thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple).

This portion of the text presents an interesting analysis of James, from a conservative Protestant perspective as the base, bringing in other traditions as relevant. Some may not subscribe to the conclusions Witherington draws, but his analysis is worth exploring.

This book was fast-tracked to publication, to get it to market while the James ossuary was still prominent in the media. As a result, there are some shortcomings. However, as part of the overall history of the ossuary, and part of the history of antiquities discovery, trading, and possibly, forgery, it is an interesting text.