E. Napp Religious beliefs sometimes change. In the sixth century B.C., a prophet emerged in Persia.

E. Napp Zoroaster taught that God is a force of goodness and light.

E. Napp However, evil exists.

E. Napp But Zoroaster believed that people were free to choose. They could choose to follow good or they could choose to follow evil.

E. Napp According to Zoroaster, individuals who chose to follow goodness were rewarded with heaven.

E. Napp According to Zoroaster, those who chose evil were punished in Hell.

E. Napp However, the first lasting monotheistic religion was Judaism. Monotheism is the belief in one God.

E. Napp Abraham, the first Jewish prophet, came to believe in the existence of one God. He led his followers out of Mesopotamia to present-day Israel.

E. Napp

The Hebrews lived in Palestine for many years. However, after a terrible famine, the Hebrews migrated to Egypt. In Egypt, Moses was born.

E. Napp Moses was another significant Jewish prophet. He led his people out of Egypt where they had been enslaved after escaping a famine.

E. Napp Moses received the Ten Commandments on his journey to his homeland. The Ten commandments are ethical and moral rules.

E. Napp Judaism is the world’s first ethical and moral religion. The Jews believe that they have a covenant with God. They must follow God’s rules for goodness and God will bless them.

E. Napp The Bible is the sacred text of the Jews. However, the first five books of the Bible are considered the most significant part of the Bible for Jews. Jews refer to the first five books of the Bible as the Torah.

E. Napp Jews worship in synagogues. A synagogue is a Jewish house of worship.

Questions for Reflection:  Why did Abraham migrate to Palestine?  How do polytheists differ from monotheists?  Provide an example of how Judaism is a moral and ethical religion.  Define Torah and Synagogue.  Why is Judaism a significant religion in world history?  What religions were influenced by Judaism? E. Napp