OnScript Chris McKinny – Finding the Ark of the Covenant
Jul 16, 2025
Chris McKinny, a Biblical World podcast host and Associate Professor of Archaeology, dives into the captivating hunt for the Ark of the Covenant. He reveals the historical allure surrounding the ark and shares thrilling tales from past expeditions. McKinny unpacks the ark's influence in popular culture and its unique status in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The discussion also highlights recent archaeological discoveries and their connections to ancient Egyptian iconography, showcasing how these findings reshape our understanding of biblical narratives.
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Historical Search for the Ark
- Interest in finding the Ark of the Covenant surged in the 18th and 19th centuries with archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem. - Before then, many believed the Ark was kept in the Lateran Church in Rome, halting earlier searches.
Ark's Roman Relic Significance
- The Lateran Church in Rome once housed what was believed to be the Ark of the Covenant and related relics. - These relics symbolized a theological supersession, with Rome as the new temple and priesthood.
Ethiopian Ark Tradition
- Ethiopia claims to house an Ark with a lengthy tradition central to its Orthodox Christian faith. - The Kebra Nagast tells of Solomon's son secretly taking the Ark to Ethiopia, highlighting its mythic importance.
