Hershel Shanks

Ben Witherington III, PH.D.

The Brother of Jesus

The Dramatic Story & Meaning of the First Archaeological Link to Jesus & His Family

Talking Points

Hershel Shanks and Ben Witherington III can speak with authority about the discovery that stirred up a storm of controversy among the Church and scholars, since the discovery’s ramifications for the doctrines of the perpetual virginity of Mary and for regarding Christianity as totally distinct from Judaism are radical. This Jewish and Christian author team can reveal how profoundly Jewish earliest Christianity was especially in the Middle East. Media have hailed this find as the biggest since the Dead Sea Scrolls. Its authenticity has been verified by the top scholars. And its significance for understanding Jesus and the true nature of earliest Christianity and for contemporary faith is being vigorously explored and debated. This is the book around which the discussion revolves.

Description

The definitive story of the recent discovery of the 1st century ossuary (limestone bone box) with the legend, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” This book explore its implications for understanding Jesus, his family, his followers, the first Christians, and the Jewish Christian movement in Jerusalem that James led.