The History of Jesus

World renowned scholar speaks to ULM Students on the life of Jesus.

2009 September 29
By Kederick Wilson

On September 24, 2009, Géza Vermes, author of Jesus the Jew and one of the first scholars to examine the Dead Sea Scrolls, spoke at the University of Louisiana-Monroe to graduate history students. In his lecture to students, Vermes talked about the history of Jesus Christ. Vermes tried to explain how people should learn to understand the differences between the Gospel image of Jesus and scientific details.
Also, Vermes talked about the current state the Dead Sea Scrolls were in as well as where the scrolls were found. Vermes’ visit to ULM was made possible by Linda Noe Laine, former Gov. James Noe daughter. Before the beginning of the lecture, Géza Vermes was given the key to the city of Monroe by Jimmie Bryant, Chief of the Monroe Fire Department; on behave of Mayor Jamie Mayo. Then State Director, Jonathan Johnson, presented Vermes with a plaque in recognition and congressional proclamation for his amazing historical contributions.

The Life of Jesus

Geza Vermes in front of graduate history students at ULM gave his interpretation of Jesus’ history. The author of Jesus the Jew explained some historical and scientific detail of Jesus’ life in his lecture. “…assembly of a monumental jigsaw, puzzle upon which parts are still missing,” said Vermes when describing Jesus’ life. Vermes wanted people to understand the difference between Jesus the Gospel image and historical research. Vermes caught the audience off guard when he said, “Jesus never actually claimed to be the Messiah” during his lecture. Vermes further explained that when Jesus was asked if he were the Messiah, he would denounce it.

The Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of 900 historical writings found in 1947 and 1956 in 11 caves under sea level in Pakistan. The Dead Sea Scrolls provided brand new material of writings with similar scriptures to the Hebrew Bible. “I like to refer to the scrolls as my first academic love affair, which in a way has continued throughout,” Vermes said during the lecture. Since being removed for the caves the Dead Sea Scrolls have deteriorated substantially despite the help of 21st century technology leading Vermes to say, “They were in better shape back then, than they are now.”

Sports

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Matt Collins, ULM first baseman, 14, completes the out at first base in Saturday's doubleheader at Warhawk Field versus University of Louisiana-Lafayette.

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

ULM baseball player at bat on Saturday's doubleheader April 11 at Warhawk Field against University of Louisiana-Lafayette.

Kederick Wilson/ MCOM 351

Russ Sneed, Miss. State baseball player in position to hit a ball against ULM on April 1st

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Russ Sneed, Miss. State baseball player swinging at a pitch during the Warhawks April 1st.

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Mark, ULM Student, in position to play defense in tennis on April 1st.

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Lane, ULM student playing tennis on April 1st.

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Kids playing baseball outside of Warhawk field during Miss. State vs. ULM game, April 1st.

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Grambling State wide reciever Jesse Smith dropping a pass close to the sidelines. On March 28 at the Black and Gold game on grambling campus.

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Grambling State wide reciever a Damian Jefferson running with the ball.

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Grambling State tigers black and gold game on Saturday, March 28.

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Airmen playing basketball in the gym of Barksdale Air Force Base.

Kederick Wilson/MCOM 351

Airmen playing basketball in the gym of Barksdale Air Base.

Spring Fever Coverage at ULM

Photo by Kederick Wilson/ Mass Communication 351-ULM

"S.G.A." team member picks himself up after giving maxium effort in the oozeball match against "Stunt Devils" on Friday, March 20.

Photo by Kederick Wilson/ Mass Communication 351-ULM

Oozeball teams "S.G.A." (on the right plain clothes) versus "Stunt Devils" (on the left in pink and black) played a grueling game on Friday, March 20 in Spring Fever.

Photo by Kederick Wilson/Mass Communication 351-ULM

On Friday, March 20 was ULM's 2009 oozeball where contestants such as "The Superpeople" participated in a volleyball tournament.

Photo by Kederick Wilson/ Mass Communication 351-ULM

On Thursday, March 19 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum rock group, Third Eye Blind, performed nothing but the hits for ULM students during Spring Fever.

Photo by Kederick Wilson/Mass Communications 351-ULM

Thursday, March 19 the audience at Fant-Ewing Coliseum patiently wait for Third Eye Blind to appear and rock out.

Photo by Kederick Wilson/ Mass Communication 351-ULM

Thursday night, March 19 Rock group Augustana gave a underwhelming performance at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

Photo by Kederick Wilson/Mass Communication 351-ULM

Hope Anderson, Mass Communication, is having fun in the obstacle course. The obstacle course is just one of the fun games to play on campus on Thursday, March 19.

Photo by Kederick Wilson/ Mass Communication 351-ULM

The Department of Aviation displayed one of its planes Thursday, March 19 for students to come by and see. If any of the viewers had questioned they wanted to ask students would be there to answer them.

Photo by Kederick Wilson/ Mass Communication 351-ULM

Thursday, March 19 on ULM campus students had a chance to show off their talents to their peers as shown in picture above by Matt Rugg, kinesiology major (on the right), and his partner Dustin Rhodes, a graduate.

Photo by Kederick Wilson/Mass Communication 351-ULM

There was plenty of games available on Wednesday, March 18 on ULM campus such shown by student volunteer at the Chick-fil-a wheel of food.

Illustration

Former Dallas Cowboy, wide receiver, Terrell Owens is in tears to go to his new team the Buffalo Bills. Terrell Owens is quoted saying, "I am leaving America's team to go to North America's team."

Features (edited)

Jessica Mayfield reading.

Alma Marjanovic watching students perform presentations.

Sgt. Montez Pate and another ULM officer.

Jackie Tucker grading papers.

Darnell Sneed cutting hair.

Brother Matt from Missouri giving sermon on ULM campus.

Amanda Wilske making food.

Courtney Powell counting money as you should.

Charles Roberson Jr. doing yard work.

Melissa Kiper (middle near the window).

Features (originals)

Jessica Mayfield reading.

Alma Marjanovic (middle in red) watching students make presentations.

Amanda Wilske making food.

Darnell Sneed cutting hair.

Mrs. Jackie Tucker grading papers.

Charles Roberson Jr. doing yard work.

Courtney "Deuce" Powell counting money as you should.

Sgt. Montez Pate (right) and another ULM officer.

Brother Matt from Missouri giving a sermon on ULM campus.

Instructor Melissa Kiper (near the windows)

5 Portraits (Original)