The Jesus Dynasty / James Tabor

I am in NY this weekend to participate in the press conference on the so-called “Jesus Family Tomb” tomorrow. This is the “Talpiot tomb” that I discuss in the Introduction to my book, The Jesus Dynasty. That Introduction offers a fairly comprehensive discussion of the basic background of the breaking story and it can be read on-line at ABC News. At the time I finished that book, in November, 2005, I told as much of the story as I knew. Since that time much more has become clear. A full panel of experts on DNA, statistics, epigraphy, archaeology, forensics, and biblical studies will participate in an open discussion covering the results of a four year investigation of this tomb and its contents. Two of the ossuaries will be on display, that of Yeshua bar Yehosef and Mariamene, the two upon which DNA tests were carried out. There is a made for TV documentary that will present the basic story called “The Lost Tomb of Jesus” that will air on Discovery Channel March 4th at 9pm EST (and at various other times in Canada, the UK, Israel, and Europe, check local listings). A book, titled The Jesus Family Tomb by Simcha Jacobovici and Charles Pellegrino goes on sale tomorrow. The book chronicles both the four year research project and its results.

For the past few days I have read many news reports and Blogs on various aspects of the Talpiot tomb as aspects of this story have “leaked out” and lots of inaccuate and erroneous information has spread rather crazily on the internet. Because of a non-disclosure agreement that protected all of us working on this research I have not written in any detail beyond what I cover in the Introduction to The Jesus Dynasty. Following the press conference tomorrow that all changes. Now with all the facts officially released I will do my best to share with readers of this Blog what appears to be our present state of knowledge about this tomb. I will also be participating with a number of scholars in a Discussion Forum at the Discovery Web site.