The Essenes were devoted pacifists. They did not fight amongst themselves nor with the other Jews with whom they shared the land of Israel. When the Romans suppressed the uprising of 68 AD, they were tortured and killed, yet remained true to their faith and refused to fight. 

Jesus was part of the Qumran Essene community, responsible for penning the Dead Sea Scrolls. He showed the Essene example of pacifism “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44), through his loving acceptance as he died on the cross: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). With all the compassion in his heart, he felt that the true power is God, and that power has an untouchable bridge to each of us. Learning the early Christianity of the Essenes is our way to follow and honour Jesus.

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The Essenes had many skills, passions and vocations during their days. They were healers, – the word Essene comes from the Aramaic word for healer – preachers, advisors, teachers, parents, growers, builders and scholars. They were known throughout the region for these practices.

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Their communities were the basis for the Christian communities that flourished after the execution of Jesus. In its earliest years, Christianity was a new and exciting faith, held together in small groups throughout the Mediterranean: ‘Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need’ (Acts 4:32-35). These small groups spread at such a rate that after only 300 years, Christianity was declared the state religion of the Roman Empire. Jesus taught his followers to follow community, love, charity and non-attachment, as he had been taught by the Essenes during his adolescent years. 

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Many groups around the world now practise Essene Christianity. They offer non-traditional interpretations of Scripture, education about the Essene way of life, information on Jesus and his relationship with the Essenes and the community life of early Christianity, community events, and libraries of Essene texts, as well as many other supports. We are very grateful for their support and offerings.

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