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Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls

Revealing the Jewish Roots of Christianity

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Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls

By: John Bergsma
Narrated by: Mark Deakins
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About this listen

 A major new work on the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest sacred documents of Judaism, which reveals their surprising connections to early Christianity.

“A luminous treatment of a fascinating subject! Highly recommended!”—Scott Hahn, author of The Fourth Cup

From award-winning scholar John Bergsma comes an intriguing book that reveals new insights on the Essenes, a radical Jewish community predating Christianity, whose existence, beliefs, and practices are often overlooked in the annuls of history. Bergsma reveals how this Jewish sect directly influenced the beliefs, sacraments, and practices of early Christianity and offers new information on how Christians lived their lives, worshipped, and eventually went on to influence the Roman Empire and Western civilization. Looking to Hebrew scripture and Jewish tradition, Bergsma helps to further explain how a simple Jewish peasant could go on to inspire a religion and a philosophy that still resonates 2,000 years later.

In this enriching and exciting exploration, Bergsma demonstrates how the Dead Sea Scrolls—the world's greatest modern archaeological discovery—can shed light on the Church as a sacred society that offered hope, redemption, and salvation to its member. Ultimately, these mysterious writings are a time machine that can transport us back to the ancient world, deepen our appreciation of Scripture, and strengthen our understanding of the Christian faith.

“An accessible introduction . . . This is a handy entry point for readers unfamiliar with Essenes or those interested in the Dead Sea Scrolls.”—Publishers Weekly
 Bible Study Bibles & Bible Study Christianity Judaism Middle East Tradition

Critic Reviews

“The Dead Sea Scrolls give us a window into the thought of first-century Jews such as Jesus and the disciples. Through that window we see the continuity between the Old Testament and the New. The New is not a novelty. An expert on the Scrolls, Dr. Bergsma shows us how the texts and rituals of the Qumran community illuminate the New Covenant sacraments and Christian liturgy as we know it today.”—Scott Hahn, author of The Fourth Cup

“John Bergsma has provided the missing link between the assembly of the Old Testament and the Church of the New Testament. Read this book and you’ll see the Gospels and the sacraments more vividly than ever before. You’ll understand your place in history and in God’s people. If you read just one book about first-century Judaism, let it be this one.”—Mike Aquilina, author of The Fathers of the Church

“Since the Dead Sea Scrolls were first discovered in 1947, there have been countless books written about them. But there is nothing quite like what John Bergsma has done in Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls. If you have any interest whatsoever in the Jewish roots of Christianity, then buy this book! It will radically transform the way you see Jesus, Judaism, and the origins of Christianity.”—Brant Pitre, author of Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist
All stars
Most relevant
One of the most insightful books I’ve read, leading to an understanding of why the Reformation was an a misinterpretation of what St Paul meant be ‘faith’ and ‘works’, through the writing of the Dead Sea scrolls preserved by the Essenes community. The book is suitable for every Catholic, every Protestant, and every person searching for truth. I loved it!

Loved it!

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Not only did the Qumran community convert mikvah baths to treat moral cleansing rather than just ceremonial (bacterial) cleansing, but they also made it easier for the early church to transition away from the Jewish High Priest as the primary source of authority. This is a very insightful and helpful book - not at all like the arrogant conspiracy rag that I was afraid it would be. I recommend this VERY HIGHLY!!!

Many Surprising Similarities!

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This book should be read or listened to by anyone interested in obtaining a proper understanding of the historical truth of orthodox Christianity. Priest,Bishops,Cardinals,Nuns and the lady need to read this and anyone with an open mind and an open heart outside of the Church should try and listen to it with that open heart and open mind. The scholarship is extraordinary. The author employees a magnificent intellect to marshal the most convincing argument I've heard for the historical truth of fundamental church practices. I never thought the Dead Sea Scrolls would form a basis for convincing apologetics but how wrong was I?

Revelation

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This was a delight and so fascinating to listen to. John gives an excellent and detailed account of how the dead sea scrolls demonstrate interrelationships between the Essenes and early Christianity. My only advice would be extended pauses between some phrases, as it would help the information digestion.

Fascinating

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humbly written with high quality content of early church life. Baptism chapter was enlightening as well as faith vs works discussion in context of the first century and an explanation of what it meant. worth listening to.

early church practices with 1st cen justifications

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