The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception

Mind Body Soul Ezine Book Review: The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception -  by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh. 

This is the story of 800 ancient scrolls which were hidden in caves near the Dead Sea and discovered in 1940s and 50s. The two writers, since deceased, describe the convoluted and bitter battle that took place after their discovery. Rival groups of scholars included a group who concealEd access to the scrolls for 40 years incase they shed questions upon the established Vatican line and presented a new account of the earliest origins of Christianity.

The two authors, working with an independent specialist, clearly date the scrolls to the time of Jesus, through Essene, Zealot, Nazorean and messianic movements. The book reveals that the scrolls are the work of a Zealot group, and reveal who Jesus was, and that his teaching was not original but part of the Qumran Community teachings. The suicide at Masada is described as an example of the intense dedication that existed within the country at that time.

The latter part of the book details the Acts of the Apostles, and how Paul, described as a spy for Rome, hyped the story of Jesus, added pagan underpinnings, and made him into a God for the non Jews. Meanwhile the family of Jesus, under the leadership of James, the brother of Jesus, were in conflict with Paul in order to retain the Law under which the Jews lived in Jerusalem.

Michael Baigent describes scrolls that he saw which are are in private hands but were not photographed by him for verification. Yet again, Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh come in for criticism for not showing sufficient evidence to back up their claims. However, I thought the material was believable. I read this on the heels of The Dead Sea Scrolls 1947 - 1969 which is my favourite book on the subject, though old now. 

Recommended! Reviewer Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk