All articles tagged with #jesus
After a decade of digs at El-Araj by the Sea of Galilee, researchers assert the site is Bethsaida, the biblical city linked to Jesus; they've uncovered a Jewish fishing village, Roman-era urban remains, a bathhouse, a Byzantine basilica with a Peter inscription, and hundreds of coins, reinforcing the case that Bethsaida was both a fishing community and a small urban center associated with Jesus' ministry.
Archaeologists excavating el-Araj on the Sea of Galilee say they are “absolutely” confident they have uncovered Bethsaida, the biblical city where Jesus is said to have performed miracles, after a 10th season that yielded Roman-era walls, Herodian lamps, coins and other artifacts, suggesting a once-thriving Jewish-Roman community and strengthening the case for Bethsaida’s location.
Biblical scholar Dennis MacDonald argues that Homer’s Odyssey subtly influenced the New Testament through a technique called mimesis, portraying Jesus as a hero who rivals Greek figures; some scholars acknowledge Homeric echoes in passages about Jesus and events like shipwrecks or walking on water, but many contend the influence is limited, reflecting ongoing debates over how Greco-Roman culture shaped early Christianity and whether the Bible is primarily divinely inspired or a human-constructed text.
An Israeli Defense Forces soldier was jailed and removed from combat duty after smashing a Jesus statue with an axe in Debel, southern Lebanon. An IDF probe found that another soldier damaged the statue and a third photographed the act, while six others did not intervene; all were subject to possible further disciplinary action. The army said the conduct violated its orders and values and pledged to replace the statue amid widespread condemnation from Israeli officials, the U.S. and church leaders.
Israel’s military said a viral image showing an IDF soldier smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon is authentic, calling the act a serious violation not aligned with its values, and it announced an investigation by the Northern Command with disciplinary measures to follow; the army will assist in restoring the statue, with the incident reportedly occurring near Ain Ebel in Debel and prompting calls from Christian leaders to verify and pursue justice if confirmed.
Pete Buttigieg used a Tulsa address to condemn Donald Trump's AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, calling it insulting to Christians who separate faith from politics. Trump deleted the post after backlash, later claiming it showed him as a doctor, a justification met with criticism from conservatives and faith leaders alike as the controversy unfolded amid wider political tensions.
Axios reports that Trump discussed a Jesus-like meme with housing-finance chief Bill Pulte before posting it on Truth Social; the post drew backlash from Christians and was deleted. Two advisers say Pulte brought the image to Trump’s attention, but it’s unclear whether he displayed or sent it, and another adviser says Pulte did not provide the meme.
After Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself in Jesus-like robes while portraying a doctor, the post drew massive online mockery from celebrities (including Kacey Musgraves, Sarah Palin, and Jack White) and commentators. Trump said he viewed it as a doctor image, not Jesus, but the backlash continued with memes and jokes across social media, and he deleted the post amid the controversy.
Trump’s AI-generated image portraying him as Jesus prompted swift condemnation from celebrities and religious commentators, with Jon Stewart and Jack White among critics; Trump deleted the post and offered a dubious doctor-related explanation, fueling ongoing backlash.
'The Carpenter’s Son' is a unique, low-budget horror film that explores the teenage years of Jesus, blending biblical speculation with supernatural horror, featuring Nicolas Cage as Joseph and FKA Twigs as Mary, set against a dark, atmospheric backdrop in Greece, offering a fresh and unconventional take on religious storytelling.
Pope Leo's office issued a decree rejecting the title of 'co-redemptrix' for Mary, affirming that Jesus alone is the Savior and emphasizing her role as the mother of the Redeemer, to prevent confusion about the exclusive role of Christ in salvation.
Mel Gibson's upcoming film 'The Resurrection of the Christ' has recast its main roles, with Jaakko Ohtonen replacing Jim Caviezel as Jesus and Mariela Garriga taking on Mary Magdalene, as the film prepares to be released in two parts in 2027, focusing on Jesus Christ's resurrection.
Pope Leo urged French Christian politicians to turn to Jesus for guidance, emphasizing that true societal change requires living out Christian faith and values rooted in Christ, especially in a society where Christianity is marginalized. He encouraged them to deepen their understanding of social doctrine and to witness their faith in their public duties to build a more just and humane world.
Biblical scholar Paula Fredriksen criticizes left-wing politicians and media figures, including AOC, for claiming Jesus was Palestinian, calling it historically false and inflammatory. She points out that Bethlehem has been under Palestinian rule for decades and that modern-day Gaza is hostile to Christians. Fredriksen argues that the term "Palestine" derived from Rome a century after Christ's death, and appropriating Jesus as Palestinian to attack Israel is an act of cultural and political appropriation. She emphasizes that this narrative rips Jesus out of his Jewish context and stokes hate against Jews, while also slamming it as polemic masquerading as history.
Historian Paula Fredriksen rebukes liberal figures for portraying Jesus as a Palestinian, arguing that it is historically false and inflammatory. She points out that Bethlehem has been under Palestinian rule since 1995 and that modern-day Gaza is hostile to Christians. Fredriksen criticizes the attempt to appropriate Jesus as a Palestinian to attack Israel, stating that it rips Jesus out of his Jewish context and perpetuates hate against Jews. She also refutes claims made by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Catholic priest Father Edward Beck, emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy and context in discussions about Jesus and the Holy Land.