[geopyg]

Perhaps the reason why Jesus didn't confront the Essenes was that they didn't hold much power (did they?).

Another thought - weren't the first few apostles followers of John the Babtist to a degree (and therefore possibly Essenes?) But Jesus often had to correct them as well, particularily when it came to their idea of him as an earthly king and leader to free them from the Romans. (Just my .02 from what I remember from Sunday School.)

(P.S. Why am I responding to someone named "dark_lord" on a thread about religion!?)

[dark_lord]

Why am I responding to someone named "dark_lord" on a thread about religion!?

And just who would know more about it? :-)