Israel considers loaning Christian mosaic to Museum of the Bible

The Israeli Antiquities Authority on Tuesday said it was considering lending the Megiddo Mosaic to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. Archeologists discovered the mosaic in 2005 while clearing the ground to expand an Israeli prison. The centuries-old decorated floor was the site of one of the oldest Christian prayer halls. The mosaic contains one of the earliest references to Jesus as God and currently sits where some Christians believe Armageddon will take place.

What’s next in the process? The Israeli Antiquities Authority said it would consult with an advisory group and decide what to do in the next few weeks, but that moving it was the best way to protect it from prison construction. The Museum of the Bible welcomes the opportunity to educate its visitors about pieces of history like the mosaic, Chief Curatorial Officer ​​Jeffrey Kloha said. Meanwhile, some secular academics have said they oppose the Museum of the Bible getting the mosaic, or even moving the mosaic in any way.

Dig deeper: Read Jenny Lind Schmitt’s report in WORLD Magazine about Israel grappling with its religious history.