"…One of the world’s most famous epigraphers, Professor Émile Puech of
the École Biblique Archaeological Institute in Jerusalem, has gone
public that the findings in the tomb next to the Jesus Family Tomb are,
indeed, a cross and the “Sign of Jonah”. They are undoubtedly, he says,
related to the early Jesus movement.…"
Simcha Jacobovici writes:
[Hat Tip: Yochanan Lavie.]…One of the world’s most famous epigraphers, Professor Émile Puech of the École Biblique Archaeological Institute in Jerusalem, has gone public that the findings in the tomb next to the Jesus Family Tomb are, indeed, a cross and the “Sign of Jonah”. They are undoubtedly, he says, related to the early Jesus movement (see video interview below). For the record, Professor Puech is also a priest. He is also highly regarded by all those who have been critical of the “Jesus Family Tomb” theory.
Professor Puech is a very honest man. He was willing to be videotaped regarding his opinions. When I pointed out that his testimony can be used to corroborate the theory that Jesus’ tomb has been found in Talpiot, he responded by saying that Jesus’ tomb cannot, by definition, be found since Jesus has ascended to heaven. I respect this. Professor Puech does not try to defend his faith by altering the evidence and demonizing those who bring the evidence to light. On the one hand, he holds onto his faith, but on the other he reports on the evidence honestly and with no personal rancor. For those of us who are not motivated by Christian theology, however, Professor Puech’s scientific assessment is the smoking gun of the Jesus Family Tomb.
Put simply, it can no longer be argued that the “Jesus, son of Joseph” who was buried in Talpiot has no relation to Jesus of Nazareth. Given that the earliest signs of Christianity – 200 years earlier than the catacombs – have been discovered next to the burial place of a “Jesus, son of Joseph”, the identification of this Jesus with Jesus of Nazareth is certain.
What are the naysayers going to do now? Will they pressure Professor Puech to change his mind, as they have done with other scholars? Will they still maintain that no one supports the “Sign of Jonah”? Or will they simply ignore the story hoping, like the Grand Inquisitor, that Jesus and his tomb – and the remarkable archaeological evidence that was found in it – will once again recede into the shadows.
My colleagues and I will try to make sure that that doesn’t happen. Professor Puech’s expert testimony is a game changer.