The Puzzle of the Treatise of the Two Spirits

Join me for a close reading of the Treatise of the Two Spirits, a passage in the Community Rule that explains the origin of sin as the result of a dualistic division between the Prince of Light and the Angel of Darkness. (And yes, I’m hoarse in this episode. Change of seasons, I guess.)

This text was once thought to summarize Qumran theology, but as we will see, the Treatise of the Two Spirits is relatively unique while still paralleling different views of sin we have seen so far in this podcast. The contradictions and differences between the passages in the Treatise itself mirror the contradictions we have explored between the different views of sin reflected in various Dead Sea Scrolls and Second Temple texts.

This episode also includes a shout-out to Nehemiah Gordon for his generous support and to my editor Danilo.

Please comment on this episode to suggest topics for me to cover as the podcast continues! Already on the roster: sin and punishment, views regarding collective and inter-generational consequences of sin, and… wait for it…Hell. So send me your suggestions!

Rocky says:

October 22, 2017 at 5:42 pm

Complex is perhaps the perfect definition my thinking box has changed considerably over the last ten years .

I guess I could say when I was a child I thought as a child….

Laurie Laine says:

October 24, 2017 at 7:59 am

I am really enjoying these scrolls Dr. Brand. Thank you so much for your studies and reading what is written in them. I listen to these when I’m getting ready for work and on my way to work. It keeps my mind thinking and questioning. I look forward to hearing more. 🙂

Miryam Brand says:

October 24, 2017 at 1:51 pm

Thanks for your comment — I’m glad you’re enjoying them!

#24: The Puzzle of the Treatise of the Two Spirits

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