V. Chernoivanenko, PhD, Associate prof.
Department of History at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2640.2017.133.2.17
QUMRAN AND CHRISTIAN ORIGINS AS A DECADES-LONG DEBATE
This article considers the theories and hypotheses regarding the possible impact of the Dead Sea Scrollson the early Christianity formation. It also highlights and analyzes different notions on intertextualechoes in the Qumran literature and the New Testament. The explanation of parallels between the Jesus movement and the Dead Sea Scrolls has formed at least four different opinions in Qumran Studies. 1) In some of his statements and actions, Jesus resonates with his contemporary Jewish teachings and practices which are reflected in the Dead Sea Scrolls. 2) Jesus borrowed some views from the writings that have been stored or written by the Essenes. 3) To be directly and strongly influenced by Essenian doctrines, Jesus might rather face them or even opposed to them. 4) Jesus took and adopted the model of leadership used by the Teacher of Righteousness (Moreh ha-Tzedek) of sectarian scrolls. Finally, the article seeks some potential interpretations and research approaches to reconstruct the context, which is quite problematic and characterized by alack of historical evidence on the links between various groups and movements within Judaism of the Second Temple period.
In addition, the translation (first time in Ukrainian) of the Messianic Apocalypse is provided at the end of the article. This text found in Qumranis eschatological and has pronounced apocalyptic end-time and messianic motifs. Ithas been studied in relation to Gospel’s Messianic Magnificat and the comparison with Luke 7:22 about raising the dead.
Key words: Qumran, Dead Sea Scrolls, Christianity, origins, mutual impact, theories, interpretations.
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