Studying the Dead Sea Scrolls from a Christian Point of View

[Lyrically_N_Gaged]

I've taken interest in the Dead Sea Scrolls, particularly in peoples beliefs that Jesus and John the Baptist were among the people of Quamran, and were possibly Essenes. However, I also believe that when people study the Dead Sea Scrolls they use it to fill in the image of what they already believe.

Are there any books of studies on the Dead Sea Scrolls from a Christian point of view that would be a good companion to reading the scrolls myself?

 

[Shogun]

Just finished Aslan's Zealot. Quick read...worthwhile if you're studying that era.

 

[Lyrically_N_Gaged]

I've read up on Aslan a little. I know that ultimately he's convinced that Jesus wasn't the son of God.

Would you say its unbiased enough to not force an opinion of him but just reflect his life as a man?

 

[Shogun]

Honestly, it's a fairly convincing historical account. I'm far from an expert on the era, but the major premise is that historical Jesus is more worthy of remembrance than Jesus "the Christ". If you're not open to different perspective than it's probably not for you. Either way, even if you discount the claims about Jesus, it provides a concise overview of the context which he lived in.

 

[Lyrically_N_Gaged]

I was curious though as to whether Aslan referred to the scrolls in his book Zealot. Does he refer to them or just try to draw upon sources to show you the times in which he was born into?

 

[Shogun]

Scrolls are referenced, but not much. Really only when they corroborate another of his claims.He mostly references the gospels, and Paul's letters.

 

[Lyrically_N_Gaged]

Thinking from Aslans point of view, I'm wondering if the people of Quamran would actually be the people who would go on and write the Quran.

The vision of the son of God (4Q246) says this..

"He will be called the son of God, they will call him the son of the Most High. But like meteors that you saw in your vision, so will be their kingdom. They will reign only a few years over the land, while people trample people and nation tramples nation.

.... until the people of God arise; then all will have rest from warfare. Their kingdom will be an eternal kingdom, and all nations will make peace."

Lol this could be the missing note Jay Electronica has been looking for

 

[Lyrically_N_Gaged]

It seems like they could have been trying to warn against someone who would say he was the Son of God.

It's wild how the Romans were after these people and then they established the church.

This is why one cannot judge Muslims who believe that God felt the bible needed to be corrected and therefore spoke the Quran to Muhammad.

But I still draw from this that Jesus knew these Jews just like all other groups. Their "Teacher of Righteousness", who people think is Jesus, teaches curses to say to their enemies, while Jesus teaches to love enemies.