Veronica Green - Research

Can you imagine using infrared technology to uncover the origins of Christianity? As part of National Geographic research, I had the opportunity to view Science of the Bible: Decoding the Dead Sea Scrolls prior to its Sunday March 11th premiere. In this program, you get to watch as world class archaeologists and scholars use modern technology to understand the meaning behind these ancient texts. I believe the story of these scrolls will appeal to anyone who enjoys a mystery, regardless of the role religion plays in their lives. After all, who wouldn’t be intrigued by a story with a real life ancient treasure map in it?

I felt immersed in a world Indiana Jones might find himself in, as I took in images of the hidden desert caves in Qumran where the scrolls were discovered. It is hard to fathom the hundreds of centuries that have passed since letters were first printed on these scripts. In my world of emails and text messages, it is easy to forget a time in which words did not instantly appear on a screen. Instead, they had to be written on materials such as papyrus, animal hide and even partially on copper. With a quill pen! After all, these are the oldest known biblical documents.

And that brings another thought to mind: who exactly wrote these mysterious scrolls? It turns out that this question, like many others about the texts, cannot be answered with absolute certainty. Written mainly in Hebrew, the scrolls contain more than 900 manuscripts in total. Imagine the dedication these authors had to have in order to amass such a collection complete with thoughts that shape how we think about religion today. These works are the earliest seeds of the religious beliefs that many have been taught and grown accustomed to. Who were these writers and what were their lives like?

It was also amazing to witness how modern computer imaging could bring these works to life and make them actually readable. Technology has come a long way since 1947 when the scrolls were first discovered. Due to these incredible developments, it seems as though they are being clearly deciphered and translated for the first time now.

It was fascinating to learn about the actual unearthing and subsequent trafficking of the scrolls beginning in 1947. The scrolls were the subject of conspiracy and controversy since the day their existence was revealed. The story of this conflict reiterates the power and meaning the Dead Sea Scrolls carry in a land where clashing religious beliefs are often a catalyst for war.

Aside from enjoying the incredible mysteries and adventures surrounding the story of these scrolls in this Science of the Bible episode, I also came away with solid religious and historical facts. As a person who hasn’t been exposed to much religious history, I found myself beginning to understand the individual stories behind each unique section of the bible and the beliefs that are extracted from them. I realized by watching this program that this is not a television series meant solely for those interested in religion; it is a series for anyone who wants to learn about the historical and cultural events that ultimately shape the world we live in now.

Preview a Clip From Decoding The Dead Sea Scrolls