Well, I find myself in a pickle… I would love to spend some time writing on this supposed “tomb of Jesus” that has been “discovered” but I barely have any time to write this morning as it is, and I’ve already got one foot out the door (well, perhaps not one whole foot — maybe about two or three toes).
So just consider this a place holder — I do plan on writing about this later, so check back! Until then, let me give a couple of very quick observations:
Concerning his proposition that the bodies found are the family of Jesus — including Jesus, Himself — James Cameron made the comment on CNN that “people of deep faith that sort of reject this out of hand are on safe ground, because we can never prove it.” Hearing this, I cannot help but add that there will be others of “deep faith” who accept it uncritically. The facts — over the years — have routinely supported the key elements of the Christian faith, including the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but those facts tend to be rejected because accepting them requires one to accept the truth of Jesus’ ministry and teachings and the necessity of changing your life accordingly. Such people are being hypocritical when they ignore the full weight of evidence in favor of the “facts” they like; in fact, in that sense, I respect those who admit their bias up front and without reservation a great deal more. And all have their biases to be admitted — such is the nature of humanity (yes: me, too!).
The other early observation is that Simcha Jacobovici has certainly proven that he is not someone to be praised uncritically. (Of course, who is?) I mentioned him and his show, The Naked Archaeologist, in a blog entry way back on November 10, 2006, at which time I tried to include a few qualifications to indicate that — as much as I like and appreciate his show — I do not always agree with his conclusions, which are hit-and-miss as are almost all conclusions in such work, it seems. And, after watching some additional Naked Archaeologist episodes, I found some things I disagree with concerning his methodology at times, as well, as opposed to simply his conclusions. For example, after his episode which gave an air of acceptance and praise to the fellow who — as was ultimately proven, I recall — forged the infamous “James ossuary,” did he film a follow up a episode giving a more accurate picture? Perhaps he has and it has not yet aired. Also, his tendency to accept conjecture as fact without qualification can be a bit annoying — but then, he is likely in good company in his field (please forgive me, archaeologists who do not do this!), differing only in that he pulls his conjectures out of a different bag.
I would probably still watch his show on occasion, and it is still refreshing to see an archaeologist who takes the Bible (that is…) part of the Bible seriously (that is…) mostly seriously.
Hmmm… Did I say “quick observations”? I really need to follow my toes out the door — but I will write on this again when I have more time! Check in later…
Thoughts En Route 
I wonder if anyone has pointed out (surely they must have!) that the Jews knew very well where Jesus was buried (certainly not in a “family tomb”), and that they would’ve publicized the fact that Jesus was there if they could.
James Cameron is speaking like a lunatic on this one. The simplest and only adequate explanation of the Jews’ own testimony about Jesus and His disciples (which I have read in the Babylonian Talmud especially) is that the New Testament is true. But most people have forgotten (or have never learned) the “proof” of God’s existence and of the Bible’s authority and teaching, namely Occam’s Razor (make as few assumptions as possible about reality, don’t add to or take away from the evidence about reality, etc.). Sometimes I feel like screaming, “Is there a LOGICIAN in the house?” — until I remember that my logical aptitude would be turned against God too, had not God run me into a spiritual brick wall first.
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