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Posts:
4
Registered:
11/21/07
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(1 of 41)
New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Nov 21, 2007 6:16 PM
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I know I'm late finding this site, but I just have to say a couple of things. First off, I'm very disappointed in the History Channel (History International) for bowing to ratings and letting this joke of a producer do this show. His presentation of the "Lost Tomb of Jesus" was disgusting, and as was so well put by the unbiased archaeologist on the commentary following the show, it truly was "archeoporn." After that experience, I lost all respect for him and his shows.
I just thought I'd post a couple of articles that respond to the "Lost Tomb" junk. The "Jesus Tomb" was my first Simcha experience, and frankly, I found it to be a sensationalist load of bull. I, who have only an undergraduate theological degree, was able to find so many problems with it... If I can't trust him as a film maker or archaeologist, or whatever he is, then why would I watch this show, or trust a word he says???!!!
So... These articles were written by people who have devoted their entire adult lives to studying Christ and His Church. A few facts, just so everyone knows who these people are and who this church is...
This is the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Greek Orthodox Church is the church of Acts, and the only church in the world that can legitimately claim an unbroken line of apostolic succession all the way back to the apostles. Specifically, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, traces it's succession to the apostle Andrew the First Called. And yes, these ordinations are documented at the Patriarchate.
Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos is a New Testament instructor at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. My husband (a Greek Orthodox Priest) and I have both taken classes from him. He is a prolific author on the New Testament, and a hugely respected New Testament Theologian.
Fr. Eugen Pentiuc is also an instructor at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. We have had the pleasure of taking his classes as well. His area of expertise is ancient languages (he speaks nine of them...) as relate to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is an expert on the Old Testament.
Believe me when I say that both of these instructors have been studying these things FAR longer than Simcha. I do find it sad and laughable that the History Channel is making him out to be a legitimate scholar. I tend to trust the experts who have studied all of these things since before he was born. The knowledge of these types of things, like the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre (I saw another post on that earlier) have been handed down and documented throughout the ages within the Greek Orthodox Church. It always strikes me as ridiculous that no one ever asks the Orthodox Church. Anyway...
Here are the two articles. Enjoy!
http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article9610.asp
http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article9609.asp
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Posts:
1,810
Registered:
7/6/05
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(2 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Dec 11, 2007 4:47 PM
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Personally I don't believe everything Simcha says. Being an Orthodox Jew, it would be quite a feather in his cap if he could dis-cerdit Jesus and expose {{{the Jesus myth}}}. I enjoy seeing the country and the different sites they go to.
B.B. 
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Posts:
4
From:
Seattle
Registered:
12/26/07
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(3 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Dec 26, 2007 10:18 PM
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Wow, are you my father Mr. Presbyterian? No really! Sounds like him!
Anyways: I don't think he or the history channel would ever say that he is the be all, end all authority on all things of christianity! He is inquisitive, and I welcome that! Christianity is not weak... obviously, (we'd all be catholic!) Christianity can withstand anything any archeologist can throw our way.
I think the greatest threat to Christianity is narrow minded christians who are afraid of questions an all possible answers. Faith is only strengthened through hardships, just as our children are better of if we let them make their own mistakes to learn from.
I say bring on the bones of Jesus, as a Christian I know there are none to be found.
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Posts:
4
Registered:
11/21/07
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(4 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Jan 23, 2008 10:54 AM
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Actually, I'm Greek Orthodox Christian. And I'm a 'she.' 
"Presbytera" is how we address our priests' wives. My husband is a Greek Orthodox priest, and we both attended the school where both of those gentlemen (whose articles I posted) teach.
I have no problem with people asking questions. Being Orthodox, most people don't know what that is, so people have been asking questions my whole life. Everything from "do you worship Zeus" (uh, no, obviously you don't know your church history) to "are you a cannibal" (uh, no, obviously you don't know your theology). And as a whole, the Orthodox Church has no problems with asking questions, because we are not afraid of the answers. But we do, however, believe in respect when asking questions, good academic scholarship, and proper interpretation of the facts within the appropriate contexts- none of which this guy values.
My problem is the manner in which he asks the questions, and that he uses faulty information to draw faulty conclusions to make people believe what he wants them to believe.
If he were in the least bit responsible, he would defer to those who have actually studied these topics. I said in another thread, "would you trust a doctor that didn't go to medical school?" Why trust someone who has no degree, or even education, in the area in which he touts himself to be knowledgable?
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Edited by Presbytera914 at 01/23/2008 10:55 AM
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Posts:
3
From:
Norway, MI
Registered:
3/13/08
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(5 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Mar 13, 2008 6:22 AM
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These are the truly big questions in todays world.
Did Jesus really exist? Was he a man that just made alot of sense? Or was he a man infused with a Holy Spirit?
