The Bible's Buried Secrets

The Bible's Buried Secrets

2008, Religion  -   107 Comments
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Ratings: 6.41/10 from 108 users.

The Bible's Buried SecretsIn this landmark two-hour special, NOVA takes viewers on a fascinating scientific journey to the beginnings of modern religion.

The Bible's Buried Secrets vividly recounts the saga of the ancient Israelites and digs deeply into both the Bible and the history of the Israelites through the archaeological artifacts they left behind.

The documentary focuses on the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, as the foundation for the great monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

NOVA's producers worked with an international team of scholars and researchers who studied stories, examined artifacts, deciphered ancient manuscripts, and hypothesized how—in a time of human sacrifice, idolatry, and slavery—the concept of one God emerged.

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MM
MM
4 years ago

The problem is a scientific journey that tries its hardest to turn Christians away from the Bible. Do not believe everything you see because the Bible warns us about stuff like this. On the first episode the host is eating dinner with an archaeologist who repeatedly tells HIS version of who David is and obviously didn’t read the Bible and doesn’t believe in god so of course his version he can conjur up is going to be against the truth.

Romans
Romans
5 years ago

Hey guys!! Have you heard the one about the Doctor who sold her soul to the dark side for ratings..?

Sean
Sean
6 years ago

We are all products of our environments. Mine was being brought up in Catholic household. I am a fairly simple person and I not really able to offer up intellectual arguments and can only speak from my experiences.

When I receive Holy Communion - the difference it makes to my soul is amazing. I am consuming the body of Christ and am filled with peace and love.
Remember what Jesus said "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man you will not have eternal life". Trust me if you receive Holy Communion as a Catholic - there is no question that you have feelings of peace and love in your soul- immediately. It lasts a few hours. but your soul must be clean.

Jesus also said "those sins you forgive - they are forgiven"
Confession is an amazing sacrament- I feel cleansed from sins after going to confession.

This is what its all about - not deciphering arguments from scriptures but receiving the gifts that Jesus gave us and doing good in world.
God bless

Peter Ratcliff
Peter Ratcliff
10 years ago

At 53 minutes she talks about "anti-northern spin". Yet it was the Assyrian captivity of the northern kingdom that was not spin but a warning that the southern kingdom ignored and so they themselves were taken into the even more severe Babylonian captivity. This is hardly a history that shows Judah to be superior to the Samaritans, the northerners!

Jesus himself showed this with the famous "Good Samaritan".

Our King Jesus who is David's greater son and indeed David's Lord (Psalm 110) left behind even less of a physical kingdom. Jesus, although King of Kings was hounded like David. David was typical of Jesus Christ and his Psalms express this so well.

Peter Ratcliff
Peter Ratcliff
10 years ago

David was a great king because he was "a man after God's own heart", not because of great building projects. While David was king he was either at war or on the run most of the time, even from his own sons. It was in his son Solomon's day that the great temple and much else was built.

Peter Ratcliff
Peter Ratcliff
10 years ago

Ten minutes in, she says that a little bit of ornament from where Goliath lived proves that the Bible is wrong in calling the Philistines uncultured. But the "philistine" slur is not biblical one. To be spiritually uncultured has nothing to do with whether you have ornaments or not..

Peter Ratcliff
Peter Ratcliff
10 years ago

Just 4 minutes into the video and the presenter has twice spoken of David's great achievement in uniting the tribes of Israel and Judah. Yet the 12 tribes were not divided, they were only in dispute over the succession after King Saul's death. So I don't make much of her being a "biblical scholar". The real division came after David's son Solomon. Maybe she is confusing this story with the great joining together of rival tribes by Mohammed.
The earlier programme in the series about Adam and Eve was even more bizarre, but that is what you get when the liberal BBC and atheists get together.

Honkey Cracker
Honkey Cracker
10 years ago

Fairly obvious smear effort by a very attractive atheist. What do you expect from the dominant left?, certainly not unbiased truth. Her phd was awarded by people who adore her anti bible viewpoint. Our Alice in Wonderland era where grants are awarded for predetermined politically correct outcomes is no surprise considering the amount of cash available.

