-MAINSTREAM MONOTHEISM-

Introduction to World Religions

Let’s Warm Up Our Brains

How does religion shape the way we look

at ourselves? The world? Others?

JudaismWho: The Israelites (Hebrews)What: Monotheistic belief in God

• God was:1.All knowing2.All powerful3.Creator (history and faith

interconnected)

Religious Text

The TorahThe Law

What is the Torah?

First 5 Books of the Hebrew Bible

1.Genesis – The Beginning2.Exodus – The Names3.Leviticus – He Called4.Numbers – In the

wilderness5.Deuteronomy – The

Words

Abraham

Father of the Israelites (Genesis)•Ca. 2000 B.C.E. •from Ur (Mesopotamia) migrated to Canaan (Palestine)• Covenant between he and God becomes focal point of religion

*You are probably wondering what a covenant is…don’t worry. I will tell you now.*

This is Canaan

“YOU SHALL BE THE FATHER OF A MULTITUDE OF NATIONS…I WILL MAKE

NATIONS OF YOU, AND KINGS SHALL COME FORTH FROM YOU. AND I WILL ESTABLISH MY COVENANT BETWEEN

ME AND YOU AND YOUR DESCENDANTS AFTER YOU THROUGHOUT THEIR

GENERATIONS FOR AN EVERLASTING COVENANT…”

Genesis 17:4-8

What was the covenant?

Two things:• God and Abraham would be

buddies forever “chosen people”

• God promised that Canaan (Palestine/Israel) would be theirs The “promised land”

The Patriarchs

Patriarch: male head of a family or a tribe

1. Abraham Sarah was wife (also had a son, Ishmael, with Hagar)

2. Isaac (son of Abraham) Rebecca was wife

3. Jacob (son of Isaac) Leah and Rachel were wives

Moses and the covenant

Moses & the Covenant

• Abraham’s descendants immigrate to Egypt to escape famine• Eventually enslaved there

• Moses renews covenant, leads Israelites out of bondage• After 40 years of wandering,

Israelites return to Canaan• Moses dies just before arrival

Kingdom of Israel

• Established 1000 B.C.• 12 Tribes• David (2nd King) united tribes: 1 nation• Solomon (son of David) establishes Jerusalem

King David

King David

• Prior to David, Israelites were divided into 12 tribes

• David united the tribes into a single kingdom, “Israel”

• Israelites under David secured and ruled the “promised land”

King Solomon

King Solomon

• Son of David• Famous for his wisdom• Diplomacy with Egypt and other kingdoms

in and around Mesopotamia• Built the First Temple in Jerusalem• Turned city of Jerusalem into the kingdom’s

capital• Cost of building up Jerusalem (taxes &

labor) led to revolts shortly after his death

Israel Conquered

• Kingdom splits into Israel (north) and Judah (south) • Syria conquers Israel (722 B.C.) • Babylon captures Judah (586 B.C.) and they are exiled to Babylon• Cyrus of Persia frees Israelites (539 B.C.)

Known as Jews because they are from Judah

Important Stuff

• Stress a religious code of ethics (moral standards)• Honor the Sabbath (a day of rest and worship)• Diaspora: spreading of the Jewish people to other regions of the world

Influence On Other Religions

• Jews, Christians, and Muslims all recognize Abraham, Moses, and the prophets• All of them teach the ethical worldview developed by Israelites

Although Judaism influences both Christianity and Islam, it is important to pay attention the subtle differences in beliefs that develop within the both Christianity and Islam that differentiate them from Judaism.

Jewish Ethics

•Personal morality• “Do unto others as you would have them do unto

you” (Leviticus)•Social justice• “Tikkun Olam” (heal the world)• Charity• The rich & powerful must protect the poor & weak• All people are equal before God• Including kings

Although Judaism influences both Christianity and Islam, it is important to pay attention the subtle differences in beliefs that develop within the both Christianity and Islam that differentiate them from Judaism.