Jesus the Wicked Priest: How Christianity Was Born of an Essene Schism
“Marvin Vining has produced a fascinating and engaging book with a provocative thesis--namely that the Dead Sea Scrolls refer directly to Jesus of Nazareth and that the Essene movement that they represent opposed him as the character they called ‘The Wicked Priest.’ This sort of connection between Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls, both in terms of chronology and history, has been dismissed by almost all scholars in the field. Vining skillfully puts the case back on the table. He deserves a careful reading by non-specialists and those in the academy alike.” (James D. Tabor, Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Religious Studies, UNC Charlotte, and author of)“Vining’s work is remarkable Christian scholarship. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Essenes, Jesus, and the early Christian Church.” (Clayton Sullivan, Ph.D., author of Rescuing Jesus from the Christians)" . . . an attention-getting and provocative title. Appropriate, too, for the inevitably controversial ideas put forth in Vining's book. . . . The premise for this interesting interpretation comes from the Dead Sea Scrolls, which speak of the Teacher and the Wicked Priest." (Curled Up with a Good Book)" . . . Vining stuck with standard resources and presented the theories in a well thought manner." (Gesigewigu, Spiralnature.com, Jan 2009)" . . . takes a hard look at the historical Jesus . . . a startling new look at Christianity." (The Midwest Book Review, Jul 2008)"[Vining] makes no excuses for his leaps of faith, but instead documents them as the insights they are. While this is hardly the first or last word on any of these topics, Vining's unique reconstruction is a valuable contribution to the field." (The Pokey Finger of God, June 08)"While this is a book aimed at a Christian audience, it does offer some perspective on Pagan beliefs in the early Common Era. Whether or not you find it useful in your own understanding of Christian origins, it should encourage an open-minded approach to religion in general." (Michael Gleason, Witchgrove.com, April 08)"Vining shows the reader why Jesus is the Wicked Priest for reacting against some of the strict ascetic and often self-defeating doctrines of the Essenes. . . . This is a controversial work. It does challenge many Christian doctrines. Vining has done detailed research and it is apparent in his writing that he is a man of great faith. . . . suitable for both the interested lay person as well as the biblical scholar." (Jennifer Hoskins, New Dawn, No. 113, Mar/Apr 2009)