STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Dr. John Bergsma, noted expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, published author, and professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, will speak on “Jesus and the Jews: What the Dead Sea Scrolls Tell Us About Christianity” on November 18 at Franciscan University’s Finnegan Fieldhouse. The event, to be held at 7:00 p.m., will be free and open to the public.

Discovered in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls are considered the greatest archeological discovery of the 20th century, which included a nearly complete original copy of the Book of Isaiah, shedding light on the New Testament, Jesus’ ministry, and the sacraments.

In his presentation, Bergsma will share how the writings and practices of the Essenes, a Jewish sect ­and the keepers of the scrolls, directly influenced the beliefs, sacraments, and practices of the Catholic Church, and how the Catholic Church is the direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies.

Bergsma, author of Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls: Revealing the Jewish Roots of Christianity, specializes in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and parishes, and has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows.