Eisenman's hypothesis on the Essenes

Eisenman’s hypothesis suggests that the Essenes, a Jewish sect from around the time of Jesus, were not isolated ascetics as traditionally thought, but closely connected to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Jewish temple community. He proposes they played a significant role in shaping early Jewish theology and that some members may have been involved in the sectarian communities near Qumran, possibly influencing or interacting with the early Christian movement. His theory emphasizes their political and religious importance, viewing them as active agents in shaping Jewish religious practices and beliefs during that period.