The New Testament Code: The Cup of the Lord, the Damascus Covenant and the Blood of Christ

by Robert H. Eisenman

It’s finally here?and Eisenman’s many readers will not be disappointed! In this follow-up to his blockbuster biblical studies, world-renowned scholar Eisenman not only gives us a full examination of James’ relationship to the Dead Sea Scrolls, he also reveals the true history of Palestine in the first century and the real ?Jesus’ of that time. It’s a work of intriguing speculative history, complete with a conspiracy theory as compelling as any thriller.
Eisenman begins with a ?Is there a ?New Testament Code?’” He proves that there is?and exposes the deliberate revisions, falsifications, and historical trivializations introduced into New Testament writings. In so doing, he identifies the Scrolls as the literature of the Messianic Movement in Palestine and ?decodes” many favorite sayings in the Gospels, including ?These are the signs that the Lord did in Cana of Galilee.” Offering a point-by-point analysis of James’ relationship to the Dead Sea Scrolls, he illuminates such subjects as the ?Pella Flight,” the wilderness camps, and Paul as an ?Herodian,” and demonstrates how, once we have found the Historical James, we will find the Historical Jesus.
Every page presents fascinating new insights and revelations that will leave Eisenman’s many fans enraptured. And because it will coincide with the release of the similarly themed film of The Da Vinci Code , interest will be high.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, History, Ancient History

244 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2006

Reviews

[Alford Wayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent well researched book on the possible interaction between the NT church, DSS community, James the Brother of Jesus, and Paul. While I do not agree with everything Eisenmen states in his hypothesis he does underscore the importance of the DSS in relation to the Gospels, Pauline writings, and events in Acts. After understanding where Eisnemen was coming from I reread the Book Of Acts along with texts out of the DSS like the Community Rule, Damascus Document, War Scroll and the pershers of Habakkuk and Nahum. It was rather comical to finally to be able to read and understand why Paul got beat and threatened so much, and why his teachings to the gentiles and his "All things to all people." became an issue. I now have the ability to use the DSS against those apologists who regard Paul in high standing, showing how he made the strait path crooked. It was also amazing to see the allegories and esoteric meanings Eisenmen pulls out of the DSS and NT texts, as these communities were possibly writing in response to each other.

The down side of the book. I do not think Eisnemen met his goal to bring this to the basic reader. One must have a background in the DSS, Josephus, Pseudo-Clementine Homilies, and other literature to be able to get through this, even though Eisenmen has put for the great effort of quoting all the references so one does not have to look it up. This added to the length of the book and was most helpful but repeats were throughout the text.

Also the good Dr. Eisenmen seems to repeat himself many times in the book as a re-cap or review. He may have been doing this for those who may not be familiar with the literature or beginners in biblical studies, but this also made the book long. Eisenmen is excellent at researching, no question. But writing all the information down in a format that is easy to covey to the reader seemed rather challenging for him.

Over all this text was very educational and I appreciate the DSS texts way more then when I first started. I also have a way to use the DSS texts now when discussing and debating with Christian apologists, who, if evangelical, have never took the time to read through the scrolls. Also underscored is how the early church of James was far different then the Pauline church that later won out. I was very happy to read this book, even though it took me six months to complete. I am also happy to have it on my shelf with some of Eisenmen's other books on the topic.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took almost a year to read this very obtuse book. But a great read nevertheless.

[kaylee phillippi · Rating 3 out of 5]

One day I’ll actually finish this but not anytime soon lol

[Jaime]

An incisive in-depth study of the New Testament and its links to the Dead Scrolls. Somewhat obtuse, but presents a factual arguement about the Dead Sea Scrolls and early Christianity.