Joyce Haley
Joyce Haley
10 years ago

I know secret wealth of information regarding human creation the Great I Am or the God of Abraham and God's final return of revalation. I can prove all my knowledge scientifically as well as I also know why drug addiction occurs now in larger rates than ever before. I also understand how our human consciousness works as well as our human brains theres a scientific connection to plant life thats been staring us in the face for hundreds of yrs. If anyone knows a way I can reach scientific community to get my knowledge out there as well as my proof and evidence I can also prove all my knowledge Biblically as well. Most the secret answer lie in book of Exodus and Moses' s story! Contact me if u wanna know the REAL TRUTH OF Y U EXIST!

Jorge
Jorge
11 years ago

Francesca Stavrakopoulou defines herself as "atheist". No wonder she's there to try to prove her point of view rather than taking a more objective path. It's very sad that a so called professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion at Exeter's University takes a one side only. Her lack of objectivity and her atheistic point of view, blinds her eyes, ears and her intellect. But thanks to her, though, the faith of those of us who believe in One G-d, one LORD and His Son Jesus Christ is awesomely strengthened for we are able to see her true intentions. I pray to the LORD Almighty that she opens her heart, mind and soul to the Truth. If so, she'll be able to bring about more peace on earth and less dissent and hatred. Shalom, Francesca.

william
william
11 years ago

The Bible isn't a strict recollection of past events - nothing is (remember George Washington and mythical Cherry Tree?). Instead the Bible is what the German theologians refer to as "Heilsgeschichte"; a record of events deemed to be both salvific and of divine orientation. When viewed from that perspective the Bible is both authentic and truthful.

I am always amazed that there is a tendency to pooh-pooh the Bible because it is infused with religious beliefs and references to a deity. Yet some of these same historians with read hieroglyphics from boasting and egomaniacal Egyptian royals as though the events described were incontrovertible fact! The Constitution refers to God, and ascribes certain rights and privileges as being derived from God, but no one questions the authenticity nor validity of the document.

The Bible holds up under scrutiny. Initially historians laughed because they believed Daniel's presentation on a certain Belshazzar to be fable - then they found Nabonidus' cylinder. The Hittites were a biblical joke, and then 19th Century discoveries confirmed the Bible's assertion.

It is simply easy to doubt; not necessarily a sign of intelligence.

David
David
11 years ago

Thanks. The biblical narrative on David would indeed have served the bolstering of Judah after the fall of the northern empire to the Assyrians, no doubt, serving again after the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the temple. Good point - archaeology should not be lost to political ideology. The modern Israeli state needs to keep Theodore Herzl's dream separate from the Torah and the Tannak!

Virgotm
Virgotm
11 years ago

I'd like to see what is discovered 50-100 years from now. The bible stories are unravelling. It doesn't mean that there is no g- d just not the fable version we've been told. Organized religion seems to cause so much strife, I hope finding out the real truth of biblical stories will help humanity get along better.

Lisa Hijar
Lisa Hijar
12 years ago

Too bad all the professor's didn't get together before to work together and find out what is out there so we as a species could learn and maybe benefit from these actions. Too bad !

jj
jj
12 years ago

the tree of knowledge is majic dark sciences seeing good and evil

jj
jj
12 years ago

the garden is not man made,man did not vreated the seed that grows all the plants madn did not created water that sustain all life,god created all living things from water. she misses the mark again

jj
jj
12 years ago

look how pasionate she is towards those pagan dieties and how critical she is about one god belief...her research is not thougheral enough,one god is one supreme creater...the jews turn to the the golden calf immrdiate on moses absence,also hidden was a magician in there present who seduce them,in islam there is a hadith were god will bring forward there images they bulit with there own hands to worship,and will ask them to breath life into the image,and they will not be able too,and will fling them into the fire,god gave men intellegect but they dont use it...even many scientist are in a agreement,everything connected run by one supreme power,abraham rejected his fathers PAGAN SOCIETY,BUT HE DINT COME TO THE ONESNESS RIGHT AWAY HE WORSHIP THE STARS,.THE MOON THEN SUN,AND REJECTED ALL BECAUSE THEY SET AND WORSHIP THE CREATOR OF ALL,yes the fews mixed the old with new just as chritians did in rome,and prophets were resent when they went backwards or astay,but as usuall when men put there hands and things they bring it down to there level,just look how backward were are going backwards in this country with are hollywood and musical idols,drug sex and rock and roll,wine woman and song,we can claim to be christians but not practicing christians,our society promoste sex,materialism greed gosip ,killers,not peace ,helping yout fellow men,feeding the poor,if some one doug up the country 1000 years from now,they will not find pure chritianity,bur marolyn manroe, images, accross the country ect ect ,but looking at the surface doenst tell all.....god created male and female,male and female he created them,god is above that,study science on this its its not the only version,theres a difference between creator and creation,she get paionate about the female and male idols self worship and we now how folly man has been,all will pass away but god,that has no begging or end like we all do.there is alot more ,but i can see were shes comming from and were shes going....what belief does she have,what does she want to explain were we all came from...what pagan religion she believes is correct

