For Josephus, The Jewish War, Book 2, “The Three Sects”: Is there any correspondence between the doctrines of the Essene sect and Christianity, which was also developing as a sect of Judaism in Josephus’ time? In terms of their relations with others, both Jewish and non-Jewish, Essenes and Christians differed dramatically. How do they differ, and what do you think are the consequences of those differences?

What will be an ideal response?

The most dramatic difference for the context of this chapter and textbook is the different ways that the Essene sect and Christianity interacted with the people outside their tradition. Christianity developed as a missionary religion that sought to proselytize Jews first and then non-Jews, eventually being incorporated into the Roman Empire. The Essenes, on the other hand, removed themselves from society in search of salvation, never making attempts to integrate into larger Jewish or Roman society or politics.