In the first half, author Dr. Ken Hanson discussed the mysterious sect known as the Essenes and the Book of Enoch, an ancient text that came to light when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. In 1946, a Bedouin shepherd stumbled upon the ancient scrolls containing what is now understood to be an "ancient library of Hebrew texts." This library is believed to be linked to the Essenes, an ancient Jewish group that diverged from mainstream Judaism, he explained. The main branch of Judaism focused on the temple and law, while the Essenes centered their beliefs on stories of fallen angels and the end of days.
He expressed a shift in his understanding of the Essenes, suggesting they may have had a more significant influence on early Christianity than previously thought, as Jesus' teachings resonate more with the Essene beliefs than with Temple Judaism, he noted. Hanson pointed out parallels between the Book of Enoch and the writings of the ancient historian Josephus. "The Essenes cultivated arts of healing" such as using roots and spells in the same type of language that Josephus described.
Hanson marveled at the discovery of the Essenes' gate in Jerusalem, in the same location where it's thought Jesus went on trial. Speaking of connections between the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Book of Revelation, he said that one of the scrolls was called the "War Scroll," and it detailed "seven apocalyptic battles between good and evil." While three battles are won by the "sons of light," and three are won by the "sons of darkness" (the fallen angels), the ultimate victory comes from divine intervention.
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Spiritual teacher Lorna Byrne has touched the lives of people around the world with her work on angels. In the latter half, she shared her profound insights, and how angels guide and support individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs. "From the moment I opened my eyes, I saw angels," she recalled, explaining how, as a toddler, she felt a deep love and connection with them. Byrne emphasized that each person is accompanied by a guardian angel, stating, "To your guardian angel, you are its number one." She reassured listeners that these celestial beings never leave our side and are here to guide us through challenges.
The conversation also delved into the concept of "unemployed angels," which Byrne described as angels waiting to assist those in need. "They are pouring down from heaven, waiting for us to ask for a helping hand," she said, highlighting their readiness to support us in everyday tasks. To connect with one's guardian angel, she advised asking for signs, with feathers being a common symbol of their presence.
Byrne also urged listeners to expand their prayer practices beyond personal needs. "Can you pray for the stranger as well?" she asked, pointing out the importance of praying for those who cannot pray for themselves. She believes a simple prayer can have transformative effects, and the prayer you say for a stranger may save a life or mean more than you know. People can also reach out to what she called a "rosemantic" angel for help finding love or a relationship, she added.
News segment guests: Lauren Weinstein, Steve Kates