Bruce Draken
Bruce Draken
12 years ago

Anyone who watches the History Channel and thinks they are watching something about history must not have ever been in a history classroom. It's a crime that they can call it that. It should be called the Pseudohistory Alien Psychic Prophecy Channel

Bruce Draken
Bruce Draken
12 years ago

This concept of "modern religion," an oxymoron if there ever was one, is already passe. For the religion of the future global society, see the documentary on artist Alex Grey.

Zengar
Zengar
12 years ago

Awesome documentary. I wanted to know if all those fairy tales in the bible had some solid archaeological evidence I see now they don't. How can and empire that stretched form Egypt to Mesopotamia only leave a little tablet that says house of David as evidence. Come on people. All those religious Archeology's See a big building and automatically is the kingdom of David even though it doesn't have any reference to David.

Dan Z
Dan Z
12 years ago

"The Israeli Lobby owns the Congress, media, Hollywood, Wall Street, both political parties, and the White House. This kind of talk will get people fired by this lobby, as we have seen recently with White House correspondent Helen Thomas and CNN anchor Rick Sanchez. However, many Americans are growing tired of the arrogance of the Israel Lobby and their bigoted attitudes toward anyone who challenges their influence-peddling and their ridiculous insistence that Israel must be supported because of some ancient fairy tales involving some tribes who wandered the deserts of the Middle East and saw and heard non-existent things because of sun stroke, drinking bad water, and smoking local hallucinogenic plants." - Anonymous

Mark Miwerds
Mark Miwerds
12 years ago

The Francesca BBC version is merely a twisted, biased copy of the History Channel's show by the same name. The scholar she claims to be she is not; she's a second-rate history prof. Note the scene where she's doing her makeup, later boasting about eating in a very fine restaurant while there. The show is all about HER and her blatant efforts to discredit all archaeology related to King David. She even blows off the Dan Stele, which everyone accepts as authentic now. I'm saying she is either a closet muslim or being paid by some Palestinian org to pull this off. Sadder still is that BBC fell for it. Just shows how much their standards have fallen. She deliberately hunts up the one Jewish arch. who is trying to keep his career alive by running counter to prevailing theory. The whole painful show is a shame. Watch the History Channel version, if you want the current standing on the digs, the finds and the theories.

Abjective
Abjective
12 years ago

Seems like a zionist gender doc. Maybe to conquor more Arab Palastinian land with the pretence of archeological finds of the ancient israelites. But the YMCA god is just a total fabrication for modern Israel to excavate more Arab lands. They are actually looking for Gog and Magog who are really related to Baal.

Hanibal
Hanibal
12 years ago

Dear Francesca,
I have the evidance of the missing corner stone in your story claim regarding the Goddess Asherah and her relationship with God El and her real origin, where you didn't even point it, you have traveled from Jerusalem to Ugarit, bypassing the mother land of the Goddess Ashrah. I do have the answer how Asherah engaged from the God El?

Jack Seahorse
Jack Seahorse
12 years ago

fight! fight! fight! the world shall be watching! do not fear if the other gets the upperhand for the world shall intervene that the entertainment do not ever end. - i should be a poet!!

NAND Gate
NAND Gate
12 years ago

@Edmund - you actually dismiss the concept of proof because of what some priest in some temple said?

