Greek Worldview: For one, they believed that mankind was not naturally sinful (they had no concept of personal “sin), mankind was naturally “good” – strike one. Secondly, they believed that mankind could solve any and every problem by himself – there is no need for God (Yahweh). Perhaps you appease some of the other gods, but no monotheism for them – strike two.

Thirdly, mankind is without limits. he can achieve anything he desires Thirdly, mankind is without limits...he can achieve anything he desires...on his own terms. The unofficial motto of Greek cultures was that “…man is the measure of all things”. This reflects a very inflated view of human achievement. There is no need to submit to anyone or anything (well, maybe the Greek government), but certainly not God (Yahweh) – strike three.

Israelites Worldview: First, they accept that mankind is oriented toward sin, and in order to remove the stain of sin, a person needs to repent and ask for forgiveness. Second, God (Yahweh), not mankind, sets the standard...He is supreme and only through Him can we do anything.

Third, mankind does have limits – those limits that make him obedient and accountable to God (Yahweh) We serve God, not ourselves.

So What? Until the time of Alexander, the Jewish people were “left alone” However, Alexander desired to see Greek culture (Hellenism) extend to all of the known world...he felt if everyone believed the same thing, his empire would never fall

Because Alexander believed all “gods” were basically the same, he saw no reason why the Jews would object...he severely underestimated them! Jews could not accept the following Greek beliefs: polytheism – many “gods” (atheism = no god, agnosticism = god may/may not exist) worship/adoration of the human body emphasis on “graven images” – idols, buildings etc.

While Alexander did not force Jews to follow Greek ideas, Jewish leaders were worried about their children and grandchildren being “sucked in” – down the road The rule of Alexander the Great gave the Israelites another formidable challenge in their ability to stay true to God, and not get sucked in by a foreign culture