Religious Factions Outside the Sanhedrin Flashcards
What discovery led scholars to recognize the Essenes?
Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran
When can the existence of the Essenes be traced?
As early as 2 BCE to 1 CE
What did the Essenes criticize the Sadducees as?
False descendants of the priest Zadok and illegitimate personnel of the temple
What cosmic war did the Essenes anticipate?
Between the sons of light and the sons of darkness
How many Messiahs did the Essenes expect?
Two (a priestly and a kingly Messiah)
What did the Essenes emphasize in their community life and practices?
Strong community life, observance of the Mosaic law, prayer, and strict ritual on purity
What practice is indicated as part of the Essenes’ tradition?
Celibacy
Are there records of Jesus interacting with the Essenes in the New Testament?
No records in the entire New Testament
What modern theories insist about Jesus and the Essenes?
Jesus must have encountered them because of their similar emphasis on the end of time
What group were followers of John the Baptist?
Baptists
What did the Baptists call people to do?
Metanoia (change of heart and mindset), or repentance
Why did the Baptists call people to repentance?
As preparation for the coming of the prophesied Messiah
What did the Baptists use water for?
Baptism as a symbol of cleansing from sins
Was there much indication that Jesus interacted with the Baptists?
No, there was not much indication
