Chapter Six: The Rise of the Biblical Tradition

Abraham Age of Hebrew Patriarchs Hebrew Bible Judaism, Christianity, Islam

Biblical History Biblical tradition + Graeco-Roman Culture Children of Israel, Israelites, Jews, Hebrews Period of the Patriarchs Period of the Exodus Period of the Conquest The United Monarchy Divided Kingdom and Exile The Return

6. 2 The Spoils of Jerusalem, c. 81 ce 6.2 The Spoils of Jerusalem, c. 81 ce. Passageway relief from the Arch of Titus, Rome, Italy// © Werner Forman/ Art Resource, NY 6.2 Spoils of Jerusalem (detail from the Arch of Titus), 81ce. Rome, Italy

The Hebrew Bible and Its Message “Bible”  Byblos The Law, the Prophets, the Writings Hebrew canon (C.E. 90) Septuagint Moral guide, ethical and religious stability Not a philosophical treatise

Basic Motifs of the Bible Biblical Monotheism God exists before the world God pronounces creation as “good” Humans are the crown of creation God deeply involved in the world

Basic Motifs of the Bible The Covenant “I will be your God; you will be my people” Testament = Promise Renewed covenant = New Testament

Basic Motifs of the Bible Ethics Moral code for individuals and society Ten Commandments Prohibitions, positive commands Prophetic writings Critics of social injustice, defenders of poor Reminders of the covenant

Basic Motifs of the Bible Models and types Events, stories, characters as models Book of Job Contemporary impact of biblical tradition Literature Art Social institutions

Dura-Europos Evidence of religious buildings—early Christian meeting house and synagogue Complex religious existence—pagan temples and homes Artistic mingling of Eastern and Roman styles

6. 6 The Crossing of the Red Sea, c. 239 ce 6.6 The Crossing of the Red Sea, c. 239 ce. (© Princeton University Press/Art Resource, NY) 6.6 Fresco of Moses and the Exodus, from the Dura-Europos synagogue. Damascus, Syria

The Beginnings of Christianity Life of Jesus Gospels Prophetic tradition of Jesus Parables, Beatitudes Jesus as Christ, the Messiah Significance of resurrection

Christianity Spreads Saul of Tarsus (Paul) Tireless missionary Theological letters Early martyrs—Vibia Perpetua Social, religious factors for growth Peace, facility of travel, koine, audience Emphasis on salvation, freedom No class distinction

Christian Persecution Nero’s Circus Claudius, Decius, Valerian, Diocletian Christians as traitors to the state Refusal to express pietàs Apologists Tertullian (155/160-225) Justin Martyr (100-165) Emperor Constantine

Early Christian Art Catacombs, underground cemeteries Frescoes Salvation; Communion; Virgin and Child Glass and Sculpture Christ as Good Shepherd, glass disks Carved sarcophagi Inscriptions Name, date of death, decorative symbol

6. 7 The Good Shepherd, early 4th century ce 6.7 The Good Shepherd, early 4th century ce. Catacomb of Saints Pietro and Marcellino, Rome, Italy

6. 10 The Good Shepherd, ca 300 ce. Marble, 3’3” (99 cm)_ high 6.10 The Good Shepherd, ca 300 ce. Marble, 3’3” (99 cm)_ high. Museo Pio Cristiano, Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Rome, Italy. 6.10 The Good Shepherd, c. 300 ce. Marble. 3´3˝ (99 cm) high. Museo Pio Cristiano, Vatican Museums, Vatican State//© Scala/Art Resource, NY

6. 9 Chi Rho Monogram, 4th century ce 6.9 Chi Rho Monogram, 4th century ce. From a wall painting in a Roman villa, Lullingstone, Kent, England. © British Museum, London/HIP/Art Resource, NY 6.9 Chi-rho monogram, 4th century ce. From a wall painting in a Roman villa, Lullingstone, Kent, England. Detail of wall painting, 90 cm, diameter of inner circle. The British Museum, London, United Kingdom.

6. 8 Anchor with entwined fish, 4th century ce 6.8 Anchor with entwined fish, 4th century ce. Mosaic from the Catacombs of Hermes, Sousse, Tunisia//© The Art Archive/Archaeological Museum, Sousse, Tunisia/Gianni Dagli Orti 6.8 Anchor with entwined fish, 4th century ce. Mosaic from the Catacombs of Hermes, Sousse, Tunisia

Early Christian Architecture Basilica-Style Churches Current site of St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican) Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem) Jesus’ burial site

Early Christian Music From Jewish traditions Chanting sacred texts Professional Chorus vs. Single Cantor Greek doctrine of ethos Instrumental music = unsuitable Standardization of vocal music Responsorial, antiphonal

6. 14 The Blind Harper, ca 1340-1330 B. C. E 6.14 The Blind Harper, ca 1340-1330 B.C.E. From the tomb of Paatenemmhib, Saqqara, Egypt. Limestone basalt relief, detail, 11 ½” (29 cm) high. Rijksmuseum van Oudheden Leiden, Netherlands. 6.14 The Blind Harper, c. 1340–1330 bce. From the tomb of Paatenemmheb, Saqqara, Egypt. Limestone basalt relief, detail, 111⁄2˝ (29 cm) high. Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden, Netherlands// © Erich Lessing/Art Resource, NY

Chapter 6: Discussion Questions Discuss contemporary examples that illustrate the permeation of the biblical tradition in our culture. Explain why Nero and other Roman emperors were unwilling to tolerate Christianity. From a political standpoint, was the severity of punishment inflicted on Christians warranted? Why or why not? Consider the archeological findings of Dura-Europos. In what ways does history over-simplify past events? In two thousand years, what will future generations assume about our culture, religions, and religious tolerance? Explain.