What makes a scholar "prominent"? In the arena of scholarship it seems many seek to achieve some form of credibility through disproving long standing conclusions by experts. Is this yet another one of these scholars? I have to wonder is there another agenda that would be furthered by discounting the Essenes as a group. Certainly Jewish mysticysm exists, but does an expert on this subject qualify as an expert on the Essenes, Qumran, and all ancient writings that pertain to Judeo-Christianity?

If Josephus were the only outside source to name the Essenes the argument could be plausible, however with at least two other sources I am skeptical. As you aluded to, could the Essens and the Renegade Sons of Zadok be one in the same?

Thanks
Will Tucker