the dead sea scrolls

[Himbo]

I am doing some research here and i was wondering if anyone on here knows about the myth/story of the dead sea scrolls.

If so could i have the dummy's version of it in a short paragraph. It would be much appreciated.

Cheers

J

[degrawj]

The dead sea scrolls were found by archaeologists in 1947. They are scrolls of parts of the Hebrew Bible. The importance of their discovery though was because of the fact that they were written sometime during the first century. So the scrolls represent what is believed to be the most accurate to the original hebrew bible.

[chavos]

fast version:

Essenes were Jews circa 150 BCE to 100 CE that were disenchanted with the second Temple religious life. They retreated to wilderness areas to live outside the control of Temple and Empire (at least to the extent they would be left alone out there.) Qumran was one such site, the location of the scrolls.

Their primary theology was to abandon sacrifice atonement, and instead rigorously purify mind, soul and body through codes of living. They were strongly influenced by apocalyptic theology, and generally did not marry because of that and for misogynistic reasons. John the Baptist was likely a member.

The dead sea scrolls are the product of this community, both scriptural and cultural documentation. Of primary interest are some of the oldest copies of Hebrew Scriptures yet known. Other documents are rules, practices, and other records. Sealed in jars or buried in caves, they were preserved when the community was abandoned.

[Himbo]

Thank you. I have been told by people I associate with that they were something a little different. Something to do with the scrolls being the last chapter of the bible that was taken out and covered up by early catholics or something to that effect. Basically debunking alot of things the catholics were teaching. Such as you don't have to go to church, giving money to the church isn't required, etc. thigns like that. But thanx for the replies.

Cheers
Jason

[lordjeebus]

You may be interested in or thinking of one of these controversial documents:

http://reluctant-messenger.com/lost_forgotten_books.htm

Of particular interest may be the Essene Gospel of Peace, the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Truth. I don't know much about this stuff but there's a lot of info on the site.

[tiberry]

Himbo - Your version of what your 'associates' have told you sounds a lot like the theme of the movie "Stigmata". Except that the movie references the gospel of St. Paul (?) or someone, rather than the dead sea scrolls.

You should go rent the movie, its not too bad - especially since you're interested. Although I doubt that it has much basis in fact.