Who were the Essenes? What was their theology?

Answer 1

They were an ascetic Jewish group that flourished in Palestine and Syria from the 2nd century bc to the 2nd century ad. Its members, consisting only of men, shared property, practiced celibacy, and observed the Sabbath.

The rules of life, and the very strict discipline which went with them, were not a constraint, but were freely accepted as ways to forge character and to develop in one's highest being.

Above all, their foundation in wisdom was recognized by everyone, using his own intelligence. No arbitrator reigned in the Brotherhood-School.

The Essenes received many teachings of the ancient universal wisdom, which they had to bring to life inside themselves as a sacred service to humanity. They were fully aware that the major part of this wisdom was for a future humanity; and they thought that the great Masters who would come in the future could make use of their work. They believed that, without them--the Masters--the benefactors would not be able to help human beings, and that people would, therefore, sink into the darkness of ignorance and depravity, and eventually destroy one another through wars and other unspeakable atrocities.

This enlivening of the Teaching of Light occurred in groups during ceremonies; through songs, dances and movements; or even during work in the fields or the vineyards, or some other manual work or construction. It was also accomplished through individual work, in the solitude of one's personal temple.

Answer 2

The Essenes were one of the Jewish sects living in the second century B.C. in the area of the Dead Sea, and in other places in Palestine. Since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1946, the Essenes have become somewhat well-known and are considered to be responsible for the Scrolls.

The Essenes were kind, holy men and women particularly known for healing and living in harmony with nature. They did not participate in sacrifices and followed a vegetarian lifestyle. They considered themselves to be descended from the sons and daughters of God, possessing knowledge of the secret wisdom of God and nature. Their goal was to help in the illumination of the human mind, to see light victorious over the darkness found in mankind. They probably drew wisdom from several religions of the time. The goal of living life in harmony with, and celebration of, God and nature seemed the main motive, again, and what gave inspiration in that lifestyle was important to them no matter which particular religion from which it was gleaned.

I recommend reading the contents of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other sacred texts associated with the teachings of the Essenes. The scrolls give clues as to their community, attitudes and rules. Understanding of the Essenes is not uniform; certain 'authorities' emphasize different qualities and customs or beliefs.

I wish you a rewarding journey in your search for truth about the Essenes. The texts, attitudes, and beliefs I have read about are quite beautiful and filled with light.

Answer 3

The people who left us the Dead Sea scrolls.

They apparently thought that the end of the world was close at hand, so they went and form a community in the desert so that they would survive when the world was destroyed by God. Ironic, since they were apparently wiped out by the Roman army when it marched to Masada to defeat the last remnants of Jewish resistance in the 1st century.

As for the rest, you can Google it.