THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS
Sta,—The long and interesting correspondence which has appeared in the Spectator and other publications in regard to the world-wide con- troversy about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the light thrown by them upon the Essene com- munity and its relationship to Christianity appear to disregard one very relevant his- torical fact.
Nearly fifty years ago Dr. Rudolf Steiner gave a detailed exposition of the history and significance of the Essene community, both in regard to its historical and spiritual relation- ship to Christ and to its great. Teacher, who, he said, lived during the reign of Alexander Jannteus, and was persecuted, stoned, and then hanged on a tree.
While Dr. Steiner made reference to the facts about the Essenes contained in ancient records. he declared that a great deal of what he wrote had been arrived at by what can only be described as esoteric knowledge. The authen- ticity, of such a source of knowledge will be disputed by many scholars, but the fact remains that much of what Dr. Steiner wrote is now confirmed by the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and that his exposition presents a posi- tive answer to some of the matters now in dispute.—Yours faithfully,
A. P. SHEPHERD 10 College Green, Worcester
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