About Us

Bible Land Expeditions

provided by
TRINITY SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY
and
THE MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY & BIBLICAL HISTORY

Walk the Biblical World. See through Ancient Eyes. Touch the Face of History. Hear the Stones Cry Out.

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Bible Land Expeditions began in the early 1990s when a group of Bible scholars, historians, and archaeologists (all close friends) looked around at the "Holy Land tour landscape" and couldn't find much they could recommend. Friends and students frequently told us they couldn't find a trip to the Holy Land that really focused on the Bible itself, led by scholars who knew both the history and archaeology of the region.

Then they started asking if we'd think about taking a group on the kind of tour they wanted. They wanted to see the REAL world of the Bible. They wanted a personal, detailed learning experience that would make the Bible come to life. And they wanted accurate information, not stories spun for religious pilgrims. They wanted a tour you could sink your teeth into.

It sounded like a great idea! We'd collectively spent vast amounts of time in the Near East traveling, studying, exploring, and excavating. Several of us knew Israel and Jordan like the backs of our hands. And we had a shared passion for both of them! We lectured on some aspect of the Holy Land just about every day. We wrote books about it. We practically ate and slept biblical history and geography. Why not just show people the Bible Lands ourselves--personally, intimately. And so, Bible Land Expeditions was born.

Our philosophy of Holy Land travel is simple and straightforward: Offer the highest quality Bible-based itinerary and instruction possible, for a reasonable price. This simple idea is fleshed out by the following commitments to our BLE team members...

         Travel with the group from the USA to the destination city.
         Stay in excellent accommodations with excellent food.
           Pay attention to the details of traveler comfort and safety.
             Don't take more travelers than a single bus can accommodate.
              Handle the tour as if it's everyone's first and last trip to the Holy Land.
                 Show the geography from locations providing sweeping panoramas.
                 Point out the smallest details illuminating biblical history.
                Don't waste time on "touristic" sites lacking historical authenticity.
               Detail both Old and New Testament places, events, and characters.
            Provide time for thought and reflection at important biblical locations.
         Pay attention to key historical, archaeological, and geographical details.
       Include important biblical places that other tours never ever visit.
       Give geographical and historical instruction while traveling between sites.
         Make the experience lively and fun, as well as educational and inspirational.
           Bring the Bible to life with every possible nuance of the senses.

Your BLE Team instructors & guides are Dr. Steven Collins and Dr. John Moore of the College of Archaeology & Biblical History, Trinity Southwest University (Albuquerque, New Mexico). Dr. Leen Ritmeyer, the world's leading authority on the history and archaeology of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, will once again join the BLE instruction team for 2011 and 2012. Frequently, other notable Bible scholars, archaeologists, and historians are hand-picked to assist with on-site instruction and evening lectures. Here's a brief bio-sketch of BLE's principal scholars who'll be with you every step of the way on your once-in-a-lifetime journey through the biblical world...

Steven Collins, Ph.D., has been researching and lecturing in the field of biblical studies and archeology for more than 30 years. His background as both a Bible scholar and field archaeologist gives him a commanding grasp of the issues involved in demonstrating the historical authenticity of the biblical record. A dynamic speaker and teacher, he's served seventeen years as Dean of the College of Archaeology & Biblical History, Trinity Southwest University, where he also serves as Professor of Biblical Studies and Apologetics in the College of Biblical & Theological Studies. Dr. Collins is currently Director of the Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project in Jordan (the site of biblical Sodom). One of Dr. Collins' passions is guiding people through the Bible Lands, something he's been doing regularly for nearly 20 years.

John Witte Moore, Ph.D., is also passionate about the Holy Land, particularly its geography. He's presently Professor of Historical Geography in the College of Archaeology & Biblical History, Trinity Southwest University. Dr. Moore is presently the Osteologist for the Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project in Jordan, where he also directs the TeHEP TopoGeo Team studying the geographical features of the southern Jordan Valley as they relate to the biblical Cities of the Plain. Dr. Moore is a meticulous scholar with a flair for historical details often missed by less astute researchers, something not lost on his sense of humor (he's known to many as "Dr. John" because of his lectures on the toilet facilities and hygiene practices in the ancient world!).

Leen Ritmeyer, Ph.D., is a remarkable scholar with unparalleled experience and knowledge regarding the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. His recent book, The Quest (Carta/Lamb), is the most comprehensive study of the history and archaeology of the Israelite Temple ever produced. He is the most sought-after architectural reconstruction expert for archaeological excavations and projects throughout Israel. When it comes to the history and architecture of ancient Jerusalem, his grasp of the subject is second to none. Dr. Ritmeyer (Ritmeyer Archaeological Design) lectures throughout the world on biblical history and archaeology.

Drs. Collins, Moore, and Ritmeyer make a dynamic team committed to make your BLE experience unforgettable!