Dead Sea Scrolls Scholar celebrates $1.4 million dollar grant with local community

Trinity Western University - Canada ^ | 1/24/05

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Langley, B.C.— Deemed the greatest manuscript find of the 20th century, the Dead Sea Scrolls embody mystery, drama and intrigue that continue to pique public interest.

Now endearingly referred to as “Mr. Dead Sea Scrolls,” Dr. Peter Flint—world-renowned author, professor, and award-winning researcher—will give his inaugural lecture as the Canadian Research Chair in Dead Sea Scrolls Studies at Trinity Western University on Thursday, February 3, 2005. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the event is open to the public free of charge.

Announced in late 2004, the $1.4 million government award will further Scrolls research in Canada. Flint, a religious studies professor at TWU and the official editor of the Isaiah Scroll, has entitled his lecture, “The significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls for Canada and Modern Society.” And it's the great age of the Scrolls that make them so relevant. Older than any other surviving biblical manuscripts by almost 1000 years, these texts have the power to confirm or dispute biblical accuracy, and provide a window for seeing the Jewish background of Christianity with greater clarity.

Prime Minister Paul Martin announced Peter Flint's Research Chair—along with 193 other university Chairs in Canada—in Vancouver in November, 2004. According to Martin, “these Canadian Research Chairs will have a direct impact on the lives of Canadians and help position Canada as a world leader in the 21st century economy.”

TWU now joins UBC and McMaster in representing Canada's three Chairs in the area of religious studies; however, TWU's is the first and only tier one appointment in the field. Tier one Research Chairs are granted $200,000 per year in research funds for seven years (tier two receive $100,000 for five)—and are reserved for professors acknowledged as international leaders in their field.

Co-editor of the book, “The Dead Sea Scrolls Bible,” Flint has edited 25 Dead Sea Scrolls and is co-author of the award-winning book, “The Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls” (Harper-Collins, 2002). Flint is one of only three Dead Sea Scrolls editors in Canada. Flint's TWU colleague and co-director of the Dead Sea Scrolls institute, Martin Abegg, PhD, is one of the other three editors. He is co-editor of the book, “The Dead Sea Scrolls,” and “The Dead Sea Scrolls Bible” and is the authority on the War Scroll.

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FYI