Religions of the West
Zorasterism Monotheistic God – Ahura Mazda Good vs evil Last judgment Resurrection of bodies with eternal life Paradise for followers Eternal torture for non believers Messiah and resurrected rule the world at the end of time
The Origins of Judaism
Background Phoenicians at Eastern end of Mediterranean Land called Palestine Also called Canaan and shared with the Hebrews Cultural crossroads
Search for a Promised Land History from the Torah Abraham and the founder: Migrate and made a great nation 1800 BC - Canaan 1650 BC - Egypt
A Roaming People’s God Monotheists ‘Yahweh’ was not physical – no images promise obedience for protection
Exodus Slavery in Egypt 1300-1200 BC left lead by Moses Festival of Passover commemorates
Horus
Horus Horus is the son of the god Osiris Born of a virgin Baptized in a river by Anup the Baptizer Who was later beheaded Horus was tempted while alone in a desert Healed the sick and the blind Cast out demons
Horus continued Walked on water Resurrected “Asar” from the dead. This translates to “Lazurus” Had 12 disciples Was crucified After 3 days two women announced that Horus, the savior of humanity has risen from the dead
The New Covenant Moses on Mt Sinai 10 Commandments Base for civil and religious laws Obedience for protection
40 Years in the Desert
From Nomads to Settlers Herders, farmers, city dwellers Technology from Phoenicians 12 self governing tribes Combine for mutual defense
Kingdom of Israel Judah largest tribe Judaism and Jews Tribes unite to drive out Philistines Saul first king Son-In-Law, David next: very popular
Solomon David’s son – dynasty Powerful and rich trading kingdom Great Temple is home to Ark of the Covenant Huge beautiful palace
Kingdom Divides High taxes strain finances Forced labor on buildings North revolts when Solomon dies Israel in south Judah in north
Babylonian Captivity Tribute to Assyria 722 BC conquered by Assyrians 150 yrs later south conquered by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar Temple destroyed Most exiled
The Return Nebuchadnezzar drives Egyptians out of Palestine 539 BC, Cyrus the Persian defeats Babylon Permits 40,000 exiles to return Temple rebuilt and new walls
The Rise of Christianity Part III The Rise of Christianity
Christianity
What is Christianity? a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
Jesus – Birth to preaching Jesus – Born roughly in the yr. 6 A.D. Mary – Mother of Jesus was according to Christian beliefs a virgin Joseph – Mary’s husband Very little is known about Jesus’ childhood
Teachings of Jesus He begins preaching at age 30 Sermon on the mound – best example of Jesus teachings. God of love not anger Pacifism
Death of Jesus Teachings anger the general public (Zealots) Judea (Israel) was controlled by Romans.
Death of Jesus Romans cared little about local religions Romans only wanted local govt. to run smoothly. Jesus is arrested and crucified. (33 AD) Rome destroys Jerusalem and starts the Jewish Diaspora in 70 AD