A Former Deacon, Dr. Ray Higgin Offers $1 Million Reward for Proof of Biblical Gravesites

A Former Deacon, Dr. Ray Higgin Offers $1 Million Reward for Proof of Biblical Gravesites

 In a bold move shaking both religious and academic communities, Dr. Ray Higgin, a former deacon,  and now researcher and outspoken skeptic of traditional religious narratives, has issued a public challenge: he is offering a staggering $1 million to anyone who can locate and prove the gravesite of any individual mentioned in the Bible.

The announcement came during a recent symposium on religious history and archaeology, where Dr. Higgin challenged attendees and scholars around the world to provide verifiable, archaeological evidence of the final resting place of any named figure in the Bible — from patriarchs like Abraham and Moses, to New Testament figures such as Peter, Paul, or even Jesus.

“For millennia, billions have believed these people walked the Earth. Yet to this day, not a single gravesite — confirmed by mainstream archaeology and backed by peer-reviewed evidence — has been identified,” Dr. Higgin said during his keynote address. “If these figures were real, where are they buried?”

The Rules of the Challenge

Dr. Higgin's challenge comes with a few strict criteria. In order to claim the $1 million prize, the grave must meet the following standards:

• The character must be named in the Bible (Old or New Testament).

• The grave must be authenticated through reliable archaeological methods.

• A peer-reviewed team of historians, archaeologists, and forensic experts must verify the evidence.

• The burial must be conclusively linked to the biblical figure, not simply a person with a common name.

“This isn’t about faith — it’s about facts,” Dr. Higgin explained. “I'm not asking anyone to stop believing. I'm just saying, if we treat the Bible as historical record, let's test it like we would any other history.”

A Stir Among Scholars and Faith Leaders

The announcement has drawn a flurry of responses from religious institutions, archaeologists, and theologians. While many see it as a provocative stunt aimed at undermining faith, others believe it could encourage serious historical inquiry.

Some biblical archaeologists argue that the nature of ancient burial practices, wars, and natural erosion make the discovery of such graves extremely unlikely — but not impossible. Others maintain that faith in biblical characters is spiritual, not archaeological, and doesn't require physical proof.

Yet Dr. Higgin insists the offer is sincere.

“I’m prepared to write the check,” he said. “All I want is evidence.”

A Challenge for the Ages

Whether the challenge results in a historic discovery or simply adds fuel to an age-old debate, Dr. Higgin’s offer has undeniably drawn attention. Social media is buzzing, amateur archaeologists are poring over ancient maps, and theological debates are lighting up forums and pulpits alike.

As of now, no one has stepped forward with qualifying evidence. But the race is on.

Will someone uncover the lost tomb of a biblical giant? Or will the $1 million remain unclaimed, buried in skepticism?

Only time — and perhaps a shovel — will tell.