Digging in Israel

The square where Dr. Chambers and his team are at work

Ever wanted to share in the adventures of an archaeologist but never had the chance? Then be sure to check out Rev. Dr. Stephen Chambers’ blog. Dr. Chambers, of Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton), is taking part in his fourth season of archaeological work in Hippos, Israel, and he’s writing daily updates on his blog. The team is excavating a Byzantine church complex in the North-East Insula Project.

The blog details what archaeology really looks like. It can be slow going, Dr. Chambers explains, but the experience is nevertheless worth it. “A lot of the time the archaeology itself is nothing more than prying out dirt and rock in punishing heat,” writes Dr. Chambers. “It’s the people I do this with that make it fun and rewarding—sharing life-stories and faith stories too.”

And there’s something particularly special about doing archaeology in that particular part of the world. “Uncovering the artifacts of a thriving early-Christian community just across the lake from where Jesus spent the bulk of his life, subtly but constantly encourages a person to think about—well, all kinds of things, I guess,” Dr. Chambers writes. Namely questions of faith. Discussions on that topic, the blog reveals, have been plentiful.

To follow the dig in Hippos in more detail, be sure also to check out these blogs being written by other members on site.

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