This article discussed that the Dead Sea Scrolls have been transformed into an online format and are now available for viewing on Google. This is important for several reasons. First, it makes the scrolls accessible to a wider audience. Previously the scrolls were probably only seen by scholars, but now any curious Jew, history buff, or average citizen can browse through these ancient texts at leisure. Second, it is a backup copy of the scrolls. Although I am sure every precaution is taken against the decomposition of this artifact, increasing wear over time is probably inevitable. Having a digital copy will allow scholars to continue to study the texts even if the condition of the originals worsens. Third, this is another demonstration of how technology is aiding religious studies. We saw other examples of this with the video The Bible’s Buried Secrets and in the article “Is God an Accident?” Science and religion are often thought to clash, but in these three cases science contributes significantly to the study of religion.
