Description |
xiv, 256 pages ; 22 cm |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
Contents |
The archeological find of the twentieth century -- Waiting for the Messiah -- The scrolls, John the Baptist, and baptism -- The scrolls, John the Apostle, and baptism -- Baptism today -- Did Qumran have a "eucharist"? -- When was the Last Supper? -- Putting it all together: reading the Last Supper in light of the scrolls -- Celibacy in the scrolls -- Marriage in the scrolls -- Priesthood and the scrolls -- Priesthood in the Gospels -- Priesthood in the early church -- Did St. Paul write anything about the church? -- The scrolls, the Reformation, and church unity -- The Essenes and the early church: what is the relationship? |
Summary |
This book sheds light on the almost-forgotten Jewish sect of the Essenes, a radical religious group with striking parallels to the first Christians. The library of these devout worshipers is known to moderns as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the only surviving Jewish documents written before or during the lifetime of Jesus. Bergsma reveals how the Judaism of this sect influenced the beliefs, sacraments, and practices of early Christianity, eventually transforming the Roman Empire and Western civilization. Curious details and often ignored oddities in the Gospels and other New Testament books suddenly make sense and come to life against the backdrop of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which reveal a kind of Judaism unknown to most readers today. --Book jacket. |
Subject |
Dead Sea scrolls -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.
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Dead Sea scrolls -- Relation to the New Testament.
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Christianity -- Origin.
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Essenes.
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Genre |
Nonfiction.
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Added Title |
Revealing the Jewish roots of Christianity |
ISBN |
9781984823120 (hardcover) |
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1984823124 (hardcover) |
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