The Dead Sea Scrolls and the First Christians: Essays and Translations

This work challenges the established interpretations of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the traditional views of the origins of Christianity. By the author of The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered, this book goes back to Qumran on the Dead Sea for further exploration of Christianity's formative years. Included in the book are new translations of the Qumran documents, that until now have only been available to scholars, that present a more accurate view of the times. A picture of a nationalistic, xenophobic, militant Messianic Movement in Palestine during the first century AD is presented, which is very different from the current way Christianity is viewed. Archaeology, palaeography and carbon-14 dating are rigorously criticised, and in the process, the book challenges establishment conceptions and reveals startling information about the first Christians, the Righteous Teacher, and the apocalyptic documents of the time.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Sanjuanderer

Eisenman argues his case that the Dead Sea Scrolls come from a later period than popularly believed (Second Temple as opposed to early Hasmonian) and that the Pesher of Habakuk outlines the conflict between Saul of Tarsus (Paul) and James the Just brother of the Yeshua. This disagreement between

Saul and James, according to Eisenmans theory, culminates with the murder of James the Just at the hands of the High Priest Ananus at the order of Saul of Tarsus. This would fit in with my belief that Saul of Tarsus was a member of the Herodian family and agent of the Romans bent on the distruction of the Zealot movement left behind by the Yeshua (Jesus).

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Subjects

Christianity Origin

Dead Sea scrolls Relation to the New Testament

James, Brother of the Lord, Saint

Maccabees

Zadokites

Language

English

Original language

English

Physical description

9.5 inches

ISBN

0785818855 / 9780785818854

Local notes

Includes translations of the Habakkuk Pesher, The Damascus Document and The Community Rule. Author was a leading figure in the worldwide campaign to open access to the Dead Sea Scrolls.