Reconstructing the Historical Jesus: Insights from the Dead Sea Scrolls (Discussion with Christopher Lawson): Episode 5

Pulling The Thread Podcast: Tracing Jesus Before Christianity Emerged, Jesus the Jew within Judaism!

Jeramiah Giehl and C.H. Lawson had a meeting where they discussed various topics related to the historical Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Lawson shared his background and studies on the Dead Sea Scrolls, theology, biblical languages, and textual criticism. They prioritized sources for understanding ancient Messianic Judaism, with the Dead Sea Scrolls being the most reliable source. Lawson argued that Josephus' lack of deep experience with Judaism may have influenced his writings, and his study of the Pharisees and Saducees was limited, which may have affected his understanding of these sects.Reverend Lawson provided a detailed analysis of Josephus and his portrayal in history. He explained how Josephus betrayed his own people by becoming a translator and spy for the Romans, and how he portrayed the nationalist Jews as brigands. They also discussed the similarities and differences between the Dead Sea School community's Teacher of Righteousness and the New Testament Jesus. Lawson suggested that the historical Jesus may have been the Teacher of Righteousness, citing the timing of the legend time for the death of the New Testament Jesus. Lawson compared the Dead Sea School Community with Jesus' sect and pointed out similarities such as having a teacher of righteousness, a count of twelve, and inclusion of women in their group. He also discussed the distinctive phrases and beliefs of the Dead Sea School Community, such as their belief in angels and strict rules on marriage. Lawson suggested that the various sectarian variations that the Dead Sea School Community accommodated were because they were trying to get all Jews to reunite in their rebellion against Rome.Lastly, Lawson and Jeramiah Giehl delved into the history and beliefs of the Nazarene sect and its connection to the Dead Sea Scrolls. They discussed the different names the sect called themselves and how the Nazarene name is the most appropriate in their opinion. They also explored the belief system of the Ebionites and how it aligns more with James and his community, while the Nazarenes accepted Paul and his letters and were a Pauline-influenced movement. They also analyzed the opponent of the Jewish sect and how it matches the description of the Apostle Paul, and how the Qumran community seemed to be aware of Paul and condemned him.At the end of the meeting, Jeramiah Giehl discussed his podcast interview with Christopher Lawson on the Nazarenes and Ebionites, two sects of Judaism that followed Jesus. The Nazarenes followed Paul and his epistles, while the Ebionites rejected Paul and considered him a heretic and apostate, believing James was their leader. This conflict between James and Paul led to the parting of ways between Christianity and Judaism. Giehl also clarified that the modern term "Messianic Judaism" is not the same as the Messianic expectation of Jews in the 1st century, who believed in a Messiah that would physically reestablish the Kingdom of David on earth and bring world peace. He noted that modern Messianic Judaism has no place in communal life for Jews and is not part of Judaism.

Chapter descriptions

5:35 Prioritizing Sources for Understanding Essene Judaism

18:39 Josephus and his Experience with JudaismReconstructing Jesus

24:28 Josephus and his portrayal in historyJosephus and his relationship with the Jews and Romans

27:58 Life of the Essenes at Qumran

32:29 The Dead Sea Scrolls and the 4th Philosophy

39:07 Comparison of the Dead Sea School community's Teacher of Righteousness and the New Testament Jesus

44:00 Discussion of Robert Eisenman's work on James the Just in the Habakkuk Commentary

47:12 The work of Robert Eisenman on James the Just in the Habach pressureComparison of Dead Sea School Community and Jesus' Sect

51:49 The Meaning Behind the Name "Nazarene"

55:28 The Nazarene Sect and its Connection to the Dead Sea ScrollsMy Conclusion:The different sects of Judaism and the followers of JesusThe partin(continued)

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