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National Bible Museum Washington Dc

The Museums Handling Of Its Acquisitions Has Been Criticized

Museum Of The Bible Opens In Washington DC

What accounted for the change in the Greens public approach? A number of factors not least among them the practical realities of dealing with biblical antiquities have caused the Green family and their collaborators to employ more subdued attitude.

The onetime Green Collection from which the bulk of the museums holdings are drawn was gathered in a way that recalls the archaeological derring-do of Indiana Jones, rather than an academic or ethical method. According to Baden and Mosss book, much of the 40,000-object collection was acquired without doing the necessary work to ascertain the objects provenance: i.e., the chain of ownership.

When it comes to antiquities, particularly from the Middle East, provenance is particularly vital for ethical as well as scholarly reasons. Knowing the chain of ownership of an item is necessary to ensure that it has not been smuggled or looted especially important given that the black market in antiquities is a huge source of funds for terrorists organizations like ISIS. It also helps protect against acquiring objects that may turn out to be forgeries, which is a common risk.

But its important to note that, despite the high profiles of many of the academics on that panel, their role is largely advisory. They are paid to offer their expertise , but the Green family is not obligated to listen. Likewise, while many are eminent scholars and theologians in their own right, they are not specialists in papyrology .

Inside Dc’s Controversial New Museum Of The Bible

This piece originally aired Nov. 16, 2017.

The $500 million Museum of the Bible opens Saturday in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the Capitol. The 430,000-square-foot museum is the largest privately-funded museum in the city.

A big part of that money comes from the conservative Christian family-run company, Hobby Lobby. They say it’s one of the most complicated jobs they’ve ever done and Washington politics made it even more so.

In this city of museums, it’s one of the biggest even larger than the National Air and Space Museum, reports CBS News correspondent Chip Reid. At 140 feet long and 40 feet high, the museum’s digital ceiling makes for a spectacular entrance. First, visitors will pass through a pair of 16-ton, 37-foot-tall bronze doors with text from the book of Genesis.

With eight levels and 22-foot-high ceilings, the museum’s height is the equivalent of a 17-story building.

“We wanted something close to the Mall,” said the museum’s president, Cary Summers. “We didn’t pick this building, unlike some have said, because we’re close to the Capitol.”

Some 51,000 donors contributed to the construction of the museum, but the largest and most controversial donor is Hobby Lobby, the arts and crafts chain founded by the conservative Christian Green family. Hobby Lobby president Steve Green says the museum does not approach the Bible from a particular viewpoint.

“Obviously mistakes happened and we were willing to pay the fine,” said Green.

How Do I Get Around Washington

With three area airports, domestic and international flights to the US capital are plentiful. The closest to the city is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport , just three miles away from the National Mall. Washington Dulles International Airport is 26 miles to the west in the Virginia suburbs, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is 35 miles to the northeast in Maryland. Trains arrive into Union Station from major East Coast cities , and various companies run bus services. Traffic in and out of the city can become daunting, especially on the Capital Beltway the 64-mile loop of Interstate 495 around the metro area. Within the city, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authoritys color-coded Metro train system makes it easy to zip around, and cabs, rideshares, bikeshares, and scooter rentals are also readily available. Parking can be challenging at times, but there are street meters and garages.

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Public Transportation To Museum Of The Bible In Washington

Wondering how to get to Museum Of The Bible in Washington, United States? Moovit helps you find the best way to get to Museum Of The Bible with step-by-step directions from the nearest public transit station.

Moovit provides free maps and live directions to help you navigate through your city. View schedules, routes, timetables, and find out how long does it take to get to Museum Of The Bible in real time.

Looking for the nearest stop or station to Museum Of The Bible? Check out this list of stops closest to your destination: 4th St & C St SW Sb 4 Th St SW + School Street Independence Ave SW + 3rd St SW Independence Ave & 4th & 3rd St SW Eb L’Enfant Plaza L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station.

Stroll The Passages Of Scripture

Bible Museum in Washington DC
  • See fascinating archaeological discoveries and learn about life in ancient Israel.
  • Unpack the significant narratives from Scripture during the remarkable cinematic Hebrew Bible Experience.
  • Step into first-century Nazareth and witness the story of how 12 disciples became a thriving global community.
  • Learn from the moving biblical pictures used in medieval times to communicate Gods truth.
  • Catch a glimpse of the Bibles impact on fashion, literature, music and so much more.
  • Bask in the revelations of a dazzling live feed of global data, Bible Now, showing the up-to-the-minute impact of the Bible in real-time media feeds.

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New Museum Invites Visitors To ‘engage’ With The Bible

Now the museum is trying to clean up its act. Museum executives have embarked on a campaign to comply with basic due diligence in authenticating the institution’s holdings. The stricter policies, mandated by U.S. federal authorities, include going through the museum’s entire 40,000-piece collection and returning potentially looted goods to their countries of origin. But some antiquities experts question why it has taken so long.

Washington Dc: Bible Museum Closes $50 Million Deal For Spot Near National Mall

WASHINGTON Planners of a Bible museum in Washington closed a $50 million deal Thursday on a building two blocks from the National Mall.