Eamonn Riley
Eamonn Riley
12 years ago

This is a distorted biased program that is only designed to deligitimise the right of the Palestinian people to an independent homeland. It is pure YHWHist and Zionist propaganda. Check out the many sources which show what is actually known about 'King' David, and his tiny kingdom.

Edmund Marriage
Edmund Marriage
12 years ago

The Garden of Eden has been found in the Rachaiya Basin, Southern Lebanon by exploration geologist and multi disciplined researcher Christian O'Brien CBE, who recorded the facts on this discovery in his book, co-authored with his wife Barbara Joy, the Genius of the Few in 1984.

Up to date translations of Genesis, the Books of Enoch and the crucial Kharsag cuneiform records from the Nippur library, re-write our secular history without religious bias.

A raft of supporting evidence is available, which features this site as the source of the domestication of animals and crops (plus technology) from 9,400 BC, at the start of the Holocene warming, following the Great Younger Dryas cataclysm generated ice age. Together with site survey records, photographs, and a video presentation, much more is available on the Golden Age Project website.

An, the leader of the small advanced group who re-started agriculture and civilised living following this global catastrophe, was later deified as the earliest monotheistic God. Yahweh in fact translates as leader of this group, in Hebrew described as the Elohim. The Qur'an translates as the readings and recitations of An, although the contents were recorded some 9,800 years later.

An's daughter Ninkharsag was the governor of the research establishment based on irrigation agriculture, and later described as the Goddess of Irrigation (or Ceres). Her statue was the central feature in the 200 acre administrative centre of Mari (another name for Ninkharsag) on the Euphrates. On the documentary Dr Francesca came close to this important information and should have done her homework on this crucial subject, which identifies Ninkharsag, wife of Enlil, as the origin of the Mother Goddess, upon whom Ashera was much later based. Male and female leaders of communities were described as Yahweh and Ashera. Ashera could be wife or consort, and this formed the basis of the equal male and female administrative roles of Mayor and Mayoress, which still survives, but carrying the religious bias or dogma against the role of women.

Our first Laws were the Edicts of An and Enlil (El Shaddai or El Elyon) and our first Encyclopaedia of Astronomy was Enuma An and Enlil, factors which would have been well known and understood by Abraham of Ur.

Spencer
Spencer
12 years ago

I think Zoroastrianism had the first monotheistic form of worship and it came well before Judaism.

zee
zee
13 years ago

Holy Quran 2:101
And when a messenger came to them from God, authenticating what was with them, a group of those who had already received the scripture placed God's scripture behind their backs as if they did not know.
2:102
And they followed what the devils recited regarding Solomon's kingship. Solomon did not reject, but it was the devils that rejected by teaching people magic, and teaching them what was sent down on the two Angels in Babylon, Haroot and Maroot. They did not teach anyone until they would Say: "We are a test, so do not lose faith!" Thus they teach what can separate between a person and his mate; but they cannot harm anyone except by God's permission. And they learn what harms them and does not benefit them, and they have known that he who purchases such has no place in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed is what they purchased with their souls if only they knew!
2:103
And had they believed and been righteous, it would have brought them a reward with God which is far better if they knew!

vulcan
vulcan
13 years ago

crap!!!!!!!!!!. the most boring documentary i av ever seen. did not gain anything new from it. it is more confusing than educative. i can't believe i have wasted my precious time watching this crap

jack1952
jack1952
13 years ago

I wonder why it is that archaeologists can dig anywhere else in the world and people just accept their conclusions as fact, but as soon as its done in Israel everyone starts losing their minds. All nations of that time period combined their history with their religious beliefs. Why wouldn't the Israelites of the Bible do the same? I am an atheist and I am not a Zionist. This documentary talks about the history of the Israelites. The Bible is a major source for this history but it has to be read with a grain of salt. If archeology verifies some of the basics of these stories, that is no reason to get angry. It also doesn't prove the existence of God. What it does is fill in another piece of human history. Don't ignore these archaeological finds because you don't like what it implies and please don't use it to further your own agendas and prejudices. Accept that the Israelites of the Bible blended their history with their religion and this makes the Bible a biased and flawed history. There may be elements of truth hidden there also. Use common sense.

Smith
Smith
13 years ago

O please. It's better to go to school first for makeing mythologic movies and call it documentary.

