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The 11th Commandment: 'Thou Shalt Not Forge'

Unscrupulous scholars fake history to make a buck

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 29, 2008 6:06 PM CST

(Newser) – Fraudulent biblical artifacts come a dime a dozen, but reputable archaeologists are turning out to be far less common, Nina Burleigh writes in the Los Angeles Times. The latest example involves an Israeli collector who claimed to have relics from the time of Christ. Declaring the items forgeries, authorities prosecuted the man, but a judge’s doubt could undermine the case and threaten the integrity of the antiquities market.

One archaeologist said he felt the case put archaeology itself on trial. The case also shows that Israeli authorities are unable to spot fakes, writes Burleigh, and the Jewish state’s legal system shouldn’t have the final word on authenticity. Urging restraint, the author adds that "sober and serious biblical scholars need to take steps to shield the public from their more ruthless colleagues.”

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A lamp illuminates the inscription carved into a stone ossuary said to have once contained the bones of Jesus' brother James as it sits in storerooms in Jerusalem. (Getty Images)

In 2003, an inscribed stone purported to be the first archaeological evidence of Solomon's temple appeared. The sandstone held 16 lines of text remarkably similar to a passage in the Old Testament. (Shutter Stock)

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The James ossuary first made world news in 2002. An American lawyer and publisher arranged a news conference and presented the box as the first archaeological evidence of the materiality of Christ. (EisenmanTalks)

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Biblical archaeology is rife with characters who are expert at generating hype. They push hot buttons in theology and Middle East politics guaranteed to get attention and, eventually, money. - Nina Burleigh, the Los Angeles Times

All future finds with biblical connections emerging from the private market ought to be inspected by a team of disinterested experts from around the world before anyone calls a news conference.
- Nina Burleigh, the Los Angeles Times

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The 11th Commandment: 'Thou Shalt Not Forge'