A gripping new BBC Radio 4 podcast, Word of God, dives deep into one of the most shocking antiquities scandals of the 21st century. The six-part investigative series, hosted by art detective and journalist Ben Lewis, follows the astonishing rise and turbulent controversies surrounding the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.
Tracing a web of looted artifacts, forgery, and fraud, the podcast sheds light on how a billionaire family’s passion for biblical history led to one of the most notorious cases of illicit antiquities trading.
The Rise of the Museum of the Bible
The Museum of the Bible, an ambitious $500 million project, was founded by the Green family, owners of the Hobby Lobby craft store empire. With a vision to showcase the Bible’s historical influence, the museum opened its doors in November 2017. However, the rapid pace at which the Greens amassed ancient artifacts—40,000 items in just three years—raised suspicions among scholars and authorities.
A Scandal Unfolds: Looted Antiquities and Questionable Acquisitions
As the Greens aggressively expanded their collection, red flags emerged within the academic and archaeological communities. Federal investigators soon became involved, uncovering evidence of illegal importation and forged documents. Some key revelations from the investigation include:
- Thousands of ancient artifacts were smuggled into the U.S. labeled as “ceramic tiles” to evade detection.
- Looted relics, including Babylonian tablets and early Christian manuscripts, were traced back to conflict zones in Iraq and Egypt.
- A distinguished Oxford professor was implicated in selling stolen biblical fragments to the Museum of the Bible.
These discoveries forced the museum to return thousands of artifacts to their countries of origin and significantly damaged its credibility.
Inside the Investigation: Scholars, Prosecutors, and Whistleblowers
Ben Lewis, the host of Word of God, pieces together this extraordinary story through exclusive interviews with key players, including:
- Evangelical scholars who initially advised the Green family on their acquisitions.
- Federal prosecutors who exposed the illegal antiquities trade.
- Papyrologist-turned-detective Roberta Mazza, who played a crucial role in unraveling the scandal.
- Museum insiders navigating the fallout from the controversy.
These firsthand accounts reveal how a religious-driven mission turned into a legal and ethical nightmare, intertwining faith, wealth, and international crime.
Ethical Dilemmas: Faith, Wealth, and Cultural Heritage
The Word of God series raises fundamental questions about the intersection of faith, money, and the preservation of history:
- How did a Christian billionaire family’s pursuit of biblical artifacts lead to their entanglement in international crime?
- What role did museums and academic institutions play in legitimizing illicit antiquities?
- How does the black market for religious artifacts impact global cultural heritage?
Commissioning Editor Daniel Clarke describes the series as “a compelling journey through the world of antiquities collectors, revealing the complex moral and legal issues at play.”
Ben Lewis on the Scandal: “Beyond Looted Treasures”
Ben Lewis, known for his investigations into the art world’s darker corners, admits this case was unlike anything he had encountered. “This isn’t just about stolen treasures; it’s about how the quest to celebrate the Bible’s role in American life spiraled into a scandal of international proportions,” he says.
With unparalleled access to experts and investigators, the podcast provides a behind-the-scenes look at the greed, deception, and fervor that fueled this remarkable saga.
Where to Listen: Release Date and Streaming Details
The first episode of Word of God premieres on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 4 on February 12. Listeners can tune in weekly for new revelations about the Museum of the Bible’s tumultuous journey from a visionary project to a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition.