CJ
CJ
13 years ago

And no mention of the Sumerian texts, at least not yet in the 3rd part. The Genesis Book comes from Sumerian texts, written in stone, and it still exists. During that time, there was a group of gods here...not really "gods" but worshipped as such. Someone decided to take the text and change it their liking and it became "Genesis" first book of the bible which manipulates the creation story, along with the Flood story.

We will never know the truth from history or these documentaries. We all must go within and find the truth...for it will never be found in a bunch of old books.

His Sheep
His Sheep
13 years ago

This is the most ridiculous presentation I've ever seen. True, there are a lot of ignorant, foolish, often childish stuff out there on TV which pass for 'documentaries'; but this one is so poorly presented, even an average person can detect your real intent of producing such a documentary.

If you really think people are so dumb to buy your stuff, think again; but probably I'm asking of you the impossible!!! Can you really think? Or do you need education to begin with...

The God of the Bible does not appear with the story of Abraham and to say that there is no historical evidence for anything biblical from before the time of Abraham is simply begging the question!!

Sirs, I'd advise you all stop producing such silly and fradulent documentaries. I'm not in the least surprised that the devil is using you all to propagate his strategies. But then respectable and sensible people of course won't bother to even reply to such documentaries, leave alone to watch them. I must be having too much of free time on hand, as I presently do, to be taking precious time out to even write this much.

But then, hopefully, someone reading this, who don't know or would like to know the truth about the Bible and the God of the Bible - My only sincere advise is - Get a copy of the Bible and start reading it to find out the truth. Besides, there are very many educated and excellent scholarly articles and presentations on and about the Bible available on the internet for you to check.

True biblical scholars, some of whom are also famous archeologists, have also written excellent books, available online for reading or purchase.

And now for those of you who might have watched this documentary, please note that this is complete rubbish and I'd bet not many who know better than myself would care to take time to even watch or comment. Frankly, I watched only part 1 and a little of part 2 and knew at once this documentary is one of the other silly and absurd, and even erroneous documentary afloot.

Don't waste your time watching these things. Start searching the Bible instead and seek to the know the truth.

God promises that if you seek Him with all your heart sincerely, He will be found of you.

God bless

vector
vector
13 years ago

Only if people had the ability to hear the voice of God within themselves.

The world at times is a rebellious place because it is not easy staying true to the 10 commandments.

After the exile to Babylon, the archaeologist found no traces of any idols of other Gods......Isn't that amazing!

Maybe one has to be chosen to really understand the truth?

GG
GG
13 years ago

This was one of the worst documentaries I have ever seen. It is so light on evidence and so full of it's own speculation that it could hardly be considered educational. It teaches almost nothing, doesn't examine the various views, and is just it's own producers opinions. In short, I consider it propaganda.

Tony
Tony
13 years ago

Franck, "I also believe that during Mohamed, Muslim & Jews were living peacefully."

Educate your self and don't belive what others say. Read som islamic texts to get the answers. Muhammad killed jews because they did not concider him as a prophet of YHWH, as he killed others who did not want to become muslims. Islam in fact orders muslims to kill until islam is the only religion in the world.

You start reading about the jews of Qurayza who where farmers, and what Muhammad did to them. Everybody who has some knowledge of islam knows that Muhammad said that Jews should be either exiled or killed from muslim land.

ez2b12
ez2b12
13 years ago

@ Ghetto Spokesman

Your name is befitting in my opinion, as you are a common street corner profit. Spewing religiouse proclamations on a site that is about disscussion. We have no room for spiritual assertions and proclamations here, that belongs in church or in some other appropriate place. The doc. was about the question of wether the bible is history or myth. Turns out, just like most suspected, it is a little of both. Starts out as a verbal tradition among semetic peoples from Canaan, describing the exodus and re-telling the old Gilgamesh flood in a different light- to make it relevant to thier people. I wonder if the first people to start this tradition trying obviousely to give thier people something to unify them- give them hope. Ever knew that the story would grow into the religions it represents today. I'm sure they didn't. Just think if something you did impacted life this directly and to a similiar extent, how would you feel.

