Belief in Scientific Accuracy Debunked

The discovery of a box that once contained the bones of Jesus would prove false the beliefs of Christianity, which have held true for thousands of years. The only problem? Such a box has not been proven to exist.

If you have seen the ridiculous amount of coverage this has received by the mainstream media, you know what I am talking about. If you haven't, then you wouldn't have found this blog anyway so I'm not going to bother explaining it. It is a wonderous thing to behold -- a Hollywood promotional campaign, that is. It is simply amazing how quickly they can occupy the attention of a massive population.

The archaeologist responsible for this "discovery", (oh...I'm sorry..."revealing the meaning of other people's discoveries" is how he likes to represent his speculations) Simcha Jacobovici, is a real winner. Not only is he Canada's finest archaeologist -- I'm sure you know who #2 is -- but he apparently can discover the truth about almost anything ever written in the Bible.

If you were not fortunate enough to see Decoding the Exodus on the History Channel, then I invite you to grab a coffee and spend some quality time reading this comical debate regarding the show. http://www.bib-arch.org/bswbOOexodusbeware.html

I give Mr. Jacobovici high marks for wonderful and plausible speculation. It is the imagination combined with expertise that makes a great fiction writer. He can make you believe it is possible. But does that make it truth? Does that make it history? Does that make it evidence?

To represent his most recent find as scientifically sound fact is not only humorous, but also blatantly in violation of the Anthropological Code of Ethics. Here is a portion of our American version, although Canadians may have their own version.

American Anthropological Association Code of Ethics
Article III.C.1

Anthropological researchers should make the results of their research appropriately available to sponsors, students, decision makers, and other nonanthropologists. In so doing, they must be truthful; they are not only responsible for the factual content of their statements but also must consider carefully the social and political implications of the information they disseminate. They must do everything in their power to insure that such information is well understood, properly contextualized, and responsibly utilized. They should make clear the empirical bases upon which their reports stand, be candid about their qualifications and philosophical or political biases, and recognize and make clear the limits of anthropological expertise.

This "archaeologist" has surpassed the esteemed Mr. Brown (author of The DaVinci Code) on my list of abhorrent frauds. It is a shame that someone who COULD contribute so much to Biblical history instead chooses to chase fantastical theories in the name of the almighty dollar.

However, my point to this has little to do with Mr. Jacobovici. Instead, I find it ironic that so many people will cling to this one "revelation" as the proof to all they believed was false about Christianity. To believe there is a God who created everything, allowed His Son to die for the salvation of mankind, and that Man came back from the dead and physically went into heaven - to believe that requires much faith.

However, does it not take a great deal more faith to debunk thousands of years of text and evidence of that hope by your belief in an empty box with some scratches on it?

Gays Need Sensitivity Training, Too

Are people homosexual, or are they doing something homosexual? Homophobia is often likened to racism, but is it the same? Is your race determined by how you act or live?

These are questions no one is asking in light of the recent firestorm of controversy stemming from comments by Tim Hardaway regarding the "coming out" of NBA player John Amaechi. Hardaway stated specifically that "I hate gays", and went on for several minutes during an interview backing up that sentiment.

Hardaway's attitude is just awful, isn't it? Homophobia must be one of the worst bigotries that needs to be stamped out in America, right?

Homosexuality is defined by your sexual actions. Regardless of whether you believe that is genetic or by choice, the fact remains it is not your appearance but your actions that offend or disgust others. This makes homophobia inherently different from racism. Some people don't like liars or cheaters or people who swear like sailors - some people don't like people who have sexual relations with others of the same sex. Why do homosexuals demand social tolerance equal to that given to race or gender? Perhaps they should instead receive the same tolerance given to strippers - after all, some people think that lifestyle is OK and some do not.

Personally, I have no problem with gay people and could care less what they do with their lives. I have several friends who are gay. But telling others they cannot frown upon your lifestyle by equating homosexuality with racism and sexism is ludicrous. It is a slap in the face to those who were born into suffering because of the intolerance of their appearance. These gay activists are the ones lacking sensitivity toward issues much more important and problems much more dire.

Certainly, a hate crime of any sort is inexcusable and intolerable and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent. However, there was no crime committed here. I hate people that don't respect young children in public. I hate people who insist on driving in the middle lane of the Interstate at all times. I hate Dallas Cowboy fans. Tim Hardaway hates guys that have sex with other guys. What makes the disdain for gays more outrageous than any of these others?

Homosexuality does not define who you are, only what you do. And I really am sorry, but people have every right to hate what you do. Do not insult victims of racism by equating your persecution to theirs. It is not the same.