Why did the Vatican take out everything that objected to Jesus' early life, the other 'gospels' of Phillip, Mary and Judas? Where is the Ark?
My beef is only with organized religion. I don't want someone telling me that this is what I have to believe. Someone like The Naked Archaeologist is at least looking for some of the answers. Whether or not he is right in his delivery, research or point of view doesn't matter to me.
Its still very interesting TV.
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Posts:
1
From:
Arlington, VA
Registered:
3/16/08
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(6 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Mar 16, 2008 10:55 AM
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In the Jerusalem espisode, the Naked Archeologist proved himself to be openly Zionist and blindly pro-Israeli. He does interview one Muslim but then dismissed his points flippantly, and encourages the Jewish guide to blow up the Dome of the Rock. Of course, that will provoke the situation and I think it is a completely irresponsible thing to have anyone say on History International, let alone the host of a show. Who decided to broadcast this?
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Posts:
9
From:
Raleigh NC. USA
Registered:
3/18/08
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(7 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Mar 18, 2008 2:25 PM
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Ahhh, you guys are all a bunch of religious whiners!
I too am a Christian minister, and I find that his questions are hard hitting and reveal the truth of scripture much more than they don’t… The truth of Scripture can only be reinforced by the truth of archeology! Why? Because the scripture truly happened the way the bible says it did. And if you look at the questions Simcha asks, it is obvious that our esteemed host believes this fully as well!
Sure, he was obnoxious during the John the Baptist episode when he kept making silly references to “The Divinci code”.
But then he was rightfully mocking it…
I cannot wait until the next episode! Hopefully Simcha fully eposes the ridiculousness of Constantine’s ignorant mom!
You see I too have studied the archeology of Jesus’ crucifixion site, and I am convinced that the burial place of Jesus is NOT in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but rather outside the Demascus Gate nearer to the garden tomb. And that Jesus was condemned in the courtyard of Pilote’s home which is now called “The Tower of David” meaning the “Via dela Rosa” is NOT accurate at ALL! And I hope he reveals this too!
Bottom line…To find Truth…leave your ego and silly traditions at the door and actually Read the Scriptures!
Yours in service to the One True Messiah, Jesus Christ.
-Steadfast!
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Edited by Steadfast at 03/18/2008 2:27 PM
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Edited by Steadfast at 03/18/2008 2:28 PM
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Posts:
1
From:
New Jersey
Registered:
3/31/08
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(8 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Mar 31, 2008 11:37 PM
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I (one of a mounting silent minority)am open to new, fresh ideas and suggestions about how we look at religion and ancient history.
A former Catholic, I want to look at innovative interpretations about the religions of the world using new and more modern outlooks upon the evidence gathered.
I don't believe that this show has the answers any more than I believe that organized religions do. It's an interpretation --- get over it!!!
Why should one set of believers be so right while another so wrong when viewing the same information?
Ha!!! That's the problem with this world, isn't it?
Let him have his show.... If you don't like it, instead of being afraid for yourselves, just don't watch it! If you're right, you'll be saved in the end. And we will live our lives in peaceful tolerance instead of religious oppression.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/1/08
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(9 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Apr 1, 2008 5:43 PM
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Only one question I would like answered....
In the episode where he is looking for Mr. Sinai.
Give me chapter and verse where the following is found...
"goat grazing distance" ???
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/30/08
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(10 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Apr 30, 2008 2:19 PM
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No offence, but isn't it selfish of you to attack this show because it contradicts your religeon? not everyone shares the same views as you, not everyone is a christian, and believe it or not, it is possible to take Jacobovici's insight into consideration without it stripping you of your personal beliefs. it's just archaeology. it's not like he's attacking your faith here, he's just exploring the past and discussing what could have gone on in a given time and place. no one really knows except the people who lived back then. if you can't handle it, watch something else, don't hassle the people who want to watch it.
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Posts:
5
From:
Pennsylvania
Registered:
9/10/08
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(11 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Sep 10, 2008 9:08 PM
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You know, Simcha is trying to be fair to three large religions. It's not popular for a scientist to support any religion in the first place. On NA, A Jew looks at Christianity, a Christian looks at Islam, another looks at another- in which he does not believe. Simcha is doing the best he possibly can to accommodate any religion within a historical context. I think Simcha brings light to the open minded, which is why I love the show.
I am a Christian whose childhood heroes were the Jews of the Bible.
Hal
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Posts:
5
From:
Minneapolis MN
Registered:
6/2/08
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(12 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Sep 19, 2008 8:16 PM
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I study the history of Judaism and Christianity. It took Judaism 1500 years for the Torah to assume its final form, and it took Christianity hundreds of years to assume its final form. In both cases, generations of scholars played a part in choosing what to insert in both Holy books. There was no meetings of angels who made decisions. Humans made the decisions.