The Museum of the Bible, a nonprofit group planning the, as yet, unnamed museum, announced it will be housed at 300 D Street, SW, in what is now the Washington Design Center, a series of showrooms of luxury home furnishings.

“Our intent is for this museum to showcase both the Old and New Testaments, arguably the world’s most significant pieces of literature, through a non-sectarian, scholarly approach that makes the history, scholarship and impact of the Bible on virtually every facet of society accessible to everyone,” said Mark DeMoss, a member of the Bible museum’s board.

The museum, which will likely open in 2016, will highlight the collection of the billionaire Green family of Oklahoma. That collection features more than 55,000 items including biblical artifacts ranging from Dead Sea Scrolls to Torah scrolls that survived the Holocaust. Museum officials expect to also showcase other prominent collections from across the globe.

Planners considered Dallas and New York in addition to Washington for the museum site, but research showed people were more interested in traveling to a Bible-focused museum in the nation’s capital

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National Day Of Prayer Live Broadcast From Washington Dc May 6th 8

The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 6, and 2021 marks the 70th anniversary of President Trumans call to prayer for the nation. On that evening, from 8 p.m.-9:59 p.m. ET, veteran Christian radio host Wayne Shepherd will host The National Day of Prayer Radio Broadcast, along with National Day of Prayer president Kathy Branzell, who will lead a limited, live gathering at The World Theater at The Museum of the Bible.Like Samuel summoning all Israel before the Lord at Mizpah , Branzell and the organizers of National Day of Prayer ask every broadcaster to summon their audiences to join hands and unite the nation before God!The theme for 2021 is Love, Life and Liberty, stressing the goal of seeking God in prayer for revival and spiritual awakening across the United States. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in Washington, D.C., this years broadcast will feature remote locations in different parts of the country. The expected participants include: Sam Brownback, Tony Evans, Will Ford and Matt Lockett, Ronnie Floyd, Robby Gallaty, Jack Graham, Greg Laurie, Anne GrahamLotz, Nan Stevens, Shane and Shane . The National Day of Prayer Broadcast will also feature testimonies from the streets of Minneapolis. It will be a powerful night of prayer and inspiration!

Dead Sea Scrolls Forgeries

Museum of the Bible opens in Washington DC

Founder Steve Green donated Dead Sea Scrolls parchment fragments to the museum collection for its opening. When the museum catalog was released to the public, however, several outside experts expressed concern that the museum had not adequately accounted for the fragments’ provenance. Arstein Justnes, a professor of biblical studies at the University of Agder in Norway, declared they were outright forgeries. The museum subsequently enlisted the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing to analyze the scrolls. The museum kept the fragments prominently on display for its official opening, while testing was still incomplete. The text of display stated that “scholars continue to debate the authenticity of this fragment”. In 2018 the museum announced that expert examination had led it to conclude that five of the sixteen fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls were forgeries and that the museum had removed them from display. According to the German researchers, those five showed “characteristics inconsistent with ancient origin”. In March 2020, the museum confirmed all sixteen fragments were forgeries.

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Discover The Best Of Washington Dc

The revered sites of Americas capital and its marble halls of power are known the world over. Few cities on earth are more iconic and recognizable. But for those who call America home, there is more to D.C. than its breathtakingly beautiful sights. The inspiring history of what many call the greatest nation on earth is available for all who come here to explore the philosophies and principles of its Founding Fathers. There is no better time to come to D.C. to ignite your passion as a patriot and shape the future of America by praying for those who lead it from this city.

Museum of the Bible
Engage with the Bible like never before in 430,000 square feet dedicated to the history, narrative and impact of the worlds most-read book. With ancient artifacts and archaeological discoveries, your faith will be informed and your spirit inspired.
Picturesque History
From the battlefields of Manassas, the expanse of Arlington National Cemetery and the estate home of George Washington, Americas capital is a sight to behold. Immerse yourself in the journey of this great nation while gazing on its rolling green hills and stunning city views.
Neoclassical Architecture
Take in the iconic white buildings and monuments and the freedom and values they stand for. They inspire not only Americans, but billions around the globe. Marvel at their enduring impact, along with the fascinating history and present-day importance they hold.

The Museum Of The Bibles Approach Shows Why We Need The Humanities

The problem with Greens overallapproach is that, as the museums founder, he has a say in the narrative of the museum, which transcends any individual object in the collection. That narrative the placement of objects, the choice to group certain objects together, and so on will determine a viewers experience or understanding of them.

Realistically, many if not most visitors to the museum wont have a strong background in biblical history, theology, or related fields, making it difficult to discern where history ends and ideology begins. If they dont already know, for example, that there is little historical evidence for the Egyptian exile, they may be convinced by the museums convenient placement of accurate historical information about ancient Egypt alongside the biblical account of Moses. They might come away thinking that the museum proves that Mosess exodus happened just like its written in the Bible.

Without these questions, you end up with a population without the tools to process information about the intersection of faith, religion, history, identity, culture, and practice. You end up with people throughout the political and faith spectrums who, when it comes to anything to do with even the cultural or historical aspects religion, cannot tell valid questions and facts and historical truths from, well, bullshit.

