“Follow the law of the Earthly Mother… for her law is the law of life.” Excerpt from The Gospel of Peace, Book Four: The Teachings of the Elect
In the category Pagan vs. Christian, I often quote from a collection of ancient Essene manuscripts. The Essenes were a mystic Jewish sect that flourished from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE. In a collection of writings known as the Teachings of the Elect, they openly honor both the Heavenly Father and Earthly Mother. Some—including myself—believe the Essenes are the same group we now refer to as the early Christians.
Why is this important? Because these Essene beliefs share many similarities with other earth-centered paths. Knowing about this connection can make it easier for those with a Christian foundation to explore and understand the practices of Wicca, Witchcraft and other nature-based spiritual paths.
Below are seven eye-opening links between the Essenes and early Christians that offer compelling evidence these two groups may have been one and the same.
While many people today acknowledge a possible Essene/Christian connection, others insist the Essenes were simply an isolated desert sect with no real link to the early Church. After considerable study, I became convinced the Essenes and early Christians were deeply connected—if not identical. What follows is a partial list of the parallel beliefs and practices I discovered. There are many more, but these seven stand strongly on their own.
Read them… then you decide.
Top 7 Parallels Between the Essenes & Early Christians
1. The “Missing” Group in History
Josephus, a first-century historian, recorded that there were three Jewish sects at the time: the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. He makes no mention of Christians in his historical writings. Meanwhile, the New Testament frequently refers to Pharisees and Sadducees, but never once mentions the Essenes by name. This curious omission may be an important clue.
2. Identical “Unique” Customs
Josephus described the Essenes as a very distinct sect with uncommon customs. He claimed there were no others like them. Yet when we read the New Testament, we find early Christians practicing these same unique traditions.
3. Communities in Every Town
Many assume the Essenes lived only near the Dead Sea. However, Josephus documented that they did not live in just one place, but had communities in “every town, where members could stay while traveling. The New Testament similarly describes early Christian believers traveling from town to town, staying in the homes of fellow members of the faith.
4. Shared Possessions
One of the most remarkable Essene practices was communal living. Josephus tells us that new members gave up personal property and shared everything in common. The Book of Acts echoes this same practice:
“Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything he possessed was his own, but everything they had was in common.” (Acts 4:32, AV)
5. A Three-Year Period of Study
The Essenes required a three-year period of study before full initiation. The Apostle Paul withdrew for three years before beginning his ministry (Galatians 1:17–18). Likewise, the other apostles studied under Jesus for approximately three years before teaching publicly.
6. The “Liar” Controversy
In the Dead Sea Scroll writings the Essenes mention a former member who betrayed the community and spread false teachings, referring to him only as “The Liar.” In the New Testament, Paul faced serious accusations and disagreements with early church leaders over matters of Jewish law. While the conflict appears rooted in theological differences rather than deception, the parallels are noteworthy—especially since Paul defended himself strongly in the New Testament, claiming in three places “I am not lying” or “I lie not”.
7. Marriage & Community Life
It is often said that the Essenes were entirely celibate. That may have been true for those who lived in the desert during their study and initiation. However, Josephus wrote the Essenes felt strongly that men should marry, not from lust, but to fulfill the command of Jehovah, ‘Be fruitful, increase and fill the earth’. All Jewish sects seemed to share this same belief. Marriage was expected of everyone who was physically able and it was usually considered a requirement for those who wished to become a Rabbi (teacher) or hold an important position in the Jewish community.
If you found these historical parallels intriguing, I encourage you to share them. Not everyone will agree with this perspective—but many are open to thoughtful discussion when invited respectfully. For some, these connections can ultimately offer reassurance that early Christian spirituality may have included practices and beliefs that honored both the Heavenly Father and the Earthly Mother.
To explore this connection even further, I invite you to read my Patreon post, Rediscovering Mother Eartn in Early Christian Teachings. If you are curious about how early Christian spirituality may have embraced a deeper relationship with the living world, it’s a beautiful next step in the journey.
Peace and health be with you,
Kardia