Judeo-Christian Beliefs 10.11 Analyze the similarities and differences in Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman views of law, reason and faith, and duties of the individual.

Judaism The religion of the Hebrews was known as Judaism. The followers of the religion were known as Jews. The first five books of the Hebrew scripture is known as the Torah. The Hebrews were monotheists. Believed in one God. The Hebrews believed that God had given human beings moral freedom-the capacity to choose between good and evil. This beliefs led to a new emphasis on the worth of the individual.

Jewish Law The Jews had a written code of laws. One of them was known as the Ten Commandments. The code focused more on morality and ethics and less on political laws. It included rules of social and religious behavior to which even rulers were subject. The Jews believed that it is the responsibility of every person to oppose injustice and oppression and that the community should assist the unfortunate. Prophets believed that individuals were capable of living according to high moral standards.

Christianity In 6 to 4 B.C. Jesus of Nazareth was born. He was a Jew and a Roman subject. Around age 30 he began preaching Christianity which was similar to Judaism. Jesus stressed the importance of people’s love for God, their neighbors, their enemies, and themselves. About 29 A.D. Jesus visited Jerusalem. The the Roman Government was threatened by him. He was put to death by crucifixion. He rose after three days, his followers believed that he was a messiah. He then became known as Jesus Christ and his followers were known as Christians.

Teachings of Christianity Paul preached Jesus word. He stressed the essential equality of all human beings, a belief central to democracy. The Roman empire helped spread the beliefs of Judaism and Christianity. First, the Roman empire exiled all Jews from their homeland. This dispersal was known as Diaspora. This helped both religions spread to other parts of the world. Even though the Roman Empire despised Christians, over time Christianity became so powerful that it became the official religion of the empire

Legacy of Monotheistic Religions The duty of the individual and community to fight oppression The worth of the individual Equality of the people

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