Dead Sea Scrolls paper

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 (69), from Salt Lake City USA, will be giving a lecture on the Dead Sea Scrolls and other important discoveries later this week 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 (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 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 23 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 of interest to many people, not just for the religious, but also for the historical point of view. As Vernon Mattson has studied in this area for many years first hand, he has a lot to share.

"I have read a little about the Dead Sea Scrolls a while ago and am fascinated about what these people practiced and wrote about. I am hoping that Vernon will increase my understanding of the scrolls and other discoveries."

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.

The lecture will take place on Friday 18^th June at the Aldershot Chapel in St Georges Road, Aldershot starting at 7.30pm and admission is free. To reserve a place call (01252) 654911.

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Last update 29^th May 2004