Liberal Talk Radio

I love archaeology … have ever since I first watched “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (the first of approximately 50 viewings).

Of course, unlike James Cameron, I understand that the adventures of Indiana Jones do not constitute actual science.

I find myself strangely compelled by this new Jesus saga Cameron’s brought to life.  On one hand, if actual physical evidence of Jesus were to be found, doesn’t that ultimately strengthen the position of the various Christian churches?  Leaving aside the larger theological and ecclesiastical questions it would raise, in my opinion physical evidence of the existence of a figure that’s been heretofore somewhat mystical can only give additional weight to the faith and to the faithful.  On the other hand, there are those for whom the theological and ecclesiastical questions are tantamount … the Catholic Church may as well have the motto “never let the truth get in the way of a good story,” and the same can be said for many of the Protestant denominations as well.

What’s really interesting to me about this is that, so far at least, it seems like Cameron’s “research” is about as scientific as that which shows that Noah’s Ark is resting atop Mr. Ararat, or that the dinosaurs and man lived together in peace and harmony only 6500 years ago.

If Cameron’s trying to be ironic, and point out the limitations of the pseudo-science snakes like the Discovery Institute use to cow the faithful, he’s picked a very clever way to do it.  I can only imagine what the religious right must think about this … now they’ll be forced to actually critically examine psuedo-evidence and refute it using things like “logic” and “reason” … the anethema of too many social conservatives.  And for some of them, the exposure to using the power of their minds to draw reasonable conclusions based on actual — scientifically valid — evidence can only be a good thing.