Folia Theologica 18. (2007)
László Boda: Whether John the Baptist Could Have Been Educated at Qumran? - Johs and Bannus
JOHN AND BANNUS 63 Essenians for about three years. As a result, he had a special turn for secrecy and for preserving his sexual discipline even in a number of offering occasions. He stated: "I have never raped any woman"18. Why is it so important? In fact, the self dependent teacher's way of life of John the Baptist - at least in its first stage - can be best compared to that of Bannus who, certainly, was not from among the "Sons of Zadok, the Priests", or rather, as his name shows, he was received as a victim of banishment. How was this separated way of life possible? The rolls describe primarily the inner rules of life for the community of Qumranian sect "within the walls"; however, they are far from being complete (fragments!). No reference is made to a number of things that, otherwise, one would be interested in: for example, what kind of versions were available in the self-dependent Essenian way of life. Whether this could be used as a reference to confirm the view when John - as a cave-dwelling hermit at that time - preached in the "wilderness". Possibly, his audience was composed of certain groups of Qumranian pilgrims and it can also be assumed that John the Apostle entered as his disciple there and at that time. His teaching did not separate from that of the Qumranians to the extent at that time than did it later. However, his audience obviously felt his charismatic personality of suggestive power. Presumably, the complete independence in teaching occurred - already near the Jordan on the side of Perea - only following this transition period. He always remained close to the Jordan; in fact, the river ensured the indispensable water which could not be available from Qumran either for "baptising" or for bathing. For this, however, some basis would have to be found. In the gospels, the personality of John appears in a manner that the Jordan and "the wilderness" is within the same view. And this is a disturbing factor. Thus, about 7 to 10 years would have to be placed in the hermeneutical framework between Qumran and Bethania / Beth Habara? / beyond the Jordan. 18 This is obvious the result of the Essenian education. Cf. Autobiography. As he was30 years old.
