Writing Resources
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 admitted into their society Jewish War 2 137 138 The Essene lifestyle would therefore sacrifice the larger population in order to adhere to those in the inner circle 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
