Do Qumranic/Essense foundations of Christianity predate Jesus Christ?
Have you read the book, EDMUND WILSON. The Dead Sea Scrolls, 1947-1969, New York: Oxford University Press, 1969?
As an eminent critic and author, Wilson has shown himself a man for all subjects. Though a self-confessed nonexpert on the scrolls, his narrative powers brought his work wide attention as a model of conciseness.
He attempts to popularize a point of view that has caused distinct Christian squirmings. "A born shrinker of myths," Wilson has thrown the light of the Dead Sea Scrolls on "the myth of the origins of Christianity."
New environmental parallels, he believes, would tend to reduce Christian "divine revelation" to a mere "episode of human history."
Messianic proof-texts, similar programs of the scroll brotherhood and John the Baptist, indicate that Qumran "is perhaps, more than Bethlehem or Nazareth, the cradle of Christianity"
Such conclusions are based on the certainty of knowing Essene teachings through scrolls of the same period as the oldest Gospel manuscripts, which Wilson finds essentially untrustworthy in recording the history and teachings of Jesus.
Human proneness to the legendary he considers a sufficient explanation of Christian origins.
Is he correct?
MORGANITE
Qumranic/Essense foundations...
Yes, John the Baptist was living in the Qumran caves with the Essenes PRIOR to his appearance at the Jordan to baptize Jesus. John was six months older than Jesus, placing him at 30 years of age (or closer to 31); whereas, Jesus began His earthly ministry at 30 years of age -- immediately after His baptism in the River Jordan in accordance with the Old Testament practice:i.e. "The priests were first washed and then anointed." If you study "the molten sea" (as mentioned in the Old Testament), you will find this practice.
Of course, there were no "New Testament" writings until some 30-40 years after The Resurrection. Any good refence Bible will list the date of the N.T. writings ("external evidence"). In fact, the Book of Revelation was given to John and penned when he was between 90 -100 years of age. (Some scholars believe that he possibly lived to the age of 110.)
Merry Christmas!
Bobbye
P.S. By the way, "Christianity" cannot predate Jesus Christ. "They were first called 'Christians' at Antioch" -- after the birth of the Church on the Day of Pentecost (Book of Acts). "Christianity" is Jesus Christ! "Christianity" or "little Christs." (Note: "ian" is a diminutive which, when added to the end of a word, means "little" or "smaller" in regard to the noun to which it is added. Some would challenge the term "little Christs." However, seventh grade grammar rules will eliminate such confusion.)
Be blessed.
Bobbye