Faith Digest: Artifacts may be from Solomon’s Temple

Archaeologist Yosef Garfinkel with artifact from Khirbet Qeiyafa. (Courtesy of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Israeli artifacts may be from Solomon's Temple. Archaeologists have unearthed a trove of artifacts dating back to the time of the biblical King David that they say closely correspond to the description of Solomon's Temple found in the Book of Kings. Hebrew University archaeologist Yosef Garfinkel called the find "extraordinary" because it marks the first time shrines from the time of the early Israelite kings were found. In addition, two small, well-preserved models discovered in the excavations closely resemble elements described in the Bible. The multiyear excavations took place at Khirbet Qeiyafa, a fortified city about 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem, adjacent to the Valley of Ella where, the Bible says, the ancient people of Israel were encamped when David slew Goliath. Excavations yielded a large assortment of pottery, stone and metal tools, as well as art and cult objects. Garfinkel noted the people who lived at the site appeared to shun both graven images and pigs—both prohibited by the Hebrew Bible. However, other scholars viewed the find more skeptically, pointing out the Canaanites also did not eat pork.

Catholic bishops to scrutinize Girl Scouts. The nation's Roman Catholic bishops are reviewing the church's long-standing ties to the Girl Scouts of the USA after complaints that some of that organization's programs might contradict church teachings on contraception and abortion. The inquiry by the Catholic bishops has been ongoing for two years and was prompted by persistent reports, circulated on the Internet and by some social conservatives, that the Girl Scouts of the USA has ties to Planned Parenthood or, for example, endorses material on sexuality that the church would not approve. Girl Scout leaders say they have no partnership with Planned Parenthood and that the organization does not take positions on sexuality, birth control and abortion. But some bishops and parish priests have complained about the Girl Scouts or even banned troops from church property. About 500,000 of the 2.3 million Girl Scouts in the United States are Catholic.

Obama campaign names director for faith outreach. President Obama's re-election campaign has tapped a 24-year-old executive assistant in the White House faith-based office to head up its outreach to religious communities. Michael R. Wear, who has worked in the White House the past three and half years, will move to Chicago to become the campaign's Faith Vote director. A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Wear was an intern during Obama's 2008 campaign, specializing in outreach to religious groups. He helped arrange candidate Obama's appearance at a presidential forum at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in California, as well as a meeting between Obama and prominent Christian leaders in Chicago. At the White House, Wear has been involved in a wide range of religious issues, with particular responsibility for adoption and foster care, and he sought to build connections with young evangelicals. Wear graduated from George Washington University with a B.A. in political science in 2011.

—Compiled from Religion News Service