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A world-famous expert on one of the world’s
greatest discoveries will be sharing his knowledge with people in Aldershot
and Farnborough. Vernon Mattson, from
Salt Lake City USA, will be giving a lecture on the Dead Sea Scrolls and
other important discoveries on 18th June at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in St
Georges Road, Aldershot. Called the greatest
manuscript discovery of modern times, the Dead Sea Scrolls comprise the
remains of approximately 825 to 870 separate scrolls, represented by tens of
thousands of fragments. Between 1947 and
1956, the scrolls were found in 11 caves along the North-West shore of the
Dead Sea and these important texts, which are thought to be almost 2,000
years old, have revolutionised our understanding of the way the Bible was
transmitted. The scrolls found at
the Qumran ruin are by far the most important as far as Christians are
concerned, as they are the only ones throughout the region that pre-date, or
are current with, Jesus Christ. These scrolls are, in fact, the only original
writings of Hebrew scripture known to exist which are as old as or older than
Jesus and John the Baptist. Vernon Mattson first
took an interest in the ancient records back in 1975 when he toured the
Middle East. He found out about the scrolls when he visited Qumran, near to
where they were found, and his interest in the subject grew from there. He began lecturing
in 1977 and his work has taken him to countries such as Australia, New
Zealand and Canada, as well as the UK. Mr Mattson said:
"Because of the nature of my Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints), I believe in ancient records and got interested in the
scrolls when I toured the Middle East and visited Qumran. "I am looking forward to coming to Aldershot and I hope everyone who attends the |
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lecture will have a
better understanding of ancient records, Jesus and also a better
understanding of the Church.” "The story of
the Dead Sea Scrolls is very interesting and I am planning on carrying on
lecturing until I cannot stand any longer. I have been doing this for 27
years now and I will go on until I die." The Bishop of the
Church in Farnborough, Michael Conway, was delighted when he heard that Mr
Mattson was touring the country. He said: "When I knew that Vernon
Mattson was in the country and was giving presentations, I thought it would
be great to have him come to our area and share it with us. “It is over 20 years
since I last saw Vernon Mattson on these British shores giving a seminar on
the Dead Sea Scrolls and other important discoveries. Initially I was dragged
along, as a Philistine, to what I thought would be a boring lecture by an
equally boring lecturer. How mistaken I was that day and how surprised I was
by this eloquent man bringing alive to my eyes, ears and mind the mysteries
of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other great finds. “ I have waited a
long time for him to answer the encores begged for that night and will
struggle with the best of them on 18th June to get a good seat to once more be enlightened in the presence
of this great educator and hear of the more recent discoveries.. “I would encourage
anyone who has ever wondered about such historical finds to come and
enjoy this night of revelation.” To date, Mr Mattson
has carried out 735 lectures worldwide, and has written both a book entitled
‘The Dead Sea Scrolls and Other Important Discoveries’ and a documentary on
these records. Who were these people who wrote the Scrolls? What did they
believe? Why did they bury
sacred records in caves? Come along with
friends to find out! The lecture will
take place on Friday 18th June at the LDS Chapel at the top of
St Georges Road in Aldershot starting at 7.30pm and admission is free.
Simply turn up on the night or email/phone to reserve a place (01252) 654911/
dss@FDLC.co.uk. |
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
presents: Dead Sea Scrolls expert to give talk Don’t miss the most moving presentation you will ever hear! |