A religion professor from eastern Iowa has had a rare experience — gettingan up-close look at a unique artifact. Theologians around the world arereviewing what’s said to be the first archaeological evidence of theexistence of Jesus Christ. David Messner, a professor at the University ofDubuque Theological Seminary, got to view the box that’s believed to containthe bones of James, the brother of Jesus. The limestone box is 2,000 yearsold and was verified in Israel earlier this year. An inscription on the boxreads “James, Son of Joseph, Brother of Jesus.” Messner says the box wasamazing to see. Messner says it looks authentic, and has created a lot ofinterest. Messner says for those who believe in Christ, it’s a niceChristmas present. He says if it is authentic, it will be the mostfantastic, important evidence to support the Christian faith. Messner got aclose look at the box, and was able to look at the inscription from aboutthree inches away. He described it as a “marvelous, powerful experience.”Messner got to see the box during a recent visit to Toronto, Canada.
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