Discovery Civilization Channel Uncovers The Real Family of Jesus Programming Highlights / Discovery Civilization Posted by RAD on Sep 26, 2006 - 04:44 AM Jesus' family: Who were they, how many family members, and what role - if any - did they play in His life as leader and founder of Christianity? Discovery Civilization Channel presents a revolutionary look at Jesus' family tree in the two-part special The Real Family of Jesus. Presenting controversial information regarding His potential immediate and extended family, this informative special uses expert testimony and historical evidence to trace Jesus' genealogy. Join renowned American genealogist Tony Burrows as he travels the world to unearth the identity of those who played critical part in Jesus' upbringing and in the rise of Christianity. Jesus was an only child in a nuclear family, the divine son of human parents Mary and Joseph. But 2,000 years ago, the influence of the "extended family" was the norm. The traditional image of the Holy Family is questioned in this special that uses historical artefacts and ancient texts to uncover clues about the true framework of Jesus' family. Using the testimony of biblical historians, Jewish historians and archaeologists, The Real Family of Jesus takes a factual and historical look at the elements of a "typical" family in the first century compared to what is traditionally believed to be true for Jesus. Archaeological evidence presented in the special suggests that Jesus had a vast family network that inspired and supported Him throughout His life, resulting in the spread of Christianity. As this two-part special traces Jesus' family tree, the picture of a dynastic family emerges - a family that believed it was descended directly from King David - and like all dynasties, did everything in its power to perpetuate its lineage. The Real Family of Jesus: Part 1 Tues., Oct. 10 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT In the first of two parts, American genealogist Tony Burrows consults biblical historians and archaeologists to identify factual evidence suggesting the existence Jesus' half and full-blood siblings. Join Burrows as he travels from ancient sites in Judea to forensic labs in Europe to dissect the clues revealing an alternate perspective on Jesus' family. The Real Family of Jesus: Part 2 Tues., Oct. 17 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT The second part of the special examines the practical and moral backing of a family that extended beyond Jesus' parents to his grandfather Joachim; his cousin John the Baptist; his "brothers" Simon, Jude, Joses and James; his uncle Clophas and his aunt Mary; his "nephew" Simon and his "great nephews" Zoker and James. This article is from CHANNEL CANADA   http://www.channelcanada.com/ The URL for this story is:   http://www.channelcanada.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1569