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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cass on May 29, 2004, at 1:23:05
I've recently developed an interest in the Essene church. I believe they are vegans like myself, and I think their diet is similar in other ways. For instance, emphasizing living, whole food. I've read exerpts from the Essene Gospel of Jesus Christ, but that's about it. If you're an Essene, or know something about it, feel free to bend my ear about it. I'd be interested.
Posted by rayww on May 30, 2004, at 0:16:13
In reply to Any Essenes here?, posted by Cass on May 29, 2004, at 1:23:05
Is that an anciend Judaic/Christian religion? Weren't they around at the time of Masada, and didn't they have something to do with the writings at Quamran? It seems I read somewhere that there were several Christian sects struggling to survive the first century AD and the Essenes were one of them. Does anyone know how many early branches there were before the one we know today won out? I'm curious too.
Posted by Cass on May 31, 2004, at 13:16:10
In reply to Re: Any Essenes here?, posted by rayww on May 30, 2004, at 0:16:13
Hi rayww,
You're probably right about the history. I haven't even gone that far in my research yet. I just know a little about their diet and their beliefs. The scriptures I've read are very oriented toward peace and ethics, and that's very appealing to me. I've also been to a health retreat which is run by a church inspired by the Essenes. I was very impressed with their authenticity, ethics and sincerity. The retreat focuses on the raw, vegan diet and spiritual and emotional health, but they don't push the Essene religion. To me, this only adds to their credibility.
Maybe I'll do some research and post what I find out here.
Thanks for responding.
Posted by 64bowtie on May 31, 2004, at 20:14:42
In reply to Re: Any Essenes here?, posted by rayww on May 30, 2004, at 0:16:13
Essenes were a sect of Beduah who held rituals in the catacombs (crypts) so as not to get caught. Very intellectual and peaceful, starting about 400 years before Christ. Some of the responses Jesus gave to his teachers and questions they asked indicate leaning toward that sect. Indeed, Peter and Paul expanded the early church, worshipping in the shadows and the catacombs, so as not to be caught violating Hebrew traditions. The communal dining and sharing in those early days further indicates a leaning toward the Essene traditions. Jesus philosphical responses indicate a freedom from the restrictions of the scholars of the day.
I wish I had a bibliography of the books I studied while in the Franciscan Seminary, (studying to be a Franciscan Catholic Priest).
It would be so much easier to sight text than try to remember that far back.Rod
Posted by Cass on June 8, 2004, at 17:13:27
In reply to Re: Any Essenes here?... more info » rayww, posted by 64bowtie on May 31, 2004, at 20:14:42
Thanks for the added information, Rod. I'm going to pick up a book called "The Essene Gospel of Jesus Christ." (It's hard to believe that the Christian bible contains everything that Jesus taught.) If the history of the Essenes seems believable, and if I agree with their beliefs, I'm going to continue my education from there.
Posted by wvClifton on June 11, 2004, at 14:07:32
In reply to Any Essenes here?, posted by Cass on May 29, 2004, at 1:23:05
two good authors to read about this subject are Paula Fredriksen and Elaine Pagels.
you should be able to find at least one of their books in any of your bigger chain bookstores, under "Religion."
Posted by Cass on June 11, 2004, at 17:14:27
In reply to Re: Any Essenes here?, posted by wvClifton on June 11, 2004, at 14:07:32
Thanks for the tip, wvClifton! I'll look them up. Have you read religious books by those authors?
This is the end of the thread.
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