Exclusivity In The Outsiders

To begin, separatist sects are exclusive communities that deliberately sacrifice the larger portion of the population in order to welcome a smaller, more devoted segment of the population. In other words, individuals cannot “walk in” and consider themselves part of the exclusive community, there is a definite process through which newly initiated members convert their livelihood and whole outlook before being considered as member of the community. As it is mentioned: “Whoever wants to join their sect is not admitted immediately, but for a year must follow their lifestyle as an outsider… However he is still not admitted to their common life, for after this test of fortitude, his mettle is tried for two years more and if found worthy, he is

The concept of exclusivity creates fascination amongst those on the outside, as people generally want something more when they cannot have it. Outsiders may demand to know why they cannot be included and reasons as to what excludes them from the sect. As it relates to the Essenes, their exclusivity lies not only in a segregated lifestyle but also in the strict adherence to Mosaic Law. Those who wished to enter the sect had to take make many oaths involving the covenant. As it is mentioned: “To be devout towards the Deity and to observe justice towards human beings, and to harm nobody, either of his own accord or at the command of others, and always to hate the wicked and help the righteous” (Jewish War 2.139-141). The similarity between the oath of the Essenes and the commandments shows the importance to which the Essenes believed in a strict Mosaic covenant way of life. Outsiders wishing to join the Essenes would not only seek fulfillment from a life of exclusivity, living segregated amongst other chosen members, but they would also be fulfilled in serving God by living a life according to strict Mosaic law, considered by some to be the highest level of authority since it was

In turn, this ideology leads to the concept of religious dualism whereby those within the inner circle believe that certain kinds of people would not fit in with their society. As it is mentioned: “These men in the first place, live in villages, avoiding all cities on account of the habitual lawlessness of those who inhabit them, knowing that such a moral disease is contracted from association with wicked men, just as a real disease might be from an unhealthy atmosphere, and that this would have a deadly effect on their souls”(Every Good Man is Free 12:76). In other words, there is a clear distinction between what is perceived to be the ‘right’ way to live as well as what are moral/immoral, light/darkness and holy/blasphemy in communal living. Those seeking to live a life that caters to serving God’s commandments would find it appealing to live life in the ’right’