Which is a shame, because these are exactly the questions we, as a society, need to learn how to ask.

Like, say, a museum?

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All About Washington Dc

The lure of Washington, DC, is no doubt in its role as a living museum of American history, packed with monuments showcasing the nations greatest leaders as well as museums honoring the diversity of our nation . But beyond the historical and cultural landmarks is a city filled with a vibrant street life all its own, whether youre in trendy NoMa, historic Logan Circle, green-space haven Woodley Park, or eclectic Adams Morgan.

Bible Museum Admitting Mistakes Tries To Convert Its Critics

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In acknowledging that many of its artifacts had tainted histories and that others were fake, the institution hopes candor will build trust.

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By Tom Mashberg

For all its stated good intentions, when the Museum of the Bible in Washington was first envisioned a decade ago, skeptics worried it would favor religious proselytizing over neutral scholarship and buttoned-down collecting practices.

Part of that caution grew from the fact that the museums guiding spirit was 78-year-old David Green, an evangelical Christian who founded the multi-billion-dollar Hobby Lobby chain in 1972 and who had written of the Bible: This isnt just some book that someone made up. Its God, its history, and we want to show that.

So it was far from good news for the museum last month when it disclosed, just days apart, that thousands of its Middle Eastern antiquities had tainted provenances and that its vaunted collection of Dead Sea Scrolls was fake.

But in a dozen interviews in recent days, some of the institutions toughest critics said the transparency with which the museum has handled the disclosures was a positive step toward converting those who had questioned its methods and principles.

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The Handling Of The Green Scholars Institute Shows A Profound Disrespect For Academic Inquiry

This uneven tone may reflect the Green familys somewhat haphazard approach to collaborating with scholars.

When I attended a press event at the museum earlier this year, the various scholars and experts on the board, including the University of Leicesters Gordon Campbell, an expert in the history of the King James Bible, emphasized the serious scholarly nature of their mission: to help visitors to the museum understand the Bibles cultural and historical significance in a systematic way. trick people into reading the Bible in the same way you trick people into reading Shakespeare, said Campbell then, referring to the Bibles importance in any comprehensive study of the humanities, its good for them!”

But the ways in which Campbell thinks the Bible is good for students may not be the same way in which the Green family thinks the Bible is good for them.

What is so galling about the examples in Moss and Badens book, and about the Museum of the Bibles struggles more broadly, is that they show the profound ignorance, on the part of the Green family and those who have enabled them, of the way academia and the humanities more generally actually works.

None of these questions are in the least adversarial. Rather, they are collaborative: seeking to engage with texts and ideas precisely because they are a vital part of Western history.

Family Behind Hobby Lobby Has New Project: Bible Museum

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By Alan Rappeport

WASHINGTON The evangelical Christian family that owns Hobby Lobby, the chain of craft stores, made history two weeks ago when the Supreme Court overturned the Obama administrations mandate that family-owned companies must provide contraceptive coverage to their employees.

Now, the family is looking to build a permanent presence on the Washington landscape, by establishing a sprawling museum dedicated to the Bible just two blocks south of the National Mall.

The development of a Bible museum has long been a dream of the Oklahoma-based Green family, which has built Hobby Lobby into a $3 billion company in which its religious beliefs infuse every aspect of the business, from the music played in its stores to being closed on Sundays.

But on the heels of the companys legal victory, the project is raising concern in some quarters that the Greens museum could blur the line between educating and evangelizing. Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby and the son of its founder, has referred to the Bible as a reliable historical document, and, as part of the museum project, he is developing a curriculum to reintroduce this book to this nation.

Scheduled to open in 2017, the yet-to-be-named museum would welcome people of all faiths and include rare Torahs as well as historic Bibles.

Mr. Greens group acquired the 400,000-square-foot space in 2012 for $50 million.

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Museum Of The Bible: What’s In It Will Truly Surprise You

Fodor’s travel says it Breaks the Mold of Museum Exhibiting, and it’s easy to see why. Enter the 430,000-square-foot building located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. and you’ll experience interactive galleries, one-of-a-kind attractions and hundreds of biblical artifacts that convey the global impact and fascinating history of one of the most influential, debated and best-selling books of all time. On the Impact of the Bible Floor, the Bible’s influence is shown in many familiar though often surprising places, including arts, science, government and American culture. Don’t forget to ride Washington Revelations, where you will virtually soar over the nation’s capital and see the profound impact of the Bible on Washington, D.C.’s monuments and buildings. The Stories of the Bible Floor offers the THEA award-winning Hebrew Bible Experience, a 30-minute journey through the stories of the Hebrew Bible, a re-creation of a first-century Galilean village and a 270-degree theater depicting the remarkable story of how the followers of Jesus became a thriving community. The History of the Bible Floor features hundreds of artifacts documenting the Bible’s preservation, translation and transmission across the centuries. Drive Thru History’s Dave Stotts tells the story in an engaging and entertaining way in mini-theaters throughout the floor. Visit museumoftheBible.org for more information.

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