British museum bible tours

inbetween

Visiting London years ago I had the chance to participate on a bible tour arranged from Bethel. What I remember, it was one out of 12 topics, and a brother or sister served as a guide, showing particular objects related to bible accounts.

At that time, I was quite enthusiastic about it, thinking I learned something valuable.

Now, being awake to TTATT, I wonder what real scientific value those tours served.

Or rather it raises the suspicion, that those tours are for visiting witnesses in order to distract them from many other finds in the Museum, that would disprove either the bible or their own theology.

Anybody ever made such a tour ?

sir82

I've done a couple of them. The one on Assyria is totally cool.

They are really quite interesting, and well done. Of course I am a history geek so what else would I say?

Of course, they steer you to exhibits that support Bible accounts, and studiously avoid any that would conflict with "Bible truth".

I.e. they "cherry pick" the exhibits. Probably not surprising from a religion that is built around 70 or 80 "cherry picked" Bible texts.

88JM

I seem to reacall a thread on here where one of those tours was a wake-up to TTAT for one poster - something about 607 not being mentioned in the British Museum!

inbetween

yes, I did the assyrian tour also, remembering how cruel they treated their prisoners.

Anyway, youre absolutely right about cherrypicking, not just the bible, also news, scientific recoveries, life expereinces etc..

its called confirmation bias.

Band on the Run

How does the British Museum allow a religious oriented tour? I can't imagine such tours at a NYC museum. Not one that receives government funds. Are these private arrangements? I suppose I could take a few friends through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, pointing out elements in paintings. Gallery talks that are official have been cut way back b/c too many people were showing up. Only so many people are allowed for security reasons.

I am surprised that the Witnesses endorsed this. It sounds like I would love the museum.

AnnOMaly

I did one a looong time ago when young. I found it very interesting - thought the guides did a good job - I felt I had learnt new things; it brought history to life more ... although I would have liked more time to browse. Of course, the tour was taylored to 'Bible prophecy' and the WT spin on it and I didn't know at the time their dates were all screwy. I'd get so much more out of visiting now (with a non-JW tour guide).

Ah ha, there's a JW tour company who specialize in it: http://www.meander.co.uk/british.php

sir82

How does the British Museum allow a religious oriented tour?

Tours are given by JW pioneers who volunteer their time. It's not a museum-sponsored tour.

new hope and happiness

If i remember correctly, the Bethelites gave the tour and were grateful for the financial contribution. Not that theres anything wrong with that, ad it cant be much fin living on a vow of poverty and i think it must have been nice for the bethelite to earn some money.

Black Sheep

It's a trick. They don't want you taking a tour with the museum's own guides, who really know their stuff.

AnnOMaly

Sheesh, what's with my spelling atm? Every darned post!

'Tailored.' Freudian slip.

British museum bible tours

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