CSP 71 Dead Sea Scrolls

Arguably the most significant literary and archaeological find of the twentieth century, the Dead Sea Scrolls have forever changed our understanding of the Bible, ancient Judaism, and early Christianity. But what are they? Who wrote them? Why have they been so controversial? Do they contain secrets to unlock the Bible or accurately predict the apocalyptic end of history? This course offers an in-depth examination of the Dead Sea Scrolls (in English translation) and the archaeological remains of Qumran alongside the complicated context of Judaism in the Second Temple Period and the emergence of Christianity. Student research papers and oral presentations will engage with significant questions regarding the history of biblical interpretation, messianic and apocalyptic expectation, and the formation of early Judaism and Christianity.