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Posts:
10
From:
Boston MA
Registered:
11/16/08
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(13 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Nov 17, 2008 5:09 PM
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Trying to be fair??? I don't think so. He is also not trying to be honest or accurate. He is just making it up as he goes along to support his own religious views and theories. Some of which are interesting and creative and not *entirely* devoid of *all* credibility. Though for the vast most part he just misrepresents the truth and twists the facts to fit his religious delusions aned calls himself an archaeologist but he holds no archaeology degree and archaeologists all over have atleast once written letters declaring his theories and presentations of facts to be twisted or wrong. Because almost always they are way off the mark and then he presents them as based in science. Please already, get this nonsense off the air! It is insulting to the basic intelligence of modern man. Homo Neanderthalensis, probably would have laughed this creep off tv also this show is soooo far from representing the facts or using real evidence.... I a m so disgusted with this show! It *could* have been really interesting but nooooo.... They had to get this biast moron to make it and misrepresent everything. I am offended that this garbage is even on tv.
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Posts:
7
Registered:
11/17/08
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(14 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Nov 17, 2008 10:16 PM
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I don't know what has you so worked up over a tv show - let's try calming down and looking at things rationally. First - we are talking about a television show - a modern form of entertainment for the masses. That's all it is....nothing to get so excited about, really.
Pretty much every post you have made, you are upset that he is not being accurate - You are being less than accurate yourself. He does not call himself an archaeologist - you are the one saying that he is. Everything I have seen says he is a journalist, what I actually see used most often is: "An Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker". Yes he has in interest in history and archaeology - but then so do all of us on this forum.
We each have opinions and theories. We can present them publicly with our reasoning and perhaps we will convince someone else too. There is no law that anyone has to agree with us...why should he not have the same opportunity? If you find fault with his theory, logic or even his shirt - then DON'T agree with him. Of course you are free to present your own pet theories, and reasoning.
You accuse him of being "biast", yet I have not seen you to be able to give a balanced account of the man or the show, showing your bias as well. He does present multiple theories, and explains why he prefers one over the others. Agree with his idea or not, he does layout his specific reasons for how he came to that conclusion.
I always thought that science was a never-ending quest for answers - I find it incomprehensible that anyone with any scientific bent would be willing to settle for less. It is appalling to think that this total lack of inquisitiveness may actually be from a student (based on your name).
I could (but won't here since it is off topic) point out many times in history when the "correct" theory was proven wrong by a 'nut job' who turned out to be right.
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Posts:
10
From:
Boston MA
Registered:
11/16/08
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(15 of 41)
Re: New To This Site... Why Would Anyone Trust A Word This Man Says??!!
Nov 19, 2008 8:19 PM
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Alright, Let me do just that for you.... Ok?
Simcha, is a very bright man, from what little evidence i have seen which is exquisitely little he looks like a nice person and a good family man. He appears to love his family a great deal and to hold very strong deep beliefs which in itself is NOT a bad or negative thing. He seems rather intelligent and even has some interesting ideas from odd time to time. He obviously is a good provider and does very well for his family.
The show, is a very cool idea! Really it is. The inspiration for it is interesting. Going and looking into it is fabulous. Putting it all into the public light is wonderful!
As a journalist he puts out a high end product and he obviously has a great deal of fun while doing it. He is amusing to watch for a multitude of reasons and is not a terrible entertainer.
On the other end... You wanted balanced so you are getting balanced. The effect his erroneous presentations have on a populace desperate for information relevant to the bible is..... Hugely damaging as it is not based on really any real fact in most cases. He does not care what those who work in my line of study are finding. Or what has been proven. He paints a biast and bogus picture of the times of Jesus, and in a world where more wars have been fought in the name of God, than in any other name, i would have to argue he is a HUGE part of the problem as are others like him. He knows his ideas are not fact the experts the ones who actually have the degrees in archaeology that he himself does not have have told him what is what to his face. Some things, no one knows yet. Some of his thoughts and ideas though few of them are worth learning more about. Unforunately he doesn't do that. He just twists the truth and manipulates facts to fit his faith based interpretation and as a result the viewers and presented with what some call 'controversial' and what those of us actually in the field call either outright deception, or fraud. There could be a great deal to a series similar to this one. One more open to the facts and more based on fact as opposed to the delusions of one religious zealot who happens to have a camera. I am not saying that the faith versions should not be heard and looked into, but the hard stone facts are the facts.... There is no way around that no matter how religiously loonie tunes one is.... It is really that simple. I find such journalism to be not controversial but biast and BS. It is harmful. It does damage. I don't care for those who could be promoting truth about something so sensitive who instead choose to deceive and manipulate the truth and the population of interested parties.
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