The Historical Background of Christianity

Historical Background of Christianity How can we describe ancient Judaism? How can we describe Greco-Roman religion? How can we compare/contrast them?

The Jewish Heritage Israel AKA “the Hebrews” First recorded national history Founders of “Western religious tradition” Origins: the patriarchs (ca. 2000-1500 BC) Abraham and Isaac

The Jewish Heritage The Exodus and Sinai (ca. 1300 BC) Israelites oppressed in Egypt  slave labor Moses led Israelites out of Egypt  Promised Land Ten Commandments, the Torah given Moses and the Ten Commandments

The Jewish Heritage

The Jewish Heritage

The Jewish Heritage Hebrew Religion Monotheistic YHWH Cult Tabernacle, sacred furniture Altars Male priesthood Holy days

The Jewish Heritage

The Jewish Heritage United Monarchy in Israel (ca. 1020-928 BC) Different view of kingship from others in Middle East David (r. 1004-965 BC) Origins: shepherd, mercenary Expansion, conquest Solomon (r. 965-928 BC) Temple Israel at its zenith

The Jewish Heritage Edward Poynter, The Queen of Sheba before Solomon (1890)

The Jewish Heritage Solomon’s Temple, Jerusalem

The Jewish Heritage The Divided Kingdom (928-722 BC) Northern tribes broke away  Kingdom of Israel Idols Conquered by Assyria (722 BC) Kingdom of Judah Monotheism, idols too Conquered by Babylon (598-586 BC)

The Jewish Heritage Return from Exile Process began 539 BC Jews permitted to return to homeland, rebuild Temple Temple under construction (536-515 BC)  “Second-temple Judaism” King Cyrus the Great (r. 559-530 BC)

The Jewish Heritage The Jews Encounter Hellenism Under Hellenistic Rule (198-167 BC) Jews ordered to abandon religious practices “Abomination of Desolation” The Maccabean Revolt (167-142 BC) Jews revolted under Judas Maccabeus (167-142 BC) Guerrilla warfare  Jewish victory, independence Rededication of Temple (164 BC)

The Jewish Heritage Hanukkah!

The Jewish Heritage Roman Occupation of Palestine Jews had been ruled by priest-kings Romans invaded 63 BC “Client-kings” installed Herod the Great (r. 37 BC - 4 AD) King Herod the Great

The Jewish Heritage The Second Temple (“Herod’s Temple”)

The Jewish Heritage Questions?

Greco-Roman Religion The Roman Empire Augustus Caesar (r. 29 BC- 14 AD) Victory (31 BC)  master of the Roman world Ruled as constitutional monarch with Senate Brought stability, reform, Pax romana Succeeded by Julio-Claudian emperors Augustus Caesar

Greco-Roman Religion Traditional Religion Polytheistic Roman pantheon  religion of State Numerous priesthoods, famous shrines The Vestal Virgins

Greco-Roman Religion The Pantheon (118-125 AD), Rome

Greco-Roman Religion

Greco-Roman Religion Neoplatonism “Intellectual mysticism” Derived from Plato (427-348 BC) Theory of Forms Dualism, immortality of soul Teachings All reality emanates from “the One” Lowest level is matter Contemplation  ecstatic union with the One

Greco-Roman Religion The Mystery Religions Musterion = “secret” Devotees “initiated” into mysteries, not “born into” them Attractive! Communion with deity Ethical guidance Spiritual equality Eternal afterlife

Greco-Roman Religion The Cult of Isis Symbolic of all female deities Cult of afterlife and “suffering mother” Popular among women

Mithras Slaying the Bull, British Museum Greco-Roman Religion Mithraism Mithras: Persian god of light and truth Blood of sacred slain bull is “source of life” Sacramental meal: bread and water Popular among Roman soldiers Mithras Slaying the Bull, British Museum

Greco-Roman Religion San Clemente, Rome Mithraeum, beneath San Clemente

Greco-Roman Religion

Greco-Roman Religion Emperor Worship Some emperors deified after death Imperial cult established Foundations during reign of Augustus Cult statue of Augustus (early 1st cent.)

Greco-Roman Religion Questions?

Historical Background of Christianity How can we describe ancient Judaism? How can we describe Greco-Roman religion? How can we compare/contrast them?