South American Division

Archaeology and Biblical Studies Congress Convenes 800 in Brazil

Co-organized with the Museum of Biblical Archaeology and Andrews University, the event advanced archaeology-and-Bible scholarship.

November 7, 2025

Brazil

Priscilla Melo, South American Division, and ANN

Meeting brought together academics and members of the public interested in the subject

Photo: AICOM

From October 22-25, 2025, the second International Congress of Archaeology and Biblical Sciences (CIACB) convened approximately 800 participants at the Adventist University Center of São Paulo (UNASP), Engenheiro Coelho campus in Brazil. The event was organized in partnership with the university, the institution's Museum of Biblical Archaeology (MAB), and Andrews University in the United States.

Over four days, the program included keynote lectures, discussion groups, guided visits to the MAB, and plenary sessions featuring researchers in archaeology, theology, and history. Presentations combined technical content, scientific communication, and biblical context.

Rona Lewis, director of the Israel Exploration Society, was among the featured speakers. In a plenary session, she reported on discoveries from excavations at the Horvat El-Kankûzah site in eastern Galilee, Israel.

"For me, coming here from Israel to Brazil was very important because I felt that you really wanted to hear me. When I'm excavating an archaeological site or doing research on archaeological material, it's not just for me, it's for everyone," she emphasized.

She further emphasizes that archaeology, "more than a field of study, is a lifestyle," and a fundamental part of her own life.

She says she has worked in the field for over 25 years, and that archaeology is about "working with your hands, getting your hands dirty, being under the sun, and trying to find the past in order to understand the present."

Rona Lewis, who has decades of experience in the field of archaeology, during a plenary session at the meeting. Photo: AICOM

Felipe Torquato, a second-semester theology student who participated in the event, said that when studying the Bible, it is difficult to understand some biblical contexts without the help of archaeology.

"I believe that the main importance of archaeology is to bring us closer to biblical times, facilitate understanding, and teach us how to apply it today," he points out.

Reflecting on the event’s purpose, theologian and archaeologist Rodrigo Silva said, “If what God has given you is benefiting others, you are on the right track. I praise God for the results and dedicate everything to His glory, asking only that He never allow me to break the covenant and lose the anointing.”

Alinne Costa, a lawyer from Belém, Pará, shared, “When we begin to study the word of God in a well-founded and scientific way, its credibility increases and more people become interested in learning about the Bible.”

Shabbat celebration

On the third day, organizers held a Shabbat welcome in the MAB Bible Garden. Silva led the ceremony, joined by Lewis, with candles, bread, and prayers in biblical Hebrew. Radio and TV student Deborah Grellert, part of the production team, described the moment as one of gratitude after several full days of programming.

UNASP Old Testament professor Ezinaldo Pereira said the congress supports theological development for students, faculty, and visiting professionals. Second-semester theology student Matheus Fonseca noted that the content will serve future pastoral ministry.

"We have a church that is very rich in knowledge. The dissemination of archaeology through renowned researchers like those present at the congress broadens our vision and serves as an incentive and inspiration for those who wish to pursue an academic career," he shares.

Archaeologist Carina Prestes, a CIACB organizer, said planning is underway for the third edition of the International Congress of Archaeology and Biblical Sciences.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site.