It was a mitochondrial DNA test that proved Mary M. and Jesus were not of close relation. This same test can be used to determine if the three assumed brothers are of the same mother and if the child is of Mary M.. Does anyone know if these tests were done and if not why? It seems to me the only logical option, unless someone knew the results debunked a huge money making book and documentary. Anyone?

For starters, Mary M. was not proven to be the occupant ("The Acts of Phillip" quoted by the show, only identifies Mariamme as the apostle Phillip's sister - it never connects that name with Mary Magdalene, or with Jesus. Also, the Bible never connects Mary M. with Phillip or Jesus). Another thing to ponder is that if Jesus was truly GOD incarnate (and concieved by the Holy Spirit), why do we assume he would share DNA with either of his parents? Might not sharing their DNA possibly taint him with their "sin nature" - no longer making him "sinless"?

chadders11 is completely on base. Why was so much spent in making this show only not have completed the testwork that would even further support the shows conclusion that this was Jesus' tomb? The producers need to take a step back so that they can see the forest again instead of individual trees. TEST THE DNA OF JAMES TO JESUS AND OF JESUS TO JUDAH(HIS SUPPOSED SON)!! I am christian but believe in science as well. As such, the more support; the better.

THat is exactly the question I had. Were they tested and did not support the theories of the filmakers and so left out?
It seems strange that this important step was not taken.

it is VERY expensive to do this type of testing...the Discovery channel "footed" 3.5 million to produce this show and to do further testing, who is going to do it? Is it going to be like the shroud of Turin? Years and years of study and then years before the conclusions are "allowed" to the public? Or like the "Dead Sea Scrolls" info., it takes 40 years before the "public" has privy to the info.?

I recall Dr. Tabor commenting, on the show, that the other ossuaries were "vaccumed" out. Only the Jesus & Mariamne ossuaries had content enough to send to a CSI/DNA lab. This is why the others were not tested.

Kozmikkut said:

Might not sharing their DNA possibly taint him with their "sin nature" - no longer making him "sinless"?

What does DNA have to do with the transmission of sin? Do you suppose that we are liable for sins of previous generations within our family? I don't follow the logic in this.

Bp. +Elaine

Jim, I am surprised you didn't confront the implausibility of DNA proving anything in this situation. There is no proof of ownership of the boxes, who put these particular boxes in this particular tomb, whose family is the original owner of this particular tomb, who can prove whose bones are in any of these boxes. I see the probability of a practical joker playing a hoax here. Anybody can rummage around innumerable tombs in Jerusalem, the same team has not been excavating every single tomb there, its no big deal to pluck out the requisite named ossuaries needed and dump them into a spiffy tomb awaiting 'discovery ala hollywood hype.

DNA here is just a play to the galleries. DNA is used medically if you want to find cures for diseases, something Cameron didn't do. DNA is used legally by the prosecution, just look at the results of the O.J trial- zilch. If Cameron was gonna try the killers he's 2,000 years to late for litigation, the crime scene is grossly contaminated. If Cameron wanted to find the original tomb its sitting inside a basilica for veneration not for purpose of hollywood exploitation.

What DNA can do in this situation is best described by Brian Sykes who wrote 7 Daughters of Eve. If folk want an accurate description of the tomb in its original natural surroundings, they should read the 'eye witness' account by Catherine Emmerich. Mel Gibson read this account and enabled him to make his Passion movie.

Jim, what surprises me about these posters is how little they know of the actual situation in Israel today. They know nothing about the Rabbinate and what power levers they pull. They don't realize the effect of this hype has done for the Jews for Jesus movement there. The homegrown Messianic fervor that is demanding the 3rd Temple be built. These things have the Rabbinate concerned about a negative backlash.

On the program I remember a mention that when the original archeologist team that found the ossuraries examined the bones in then out of respect buried them. Why not ask them to try and find the burial site and dig them up? I thought I heard them say them kept all the bones seperate. If DNA tests were done on Jesus and Mary (his mother) and Jesus and Judah to prove that he was his son, I think this would speak loud and clear!

I am also interested in the bones, for the bones will not prove the crucifixion, but they could reveal lineage through the DNA testing, but what type of DNA can be found after 2,000 years? This was addressed in the program.

Will we be able to prove anything to be true?

Will we forever be bound to struggle and fight?