RANDI VAN WYK | guest writer

Professor Duke explains the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, now on display in San Diego.

What do authentic Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient illuminated manuscripts, genuine artifacts and original excavation equipment have in common? They are all part of the largest and most thorough exhibition called Dead Sea Scrolls, currently on display at The San Diego Natural History Museum.

Assistant professor at the Haggard School of Theology Robert Duke recently gave a specialized lecture on the history and importance of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

“As Christians, the Bible is central to our faith and the Dead Sea Scrolls can give us confidence in what we are reading., Duke said. “They also bring up questions along with answers for the future.”

The lecture educated students about the Scrolls and their importance.

“It is a fascinating study. It is interesting because they are so new and we don’t know a lot about them,” biblical studies major Janel Stone said. “I wanted to come to the lecture to learn more about the history and importance.”

The Dead Sea Scrolls have linked present day to the ancient Middle East and the influential years of Judaism and Christianity. The Scrolls enlighten scholars on Jewish and Christian traditions, and give insight into the dynamics of the culture during the time of Jesus.

The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit currently at the SDNHM is available for viewing until December 31st. The display also includes an ancient Qumran virtual reality tour. Qumran was the settlement closest to the hiding place of the Dead Sea Scrolls, found in the caves of the nearby desert cliffs.

“I have taken Greek and Hebrew in the past and I am excited to see if I can recognize anything when I go to the exhibition in San Diego,” Stone said. “I am looking forward to the virtual tour, the copper scroll, and seeing the manuscripts.”

If sparks of interest in ancient history arise after seeing the exhibition, look into jumping on board the APU Israel summer trip. On this trip, students will be able to experience the site of Qumran as described in the exhibit and allow ancient history to unfold at their fingertips.

The Israel trip is scheduled for June 8 to July 11, 2008. The program includes geography, history, and archaeology of Israel in biblical times, and also introduces the post-biblical history of the land. The last two weeks provide an optional Archaeological excavation at Tel Rehov. Robert Mullins and Robert Duke will be the instructors and hosts for this trip.

After seeing the exhibition, sociology major Brittany Brown said, “This was a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity. It was great to be able to see and experience such significant pieces of history.” The exhibition closes Dec. 31.