Riddle Of The Dead Sea Scrolls

Based on the work of Dr. Barbara Thiering, an Australian Biblical scholar who has challenged the traditional reading of the Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered in 1947, and widely considered to be the most important religious documents pertaining to Christianity since the Bible). Although the scrolls have been dated approximately 140 B.C., Thiering believes the date is incorrect. Much scholarly ink has been spilt over the identity of two key and recurrent figures in the scrolls: the "teacher of righteousness" and "the wicked priest." Thiering believes that these two figures were John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, respectively (although this requires the original dating of 140 B.C. to be invalid, a possibility which other interviewed scholars on the tape make a plausible case for). Thiering also suggests that there are "no miracles in the New Testament." Based on her study and research of the political and cultural aspects of the period, she asserts that the New Testament was written in story form for children, but that beneath the surface of the story the actual account of what really happened is also present. In particular, Thiering offers intriguing interpretations of the virgin birth (pointing out that virgin had two meanings in Christ's time), the temptation in the wilderness (Thiering believes that Satan was Judas and that the encounter represented a religious/political debate), and the death and resurrection (Thiering suggests that Christ was poisoned, mistaken for dead, and later revived in the tomb). Filmed on location near the caves where the scrolls were discovered, and at the universities where scholars are interviewed, Riddle of the Dead Sea Scrolls is an always fascinating documentary. Not everyone will agree with Thiering, nor be convinced by many of her arguments/proofs, yet they will unquestionably be moved to think about what she is saying. Highly recommended. (Available from: Baker & Taylor Video, 501 S. Gladiolus, Momence, IL 60954; (800) 775-2200.)