Israel may destroy ancient Christian mosaic near Armageddon, causing backlash.
An Ancient Christian Mosaic Sparks Controversy Near Armageddon
An ancient Christian mosaic bearing an early reference to Jesus as God has ignited a heated debate among archaeologists. The question at hand: Should this centuries-old decorated floor, located near the prophesied Armageddon site, be uprooted and loaned to a U.S. museum?
Israeli officials are currently considering this possibility.
The proposed loan to the Museum of the Bible in Washington not only highlights the deepening ties between Israel and evangelical Christians in the United States but also sheds light on the significance of the Megiddo Mosaic. This mosaic is believed to be from the world’s earliest Christian prayer hall, situated in a Roman-era village in northern Israel. It was discovered in 2005 during an excavation conducted as part of the expansion of an Israeli prison.
The mosaic features Greek inscriptions, including an offering “To God Jesus Christ.”
The prison is located at a historic crossroads near Tel Megiddo, overlooking the vast Jezreel Valley. Many believe that Armageddon, the final battle between good and evil, will take place in this area. The mention of “Megiddo” in the Bible’s Old Testament and the reference to “Armageddon” in the New Testament further adds to the significance of this location.
And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) will make a decision about the potential move of the mosaic in the coming weeks after consulting with an advisory body. The IAA believes that relocating the mosaic is the best way to protect it from the upcoming construction at the prison.
While the Museum of the Bible eagerly awaits the decision, several archaeologists and academics have expressed strong objections to the idea of removing the Megiddo Mosaic from its original location. They argue that it is premature to move the mosaic before completing an academic study.
Despite the controversy, the museum has committed to improving its acquisition practices and has initiated returns of items to their countries of origin. The loan of the Megiddo Mosaic would strengthen the ties between Israel and the museum, which already sponsors archaeological digs in Israel and has a gallery curated by the IAA.
Should the Mosaic be Sent to the Museum of the Bible?
Asked about its past mistakes, the Museum of the Bible acknowledged the need to address cultural heritage issues. The museum has actively conducted research and reviews of its collections and has returned items to their countries of origin. The decision on the loan proposal rests solely with the IAA.
While some experts remain skeptical about uprooting the mosaic, the Israeli government sees the potential loan as an opportunity to develop a tourist site around the Megiddo Prison and further attract evangelical Christian visitors to the Holy Land.
As the debate continues, the fate of the Megiddo Mosaic hangs in the balance, with its historical and religious significance at the forefront of the discussion.
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Israel Considers Tearing Up Ancient Christian Mosaic Near Armageddon, Sparking Backlash appeared first on The Western Journal.
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