Easter approaches and so do stories about our Judeo-Christian roots. Time has a story on an Israeli scholar denying the Essenes existed (of course the other groups noted in Antquities 18 existed and were not legendary as she claims). There are numerous references to such a group and her "renegade sons of Zadok" are very much what the Essenes are described as being. What we may be dealing with here is a name that the group itself did not prefer and so it does not appear in the Scrolls. The reply by Charlesworth on the matter in Time is short and to the point. For the article see:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1885421,00.html?cnn=yes
Easter approaches and so do stories about our Judeo-Christian roots. Time has a story on an Israeli scholar denying the Essenes existed (of course the other groups noted in Antquities 18 existed and were not legendary as she claims). There are numerous references to such a group and her "renegade sons of Zadok" are very much what the Essenes are described as being.- Thank you
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
Will:
How such claims get attention is complicated. It is a combination of some expertise and the access ot the press. Those in Israel have an advantage of being close to the action. Of course, the media likes "news" which often means a claim that is new.
I am saying that renegade Sons of Zadok and Essenes coudl well be one and thre same.
dlb
Are the Essences even a major influence on Jesus? Would they indeed explain any apparent contrast with OT theology?
Paul suggested that the "Greeks" were OK; why not look into Greek legends of martyrdom; Egyptian ("therapeautae"?) in the healing tradition; other Mediterranean legends on resurrection and afterlife.
All things not found in the OT much ... but perhaps found in the NT. Suggesting that Christianity might be best seen as say, Hellenized Judaism. Which would correspond in fact, to the culture mix in Jerusalem at the time.
Greetings from Austin; Posse East
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