James Cameron Documentaries Point to Hypocrisy

When the History Channel aired the documentary "The Exodus Decoded," the majority of Christians hailed it as evidence of the hand of God in the affairs of the ancient Israelites. After the film first aired in 2006, the accolades coming in from the religious right were high on praise and short on criticism. Many scholars did find much to be critical of in the documentary. Still, most lay people seemed happy to take it at face value since to them, it supports their view of God. Whether that view is grasping at straws or finding real value in the information given, it isn't the purpose of this article to decide. In a voice-over at the end of the film you hear these words: "Was the Exodus just a natural event, or was it the hand of God? We'll leave that for the viewer to decide."

In truth, the film makes quite a few assumptions. But it does make them with an eye toward science, which is to the credit of those who made it. I think it points to several natural events that an ancient tribe wove into mythical lore. As we have learned before, many myths have their roots in some truth. Quite a few people were surprised when the ancient city of Troy was discovered, having given it up as myth. However, just because the city existed-and probably was sacked in warfare-doesn't mean that Paris killed Achilles by hitting him in the ankle. Stories get embellished as they are passed along. The documentary explored the possibilities when myth and science cross in real events.

Now the same production team-James Cameron and Simcha Jacobovici-have offered up 'The Lost Tomb of Jesus." And the furor it has stirred among Christians is almost off the scale. Why? Because it challenges the very foundation of Christianity, claiming to have found the burial tomb of Christ. And just as sacrilegious to most Christians, claiming that he was apparently married and had at least one child. Them's fightin' words, there! 'The Lost Tomb of Jesus" is similar in approach to "Exodus Decoded." There are based on sound scientific ideals, but taken to an assumptive level. They present provocative information that some will discard no matter, and some will feel compelled to explore.