Old Git Tom
Old Git Tom
13 years ago

Unfortunately this is archaeology & history bent to the purposes of Zionism - nation-myth building. Beware of anything from 'The Hebrew University of - - - '. Zionism is an explosive mixture of nationalism & religion, to which scholarship & truth are sacrificed. My sympathies go out to all the non-Zionist Jews & Palestinians who are suffering becos of it - & shame on those Christian Bible fanatics who are aiding & abetting. OGT

Sick of Lies
Sick of Lies
13 years ago

Razor, I commend you for making it to # 6. hang in there- there is hope for you yet!

BTU
BTU
13 years ago

Franck....

Taking a side and sticking to it doesnt make you brave.... it makes you...as many others are saying, closed minded, arrogant, and ignorant.
Those on the sidelines are not "cowards', as you put it, perhaps they are those who decide to look before they leap? Remember what "belief" is...Blind, unsuporrted self reassurance that something exists, or is the truth. belief is falsity in all its glory.
so, YES, you are a closed minded fool like everyone is saying, you obviously care, so maybe you want to fix that, if you know how.

eireannach666
eireannach666
13 years ago

@Franck You asked "Am i closed minded because i believe and take a side ? Are Atheist closed minded because they believe and take a side ? Are Religious ones closed minded because they believe and take a side ? The answer is YES. Thiest belifs only slow down progress andumb down an already weak majority of society ready to belive anything that promises hope and not listen to anything that tells them or proves otherwise. When you can show proof of your religious nonsense maybe us that see things for what they are , will start thumping the bible as hard as you. Until then , maybe you should entertain the idea that your religion might be the wrong one ,making you wrong , even if there is a god. Or more than likely , there isnt and much time you have wasted in persute of nothing. Like those rednecks always hunting Bigfoot or the Lochness Monster.Deicide. Go look it up. Its a wonderful word.Slainte.

ghetto spokesman
ghetto spokesman
13 years ago

Solomons temple was destroyed & the second temple was destroyed but Jesus is building a spiritual temple that will remain forever & he (Jesus) is the corner stone of that temple & his 12 faithful apostles are the foundation stones of that temple we cant forget that the gates to the temple are the the 12 tribes of Israel ( Revelation 21:10-14) The walls of the spiritual temple Jesus is building for YHWH Walls will be made from the 144,000 anointed followers of Jesus. (Revelation 14 1-5 & Revelation 21 15-27)

Hardy
Hardy
13 years ago

J.E. - If you only knew...

J.E.
J.E.
13 years ago

PRAISE THE NAME OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD OF ALL AGES.

Thank you so much my friend, Vlatko for sharing to us this documentary.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

- Numbers 6:24-26, Holy Bible

J.E.
from Philippines and China

Chief
Chief
13 years ago

Is the Bible "The Infallible Word of God"? How can it be?

Chief
Chief
13 years ago

Epicurus' quote can be found in Carl Sagan's "THE DEMON HAUNTED WORLD" and is attributed to 'Oberg'. The document, in my opinion, was quite revealing. It identified the Israelites as Canaanites who established a new identity, got their monothiestic god concept from Midian, a place identified by another name on an Egyptian victory stelae; was compiled by four groups of writers over a period of 1000 years; debunked the Exodus story and explained how all was crystallized during the Babylonian exile where YHWH was made a universal god. In the Doc the first five books were not attributed to Moses; The House of David was mentioned by a general who won a victory for the King of Damascus. Conclusions should help one come to terms with the book being written by men (thus the contradictions) who embellished stories over time for the benefit of themselves as they sought to reinvent their identity.

Epicurus
Epicurus
13 years ago

if the mind is too open the brain tends to fall out.

Franck
Franck
13 years ago

@BBC,
Closed Minded again !?!? It's not the first time i've been viewed to be this way. I'm i closed minded because i believe and take a side ? Are Atheist closed minded because they believe and take a side ? Are Religious ones closed minded because they believe and take a side ?
I like to think that i respect everyone else' opinions. Maybe i am, or at the very least only closed minded when someone tries to stuff something down my throat.
Now being closed minded is obviously a killer of thoughts. I never thought of myself as a closed minded person, maybe i was wrong ? This is an handicap for knowledge, i should pay attention to this more.
Thanks BBC.
Peace.