Digging In: Staying On Brand
GLENN J. CORBETT
When I first started reading BAR, in the ’90s, it was one of the few places a nerdy teenager like me could go to learn more about biblical archaeology. There were, of course, a handful of other magazines that covered the ancient world, as well as the occasional television show that explored the “mysteries of the Bible,” but BAR was something different: a magazine that brought the latest discoveries—direct from the archaeologists themselves—to a popular audience.
Today, of course, things are very different. After just a few minutes of browsing the web or scrolling through social media streams, one can easily discover a nearly endless array of sources—some reputable, others far less so—all vying to present themselves as the authoritative voice on biblical archaeology.
In this digital age, when it can be challenging to filter out the good from the bad, the mission of BAR is more important than ever. Our Spring issue, which celebrates 50 years of bringing biblical archaeology to the public, offers the opportunity to reflect on the BAR brand and what it represents.
BAR is reputable. Our authors are the leaders in the field, the authoritative voices on how archaeology opens up new views on both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. In “A Decade of Discoveries,” for example, Jerusalem archaeologists Yuval Gadot, Yiftah Shalev, and Joe Uziel highlight a decade’s worth of dramatic finds from the City of David that have transformed our understanding of the Holy City during the time of the biblical kings. In “Nails or Knots?” New Testament scholar Jeffrey Garcia examines the historical and archaeological evidence that Jesus was crucified using nails and concludes this long-held tradition is likely anachronistic.
BAR is independent. As a secular, non-denominational publication, we have no religious or political agenda, and we do not try to present a particular theological or ideological view of biblical history. Our goal is to be educational, to communicate fairly and accurately the best scholarship in biblical archaeology to the public, even if that sometimes means challenging our readers’ beliefs and assumptions. In this issue, for example, archaeologist Jennie Ebeling discusses how the field’s early emphasis on confirming the Bible has gradually evolved to focus on the lives of ordinary people in the biblical world. And esteemed scholar Jodi Magness offers a critical take on the very foundations of biblical archaeology, arguing that the Christian beliefs of the field’s founders led to an exclusive interest in unearthing the archaeology of the ancient Israelites rather than that of all of the land’s historical peoples and cultures.
BAR is accessible, focused on translating the latest scholarly research into interesting, enjoyable, beautifully illustrated, and thought-provoking content that brings the biblical world to life. In this issue, our special feature “Breaking New Ground” celebrates some of the most exciting discoveries BAR has covered over the past five decades with spectacular photography and descriptive summaries of their biblical and archaeological significance. And as always, our Spring issue highlights this year’s dig opportunities, as well as the BAS Dig Scholarships and the incredible impact these experiences have had on readers’ lives and careers through the years.
So, as you enjoy this anniversary issue, which captures the stories and moments that have made BAR the world’s most successful biblical archaeology magazine, we thank you, our loyal readers, for continuing to value our brand and everything that makes this publication so special.