Lines of Argument

    Each of these lines of argument has the property that if the argument were to be satisfactorily resolved it could
    lead directly to a conclusion regarding the proposition.  Some of these lines of argument are structured in the
    direction of being "for" the proposition, while others are structured "against" it.  For example, the line or argument
    – “Misunderstood Names?” is structured against the proposition;  it sets-up the debate as to whether the name
    “Jesus son of Joseph” actually appears on a bone box found in the tomb.  Some argue that this is a correct
    reading, while others argue that is has been misread and that there is no Jesus in the tomb.

    These lines of argument can be reviewed by clicking on the links provided below.  Under each link you will find a
    short 1-2 page guide.

    Each guide contains a short background section that sets up the line of argument and why it is important.  This is
    followed by a quick summary of the arguments for and against the proposition that the Talpiot Tomb is the family
    tomb of Jesus, based on the line of argument.  The editor will offer a brief opinion as to what one might conclude
    about this line of argument.  

    As shown in the example above these guides only attempt to set-up or outline a line of argument or debate.  
    They do not purport to offer enough detail to resolve the line of argument.  So, at the end of each guide readers
    will be directed to those bibliographic references most relevant to the line of argument so that they can study

    Lines of Argument Guides

    Arguments for the Proposition

  1. Uncommon Names- What are the Odds? Probability studies tells us that the names in the tombs are uncommon
    and that the names can be associated with the family tomb of Jesus?  (click here)
  2. Mariame Ossuary Connection? Is the Talpiot tomb the burial place of Mary Magdalene or is it perhaps the burial
    place of Mary and Martha the sisters from Bethany associated with Jesus? (click here)
  3. James Ossuary Connection? Is the so called “James Ossuary” the missing 10th ossuary from the Talpiot Tomb?  
    Or, is it an as yet undocumented 11th ossuary? (click here)
  4. Symbols and the Tombs?  Do the Talpiot Tomb and its neighboring tomb contain symbols and symbolic writings
    that may point directly to the biblical Jesus.  See in particular "The Jesus Discovery" (click here)
  5. The European Connection?  Does a reading of European history as it relates to the Knights Templar, the
    Cathars and the Priory of Sion, lead us to conclude that the Talpiot Tomb is burial place of the biblical Jesus
    (click here)

    Arguments against the Proposition

  1. Misunderstood Names?  Have some of the inscriptions on the Talpiot Tomb ossuaries been misread or
    associated with the wrong person?  Do we really know the names of those buried in the tomb? (click here)
  2. Could Jesus have been married and a father?  What is the possibility that Jesus was married and the father of a
    child? (click here)
  3. Tomb would be Known?  If a Jesus family tomb had existed and Jesus was buried in it, wouldn’t it have been
    widely known, even to this day? Also would it not have forestalled the passionate telling of the Resurrection and
    Ascension stories in the New Testament?  (click here)
  4. Body went elsewhere?  Many scenarios have been given for the final location of the body of Jesus? Are some of
    these more likely that than the Talpiot Tomb.  (click here)

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