SECRETS FROM THE CAVES

This account of the Dead Sea Scrolls is offered as a guide to lay people who lack the interest or background to engage in the more expert evaluation of these important finds. The author, who is professor of Bible at Hamline University, adopts a question-and-answer pattern for presenting his material. He begins with an account of the discovery of the scrolls, then presents an introduction to the content of the more important ones, and follows this with a discussion of the Qumran Community and their faith; and then relates the scrolls to the issues raised concerning Jesus and the Community. In a postscript scientific methods are treated. The author writes with lucidity and competence. He introduces the reader to some of the complicated questions attending the interpretation of the scrolls without getting too deeply involved at points where only the experts can safely tread. Very readable; it should be meeting a wide need for such an introduction.