RELIGIOUS & POLITICAL GROUPS: ESSENES

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) People are asking about the religious and political parties that existed in Israel during the days of Jesus' ministry, about 2000 years ago. To help you understand what these parties stood for, and how they affected Christ and Israel, a short description on each of the major parties is given below.

1. The Essenes  

a) Text reference: None

b) Description

i) Jewish monastic group practicing ritual purity and personal holiness.

c) Agreement with Jesus

i) Emphasized justice, honesty, commitment.

d) Disagreement with Jesus

i) Believed ceremonial rituals made them righteous.

The End ...