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The Jewish people at this time were very fragmented socially and politically, as well as geographically. Israel was an occupied territory of the Greek and then Roman Empires. There was no legitimate King of the Jews, and there had not been one for a very long time. Government officials were appointed by the foreign powers, and even the priesthood of the Temple (which had been rebuilt in Jerusalem) was subject to manipulation by the powers in control.
Some of the dominant sects of Judaism at this time still insisted on old forms of ritual worship involving animal sacrifices. One of the most popular of these was based on the teachings of Shammai. "2 He was opposed to the reformers, and sought to suppress any signs of spiritual awakening or new thinking. His influence served to sustain the traditional ways of ritual worship.
At this time there also arose a great seeker of God named John. He was destined to have a significant role in the unfolding religious drama. John seems to have been deeply influenced by the Essenes as well as by Indian thought. He preached non violence and self control and lived a life of ascetic discipline near the Jordan River, outside of Jerusalem. Before instructing a spiritual seeker, John asked that they immerse in the waters of the river. This same custom is prevalent in India, where aspirants
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