Monotheism: Judaism, Christianity, Islam

The Judaic Tradition  The first record of the word “Israel” occurs in 1209 BC  The Hebrew Bible is a compilation of stories and wisdom that was presumably first transmitted orally for centuries before being written down (sometime after 1000 BC).  It is made up of the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings.  The Torah is mostly a history of the early Israelite nation. (Genesis, Exodus)  The Prophets are the writings of some of the leaders of the Israelites which remind the people of their duty to God. (Praise/prophecy)  The Writings include what is know as wisdom literature. (Psalms, Proverbs, Job)

Genesis: Some important stories in Genesis  The Creation  The story of Noah  The story of Abraham and the Abrahamic covenant.

The Creation  There are two accounts of the Creation in Genesis.  Biblical scholars believe the first story was written by Israelite priests during the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people. (circa 600 BC)  These writers are believed to have been influenced by earlier myths  The second account is attributed to a biblical author called Jahwist. Scholars consider his writing more dramatic.  His story recounts the story about the tree of knowledge.  The Jahwist’s story illustrates what the Israelites believed was humanity’s most fundamental failing: the disobedience of God’s command.

Ten Commandments  Culmination of this story is Moses’ reception and communication of the Ten Commandments that the Israelites must obey  The first commandment established the principle of monotheism: “You shall have no other gods besides Me”