Biblical Archaeology, Jan/Feb 2012, Vol 38 No 1

This magazine features articles written by archaeologists trying to prove that the events in the Bible were real (and that such events also prove the existence of God.) As an atheist, I believe that the folks mentioned in the Bible might be real, but that that proves nothing. After all, Mohammed was real, but do Christians really believe Allah spoke to him? Similarly, Joseph Smith was real, but does anyone except Mormons actually believe he was stone cold sober when an angel spoke to him out of a burning bush? What's fascinating - to most atheists interested in religious history - is how religion has always been used to control and influence the behavior of the masses.

Table of Contents
Departments
-First Person: In praise of published excavation reports
-Queries and comments
-Strata:
--How ancient Jews dated years
--The Magi Gifts-Tribute or TReatment
--Philip's Tomb Discovered-But not where it expected
--Reminder: $5,000 in prizes or ASOR/SBL Papers
-Just For Fun
--How many
--The Bible in the News
--What is It?
--In their own words
--In History
--Exhibit Watch
--Cartoon Caption Contest
-Biblical Views: The Many Faces of the good Samaritan - Most wrong
-Archarological Views: Digging a Hole and Telling a Tale
-Reviews
-Authors
-Worldwide

Features
-Join a dig, see the world
-Layers of Ancient Jerusaleum
-Inn of the Good Samaritan becomes a museum
-When Did Ancient Israel Begin