The Brother of Jesus: The Dramatic Story & Meaning of the First Archaeological Link to Jesus & His Family

"The Brother of Jesus" is actually two interesting books in one, and readers interested in the historical movement that is Christianity as well as the connective life of Jesus will find this book written by Shanks and Witherington fascinating, educational, and intriguing. Readers will feel more informed with the life of Jesus and the social structures of the times during which he lived. Does `The Brother of Jesus' help close any of ongoing questions for those who question Jesus as The Christ? Perhaps not, but there is clearer direction that may be a catalyst for some to reach into and hold a deeper understanding into the life of Christ. The first part of the book is impeccably explored as an oratory of sorts by which Shanks provides to the reader a very thorough explanation into what exactly the `James Ossuary' is and how it was cultivated - If you will - to finally come into public light after nearly two thousand years. Chance? The story of the ossuary's own travels is in itself is quite remarkable. Additionally, Shanks provides an interesting and apparently accurate historical take on how THIS particular ossuary may very well be the bone-burial tomb of James the younger brother of Jesus. Equally fascinating is the presentation and study made by Witherington on the life and activity of James the younger brother of Jesus. For so long has the debate been fueled regarding the sanguine line of Jesus, for many, The Christ. With the remarkable discovery of the ossuary, there were hopes that perhaps the bloodline of Jesus could eventually be discovered . . . and Witherington does an exemplary presentation about the life of Jesus. In his conclusion, Witherington does not believe that James was the blood brother of Jesus, but that of a step brother . . . which I am not completely convinced on. I think a more detailed and cited study into the life of James has been presented by Rev. Jeffrey Butz, in his book titled "The Brother of Jesus and the Lost Teachings of Christianity". Nevertheless, in my own conclusion as a Christian fiction writer, but more importantly, as A Believer, the issues surrounding the life of James will come down to each of our own holdings of faith. I do not think it matters one way or another if James is the sanguine brother of Christ The Lord or not. What matters is that Christ did and does exist. This is an important reader. The more will know about the life and times of Jesus, the closer we become.

Shanks and Witherington bring a sophisticated and compelling study with "The Brother of Jesus" (2003 paperback). Theirs is a careful consideration of the authenticity for the "James the son of Joseph the brother of Jesus" ossuary publicly introduced in 2002. (It was discovered a number of years ago, extracted from it's original resting place, and then housed in various Israeli locations over several generations until its 21st century public presentation.) Recounting various scientific/forensic examinations of the small bone box, the authors add their voices to its continuing controversy. Did this ossuary house the bones of St. James, the Just, the brother of Jesus Christ? Can it really ever be completely examined and understood without knowing the information from its original provenance? These are difficult questions to answer, even in the wake of the ossuary's forensic study. After providing a complete and careful recounting of all the ossuary's scientific examinations Shanks and Witherington attempt clear answers with their presentation of James' history by reviewing the various personality and events associated with him. They review the ossuary bullae (sealant), its patina (the calcium carbonate surface) and its Aramaic calligraphy. They revisit the early Christian sources for James, the various personalities named "James" in the Scripture, authorship for the Epistle of James, the death and legend of James, the family of James, and much more. Due to the technical nature of this 305-page book it should not be considered a quick read. Each chapter concludes with a plethora of source suggestions. Preferring to consult each source Shanks and Witherington cite, I completed the book in a little less than a month. The authors provide dozens of precision maps, informative charts, interesting photographs (colored and black and whites), and helpful endnotes. In the end, I found pages 1 through 224 to be the most helpful. These first two parts demonstrate that the James ossuary (sandstone box itself) is authentic from the first century (such ossuaries were commonly used around Jerusalem only from about 20 BC to AD 70). Shanks and Witherington are also convinced that the first half of the writing- "James the son of Joseph" is probably authentic to the first century. The third section of the book (pages 225 to 305) is less persuasive and would be more convincing with additional research (and scholarly debate). Here the authors believe the second half of the inscription- "the brother of Jesus"- to be a later addition and, thus, a forgery (page 235). Who can say for sure? "The Brother of Jesus" is a good read witnessing to a fascinating subject. Shanks and Witherington have been at the forefront of the James ossuary's history from its 2002 introduction. The book is recommended to all who want to know more about the ossuary that may have housed the bones of Jesus' brother. It is also a good read for all Bible students. Orde

Shanks and Witherington present us with a gift in their book about the discovery of a 1st century ossuary that could contain the bones of James the Just, the brother of Jesus. There is far too little written about James, which is all the more paradoxical since he is one of the few people from that time period to actually have some historic validity. The book provides a thorough discussion of the archeological circumstances surronding such a finding, which by itself is an interesting and informative read. But beyond that, Shanks and Witherington provide a detailed discussion of the life and death of James. Personally, I would have preferred more in depth discussions here, and I would have preferred a lengthy discussion of the ties with the Essenes and the Ebionites as well as some speculation on the death of James (Josephus simply says that he was stoned, not stoned to death. It was not uncommon for people stoned to death to be hung from a tree, and there is no indication that James was hung, hence, maybe he was stoned, but not to death - I don't want to belabor the point here, just to note that a few paragraphs about alternate theories of James' death would have been nice). In addition, there is a section on ossuaries which is very educational, including information about the population in Jerusalem, the types of names found on ossuaries, the different types of inscriptions, etc. This is a great book for anyone interested in Jesus or the time period, and it certainly is a must read for people interested in James the Just. It's also going to be of interest for people interested in ossuaries in general. The book can be read by beginning students as well as advanced scholars. PS - I would give this book a 4+ but the ratings only allow a 4 or a 5.

The Witherington section is full of poor scholarship. He fails to substantiate many of his claims about the Holy Family. He is with the minority of scholars on this one. He should learn Aramaic, which would help.

This book is actually the story of the James ossuary as well as a description of who James was. Shanks writes first about the James ossuary. In the first 80 pages he, tells the story of the find and dispels many of the concerns about the ossuary's authenticity. There was no sign of a modern tool used to make the inscription. The inscription (including the second half) is covered with patina which adheres to the ossuary yet there is no sign of a modern adhesive. Altman's reason for thinking that there were two handwritings may be explained by the softness of the limestone upon which are written the words "brother of Jesus." Ben Witherington then writes a very interesting account of James, the younger brother of Jesus, his asceticism, and his rise to prominence in the early church. What's the verdict? Being an attorney Shanks says it this way: the evidence can not prove the authenticity beyond a shadow of a doubt, but there is a preponderance of evidence that would win a civil case.