Ancient Judaism
Modern Biblical Scholarship Baruch Spinoza Theologica-Political Treatise1670 Biblical Archaeology 20th Century
The Documentary Hypothesis J – Yahweh E – Elohim D – Deuteronomy P – Priestly
Abraham
The Exodus
A Tale of Two Gods Yahweh El
Hebrew Monotheism Polytheism – Worship of many gods Henotheism – Belief in many gods but worship of only one Monothesim – Belief in only one God
The Character of the Hebrew God Tribal war god god of justice & law universal God of mercy
Kings and Priests
The Prophets
A tale of Two Theologies Royal Theology The King is God's chosen leader Priests run the religion Rituals are central Obey the king and don't ask questions Prophetic Theology All are equal before God Priests and their rituals are not terribly important Justice and compassion are central Care for the poor, needy and vulnerable
Zoroastrianism One Good God vs. An evil immortal figure Life after death Final judgment Heaven and Hell Angeles and Demons
Greek Philosophy The First Cause (Arche) Eternal Anaxamanies – Apeiron (the infinite) The Stoics & Neo-Platonists – Ton Theous (God) Philo Judeas (25 CE – 90CE)