The Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls

Years ago I attempted to read a book about the Dead Sea Scrolls, but was bored out of my mind. When I heard the Dead Sea Scrolls were to be put on exhibit in a nearby city, I picked up this old book off the shelf in a church, and from the first page was hooked. The writing is extraordinarily good, and the history is absolutely fasinating. It is a short read, but is incredibly enlightening. (excessive on the adverbs, but it deserves it) Typically I don't go for old books, instead favoring the most recent publications. I am glad that bias did not get to me. It is hard to imagine a better book on the subject, that is so concise as well. While I am sure that in the last 50 years there have been major insights into the Dead Sea Scrolls, this book is a great launching pad into the subject. Here are two sample sentences from the book: ...those who care above all for truth will have no fear of new knowledge and will not hesitate to make revisions. (p. 24) ...what the scholar fails to communicate to his lay hearer is by no means so recondite or enigmatic that plainer communication would be really difficult. (p. 84) He delivers on both accounts, explaining lucidly and with ultimate concern for truth. Thanks to this book, I cannot wait to see the Dead Sea Scrolls now. I already have taken a great journey in time thanks to Davies.

Although one may consider the book dated (being written in the 50's), I found it to be a rather interesting overview of the subject. It gives a review of the discovery and dating of the dead sea scrolls, then moves on into an analysis of the sect of the scrolls (essenes) and later on into possible influence of Christian movement. The volume is very readable and should hold the interest of any who choose to read it. Then if one is still eager for more I would suggest reading Geza Vermes "The complete dead sea scrolls in english". ISBN 0713991313

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls presented the greatest challenge to Christian beliefs since the time of Darwin's theory of evolution. This paperback book retells the fascinating story of the discovery and purported meaning of the scrolls. It also describes the importance and interest to believers around the world. For those seeking spiritual enlightenment and a reconciliation of the scrolls with their faith, this book will give them a scholarly interpretation of the scrolls relationship to the Holy Scriptures and the origins of Christianity. The book includes a few drawings, maps and photos for clarification as well as a bibliography. The author, A Powell Davies, was a pastor in Washington DC and has written several other books based on the Christian religion.