#22: Sin as State — The Evil Inclination in Sectarian Prayer

In this episode, we look at two Dead Sea Scroll sectarian prayers — the Hodayot and the “Hymn of Praise” in the Community Rule — that present sin, or the inclination to sin, as a state of being. Specifically, they present sin as a state natural to all humans as physical creatures.

Listen to hear how this idea was intrinsically connected to the Dead Sea Scroll Community’s views on election and predestination.

4 Responses to "#22: Sin as State — The Evil Inclination in Sectarian Prayer"

Rocky says:

September 24, 2017 at 3:12 pm

Ok I have several Questions
1st is the talk of predestination an original concept from ” what sect”
2nd since predestination has slowly migrated obviously into Christian doctrine any explanation?
3rd when I heard the prayer it immediately made me think of the parable of publican who’s story matches this to me verbatim..any thoughts
4th just wondering if Melissa has any social media to match a face with that most awesome voice ..we think alot alike .. lolololol

Anyway I’m going to get back to mowing the lawn..
And the next episode..
1. Miryam Brand says:
  
  September 27, 2017 at 11:18 pm
  
  Hi Rocky! Nice to hear from you.
  1) That’s a good question, without an easy answer. There may be some Persian influence to blame.
  2) Predestination is a solution to a problem — why are those guys so darn evil? And why does our group know (and accept) the truth when nobody else seems to? So it can be a “go-to” solution for small or growing religious groups in a range of situations.
  3) That’s interesting. What is particularly fascinating (and I think sheds light on the complex nature of a religious worldview in general) is that a member of the Dead Sea sect could sound like either one of the characters in that parable, depending on the situation you caught him in or the particular prayer he was saying.
  4) I’ll ask Melissa if she minds me sharing it — I’m glad you like her voice and her questions! I’m lucky to have her.
  
  I’m looking forward to your future comments.
Rocky says:

September 28, 2017 at 12:29 am

I will be patiently waiting..
1. Miryam Brand says:
  
  October 23, 2017 at 7:25 pm
  
  🙂

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