The Judeo-Christian Tradition The Roots of Democracy

Main Idea: Judaism and Christianity taught individual worth, ethical standards, and the need to fight injustice.

Why It Matters Now: These ideals continue to be important to democracy today.

I.) Judaism A.) The first monotheistic religion

B.) Some Basic Beliefs that Connect to Democracy: 1.) God wants people to live moral lives 2.) God gave people the ability to choose between good & evil 3.) People are responsible for their choices 4.) Each individual is important 5.) People must oppose injustice and help the less fortunate

C.) Code of laws: The Ten Commandments 1.) Emphasized morality rather than politics

II.) Christianity A.) Based the life & teachings Jesus of Nazareth (a Jew & a Roman) 1.) Stressed love for all (even one’s enemies) 2.) Jesus was crucified by the Romans because he was seen as a political threat 3.) His followers believe that he rose from the dead and is the Messiah (savior)

B.) Democratic influences: 1.) Jesus emphasized God’s relationship with each person (individualism) 2.) Stressed the equality of all human beings (a democratic principle) 3.) Continued the Hebrew traditions of moral obligation and the freedom to choose.

C.) Paul (an apostle) spread Christian teachings throughout the Roman Empire. 1.) In spreading the teachings of Jesus, Paul establishes the religion of Christianity. 2.) Christianity became the dominant religion throughout Europe.