The Judeo-Christian Tradition

What is Judaism? The religion of the Hebrews What’s a Hebrew?? A member or descendant of a Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; an Israelite; a Jew. (American Heritage Dictionary)

History of the Hebrews Can be found in the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures; also called the Torah These five books are the same first five books of the Bible: Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy

Beliefs of Judaism Monotheists One God who was: Omnipotent: all powerful Omniscience: all knowing Omnipresent: is everywhere God wants you to live a moral life Greeks and Romans believed you received dignity from ability to reason Hebrews believe each person has dignity because they are a child of God

Jewish written code of law… Given to Moses Called the Ten Commandments and other laws Focused on morality and ethics Laws included rules for social and religious behavior

Christianity

Background info about Christianity Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ Born between 6 and 4 BC Was a Jew and Roman subject Public ministry at age of 30 Emphasized God’s personal relationship to each individual Stressed the importance of love Was considered a political threat Death by crucifixion Christ: Cristos greek for messiah/savior

Teachings of Christianity Spread after the death of Jesus Apostle Paul had big influence on the development of the religion Message being spread: Jesus is the son of God who died for your sins Universal religion: All are welcome: Jews and Gentiles

Rome spreads Judeo-Christian ideas Exiled the Jews: Diaspora to various parts of the world Took this belief: “All people had the right to be treated with justice and dignity”. Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire Christianity stressed the idea of equality