DEAD SEA SCROLLS
This course provides a brief introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls: what they are, how they were found, what they contain, and their relevance to Judaism and Christianity
The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts discovered between 1946 and 1956 in caves near Qumran, by the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea Scrolls are a treasure trove that deepen our understanding of the Bible, Judaism, and the origins of Christianity. They bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments and bring the world of the Bible to life in extraordinary detail.
Key points about the Dead Sea Scrolls
Discovery:
Discovered accidentally by Bedouin shepherds in caves near Qumran, present-day West Bank.
Age:
They date from approximately 250 B.C. to A.D. 68, making them among the oldest existing biblical and Jewish religious texts.
Content:
Comprising about 900 manuscripts, they include:
Biblical texts: Portions of almost every Old Testament book, notably a complete copy of Isaiah.
Non-biblical texts: Religious writings, commentaries, hymns, apocalyptic visions, and rules for community life, notably by the Jewish sect identified commonly as the Essenes.
Significance:
They greatly enhance understanding of Judaism in the time of Jesus.
Provide valuable insights into textual accuracy and transmission of the Hebrew Bible.
Offer context for interpreting the roots and early practices of Christianity.
Preservation and Access:
Many are displayed in museums, notably the Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem, with digitized copies accessible online.
In essence, the Dead Sea Scrolls represent one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century, significantly contributing to the scholarly understanding of ancient Judaism, the origins of Christianity, and biblical texts.
About this Course
Dead Sea Scrolls with Dr. John Bergsma
This course provides a brief introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls: what they are, how they were found, what they contain, and their relevance to Judaism and Christianity. It will be based on the book, Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls: Revealing the Jewish Roots of Christianity, by Dr. John Bergsma, (New York: Penguin Random House, 2019).
In this enriching and engaging online course, Dr. John Bergsma guides participants through a fascinating exploration of the Dead Sea Scrolls, widely considered the greatest archaeological discovery of the modern era. Through clear and accessible teaching, Dr. Bergsma reveals how these ancient texts illuminate the early Church as a sacred community of hope, redemption, and salvation. More than just historical artifacts, the Dead Sea Scrolls serve as a time machine—transporting us back to the world of Jesus, deepening our appreciation of Scripture, and enriching our understanding of the Jewish roots of the Christian faith.
Online Course Schedule:
All sessions are pre-recorded, but will be released weekly and available for viewing anytime after the scheduled date.
Session 1: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PST)
Session 2: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PST)
Session 3: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PST)
Session 4: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PST)
Session 5: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PST)
Session 6: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (PST)
* Participants are welcome to submit questions to the Dr. Bergsma, who will respond to them in the order they are received, ensuring personalized guidance and deeper engagement with the material.
About the Professor
Dr. John Bergsma
Dr. Bergsma is Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught Scripture since 2004, and serves as Vice President for Mission and Biblical Theology at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. A convert to Catholicism and former Protestant pastor, he entered the Church in 2001 while completing his Ph.D. in Theology at the University of Notre Dame, specializing in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls. He also holds a B.A. in Classical Languages, as well as Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Theology (Th.M.) degrees.
Dr. Bergsma is a widely respected biblical scholar and engaging teacher, twice voted Faculty of the Year by graduating classes at Franciscan University. He has authored over twenty books on Scripture and the Catholic faith, including Bible Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press, 2012) and Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls (Penguin Random House, 2019), along with numerous scholarly essays.
A frequent speaker at conferences, parishes, and media outlets, he appears regularly on Catholic radio, podcasts, and television. He and his wife, Dawn, live in Steubenville, Ohio, and are the proud parents of eight children and a growing number of grandchildren.
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