1. The Judeo-Christian Tradition

2. What is Judaism? The religion of the Hebrews What’s a Hebrew??
A member or descendant of a Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; an Israelite; a Jew. (American Heritage Dictionary)

3. History of the Hebrews
Can be found in the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures; also called the Torah
These five books are the same first five books of the Bible:
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy

4. Beliefs of Judaism Monotheists One God who was:
Omnipotent: all powerful
Omniscience: all knowing
Omnipresent: is everywhere
God wants you to live a moral life
Greeks and Romans believed you received dignity from ability to reason
Hebrews believe each person has dignity because they are a child of God

5. Jewish written code of law…
Given to Moses
Called the Ten Commandments and other laws
Focused on morality and ethics
Laws included rules for social and religious behavior

6. Christianity

7. Background info about Christianity
Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ
Born between 6 and 4 BC
Was a Jew and Roman subject
Public ministry at age of 30
Emphasized God’s personal relationship to each individual
Stressed the importance of love
Was considered a political threat
Death by crucifixion
Christ: Cristos greek for messiah/savior

8. Teachings of Christianity
Spread after the death of Jesus
Apostle Paul had big influence on the development of the religion
Message being spread: Jesus is the son of God who died for your sins
Universal religion:
All are welcome: Jews and Gentiles

9. Rome spreads Judeo-Christian ideas
Exiled the Jews: Diaspora to various parts of the world
Took this belief: “All people had the right to be treated with justice and dignity”.
Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire
Christianity stressed the idea of equality