Church of the Holy Sepulcher

I was just in Israel. Everyone there knows about this Church in Jerusalem where they say that Jesus is buried. In the church itself, the Catholics have their corner and the Orthodox has their corner but both have a stake in it.

Would it be considered harmful to Christianity in the U.S. if Jesus is actually buried somewhere? Personally I think that the true miracle of Christ is his Word and teachings that have endured a couple of milennia. Apparently, though, it doesn't make a difference to Christians in other parts of the world. But in the U.S. it seems that there's so much emphasis on bodily resurrection and return.

I think people of the Jewish faith believe the church is over the tomb where Jesus IS buried whereas Christians believe the church is over the tomb where Jesus WAS buried.

The New Testament, which is the basis of Christianity, describes the Resurrection of Jesus from that tomb and His ascension into heaven. It seems to say Jesus is buried somewhere would be compatible with the Jewish faith, but not with Christianity.

smile

DJ, the reason Christianity has survived is because of the resurrection! It is unique to Christianity and it is essential because it shows that Jesus is the Creator and has control over all of nature, including death.
He promises us eternal life and a glorified body (incorruptible).

The Church is not the same as the cave which was found empty where the rock was rolled away after the crucifixion, but in a different area.

Bluebird -- aren't there Christians who view the resurrection as symbolic of spiritual rebirth?

There are probably Christians who view it that way but it is not what the apostles taught. The faith that they died for, teaches us that we do need to be reborn, spiritually, but that there would be a resurrection of our bodies, just like Jesus'. They also stressed that He would, indeed, come back to earth again, in His glorified body and then he would raise the corruptible (our bodies, dead or alive) into incorruptible ones.
I, personally, can't wait!

I thought the church is over the cave where Jesus was buried and from which he was resurrected.

Seems like I read that the cave where Jesus was buried was destroyed by someone, but the gravesites of others remain and there is some archeological evidence to support the church being over the burial place of Jesus.

smile

DJ

You asked us to consider an important question - "would it be harmful to Christianity in the U.S. if Jesus is actually buried somewhere?"

In my opinion, I think it would. This has got me thinking about the importance of the resurrection to me. I believe the resurrection to be the cornerstone of my faith - Christ conquered death, He lives eternal. Without the resurrection, Christ is mere man - albeit, a prophet with some great teachings, but mere man none the less. With the resurrection, Christ is the son of God, and more than mere man. This is what I believe. So, finding the body of Jesus still on earth would considerably rock my faith!! To me, it would mean Christianity was built on a lie - and I think that would be devasting to the Christian religion as a whole (not just the U.S.).

Of course, some would probably aruge that you could still have Christianity without the resurrection, by simply focusing on Christ's teachings - and probably some do that already. But for me, personally, it wouldn't be the same faith then.

http://www.bibleplaces.com/holysepulcher.htm

"First-Century Tomb

The best piece of evidence that the tomb of Jesus was in this area is the fact that other first-century tombs are still preserved inside the church. Called the "Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea," these burial shafts (kokhim) are clearly from the time of Christ's death and thus attest to some kind of burial ground in the area. Combined with the evidence from tradition, this church is most likely the true location of the Christ's death and burial." This is the site the church is built around.

also from that website:

"The Garden Tomb

While officially the Garden Tomb Association only maintains this as a possible site for Christ's burial, some tour guides of the site are very convinced. They note the large cistern nearby, which proves the area must have been a garden in Jesus' day. They maintain that there are marks of Christian veneration at the tomb which also prove its sanctity throughout the ages." This site was apparently discovered in the late 1800's - a tomb in the side of a rocky escarpment.

Evie
Do you believe that a "mere man" could have come up with the teachings in the Gospel?

hmmm - good point. Could a man, on his own, without divine guidance of some sort, come up with those teachings? Maybe. But wouldn't that just make him a wise man? - and there have been lots of those. For me, what sets Christ apart, is the resurrection.

(I'm sorry, I'm probably not explaining this well -semantics and theology not being one of my strong points. And I'm trying to explain this without coming across as trying to convert anyone....)

By Evie: "For me, what sets Christ apart, is the resurrection."

A theologian couldn't have said it better or simpler!

If I understand correctly, you're both saying that men on their own without divine guidance have come up with teachings similar to Jesus'?

No, I don't think I said that. I said it might be "possible" for a wise man without divine guidance to come up with similar teachings. But, then one could ask where does inspiration come from?? How did the wise man become wise?

And, one could drive oneself crazy trying to figure all this out.

I am not a philosopher.

DJ - simply put, I believe in the resurrection. You asked if we thought it might be harmful to Christianity if Jesus' body was buried somewhere and I attempted to try and explain why I felt it would (if not for everyone, than at least for me).

There have been other men with wise teachings like Chopra Depak (?) and others, but, and this may sound strange to some but in my belief, for every truth of God, such as the resurrection of Chist and the virgin birth, there is a counterfeit. To me, there is the truth and then there are counterfeit 'truths' that sound good and are appealing, but aren't the genuine article.
If you read the holy books written by 'wise' men, there is always a thread of truth to them. ie. The Pearl of Good Price, the Book of Mormon, the Koran, but none of them can produce a risen savior. You can visit the grave of Mohammad and Buddah and Joseph Smith, but not the grave of Christ.
Just my thoughts.

Depak Chopra.

The difference between Jesus and other wise men with similar teachings is simple.

Others are wise men, but only Jesus is the Risen Lord and Savior.

smile

Smile, wonderfully put and Bluebird, thanks for the correction. I just bought new glasses yesterday and now I can see....LOL
Its a pain trying to quote from memory because you can't see to look things up and my typos......!
Sorry bout that ladies. I was just blessed today to find a pair of reading glasses that were within my means at the local Dollar Store. Its amazing what simple things will bless you when you are doing without. I'm happy for this time of learning to appreciate the simple things.

Number5

Glad to see you found your eyes.

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