Jesus The Magician?

A team of archaeologists led by Franck Goddio have found a bowl inscribed with the words “DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS”, which could mean either “by Christ the magician” or “the magician by Christ”. Either way, it looks like the earliest reference to Jesus Christ ever found (the bowl is dated to early 1st century).

DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS

Of course, this reference will undoubtedly mean a lot of things to different people. I personally think it counts as evidence that Jesus was a great man who managed to perform all sorts of “godly” feats through trickery (magic). A great find for archaeology though.

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Written by Adrian Hayter

October 3rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm

Posted in belief, bible, christianity

Tagged with archaeology, jesus christ, magic, magician, pot, science

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Comments to “Jesus The Magician?”

Oliver Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:46 pm (GMT)

The history side of me is screaming for more information. Where’s a good link for more info?

Adrian Hayter Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:13 pm (GMT)

MSNBC had some good info: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26972493/

mathias Says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:21 pm (GMT)

What everybody of course will fail to realize, is that the word ‘christ‘ simply means ‘anointed‘.

So my bet is that this is just a cup that was used in some anointing ceremony from any of the magic cults or religions that were fashionable at the time.

But of course, for the religious bigots, “Behold the definitive proof that Jesus performed miracles!” is much sexier catchphrase.

Faryshta Says:
October 4th, 2008 at 8:15 am (GMT)

I personally think it counts as evidence that Jesus was a great man who managed to perform all sorts of “godly” feats through trickery (magic). A great find for archaeology though.

As half centenar of people during that period. For me he didnt done any miracle on the bible, that is all a fraud. Also “Pedro” (that is his name in mexico) said that any magician is a follower of satan so magic is forbidden then… a this is as good evidences a to find a label of “Windows vista is the best software ever”.

Heathen Dan Says:
October 6th, 2008 at 2:16 pm (GMT)

A bad analogy Faryshta. I haven’t met any satisfied Vista user who would claim it’s the best software ever. It’s good at what it does, nothing more.

I agree with mathias. The title Christ should not automatically mean Jesus of Nazareth. For all we know, it might be some other rabble-rousing false prophet, or even a spiritual, heavenly Christ figure.