Social Identity and Sectarianism in the Qumran Movement (Studies on the Texts of the Desert of Judah)

‘Identity’ and ‘sectarianism’, two crucial and frequently used concepts in Qumran studies, are here problematized, appraised, and redefined. Two social-scientific theories inform the investigation of the serakhim (rule documents) and pesharim (commentaries). The sociology of sectarianism is presented in retrospect in order to identify appropriate methodological tools for speaking about sectarianism in the ancient context, and for comparing sectarian stances in the serakhim. Furthermore, a social-psychological perspective into identity is introduced for the first time for appreciating the dynamic and context-dependent nature of a person’s social identity. The final chapter takes a fresh approach to the study of the pesharim, arguing for the need to read each Pesher as a whole. It analyses the prototypical ‘teacher’ and brings forward new interpretations of this captivating and cloudy figure. ‘Identity’ and ‘sectarianism’, two crucial and frequently used concepts in the study of the Qumran movement, are problematized, praised, and redefined in this book. Sociology of sectarianism and social identity approach inform the investigation of the serakhim (rule documents) and pesharim (biblical commentaries). Serakhim And Sectarianism -- Serakhim And Social Identity -- Pesharim And Sectarian Identity. By Jutta Jokiranta. Includes Bibliographical References (pages [221]-243) And Indexes. In English; Occasional Phrases In Hebrew With English Translations.