Essenes' Beliefs in Comparison to Christianity Does anyone know (with sources) what the Essenes taught and believed in relation to what Christ taught? Sources are much appreciated.
Unlike the other ancient Jewish sects, some think the Essenes were celibate (unmarried), that Jesus Himself may have been associated with them, and that the early Christians were defected Essenes. See p. 18 fn 5 of Dyan 1993 for references.