JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY

The Semitic religious hearth Christianity, Judaism,

and Islam all arose among Semitic-speaking people

All three arose from the margins of the southwestern Asian deserts

Judaism, the oldest, originated about 4,000 years ago probably along the southern edge of the Fertile Crescent

Later, Judaism acquired dominion over lands between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River — territorial base of modern Israel

Abraham:Father of Jewish

people

Deborah:A prominent

judge

Moses:Led Hebrews out of slavery

Saul, David, Solomon:Kings under whom

Hebrews united

2000 B.C. 1200 B.C.1300 B.C. 1020-922 B.C.

The Origins of Judaism

Romans conquered Judea in 63 B.C.

Zealots called on Jews to revolt against Rome

In 66 A.D., Roman forces crushed the rebels, captured Jerusalem & destroyed the temple

Many enslaved and many left Judea & survived in communities around the med.

Divisions in Judea

• constantly moving from place to place

• being forced into slavery in Egypt

• fighting with neighbors over land

• worshiping other gods • performing forced labor

• paying high taxes • dividing the Hebrew kingdom in two

The main problems faced by the Hebrews between 2000 B.C. and 700 B.C.

Judaism is… “A 4000 year old tradition

with ideas about what it means to be human and how to make the world a holy place” (Rabbi Harold Kushner, To Life)

A “covenant relationship” between God and the Hebrew people

A celebration and sanctification of life

A faith, a people, a way of life…

As a faith, Jews Believe… In one God, creator of the universe,

personal but non-corporeal In prophets of old – especially Moses,

through whom Torah was revealed to the Hebrew people

In Torah (first five books of the Bible), containing religious, moral and social law which guides the life of a Jew the Hebrew Bible does not include the

New Testament

As a people, Jews are… A nation in Diaspora (dispersed) 15 – 16 million in worldwide

population United by a common heritage (an

“ethnic” religion), divided in contemporary practice: Orthodox:

Modern Chasidic (Ultra Orthodox)

Reformed (18th century Germany) Conservative – moderates, response to

reform Reconstructionalism (20th century

America)

As a way of life, Judaism is based on… 613 commandments found in Torah (“Written

Law”) Talmud (“Oral Law”) – commentary of ancient

rabbis that elaborates on how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through: Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher) Dress and other symbols Prayer and devotion to the one God The Temple and Temple rites Observance of Holy days Proper social relations between male and

female, in business, judicial rulings, etc. Thus sanctifying life, blessing it in every way

How does Judaism sanctify life?Life cycle celebrations: Bris – ritual circumcision, sign of the

covenant Bar/Bat Mitzvah – full adult status

and responsibility within the religion Marriage - "Be fruitful and multiply"

(Gen. 1:22) Death – funerals, mourning (sitting

“Shiva”), and memorials (“Yartzeits”)

What are Jews really concerned about?

Tikkun Olam - “repairing this world” through justice and righteousness; through “deed, not creed”

The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot (“good deeds” based on God’s commandments)

Through education and hard work we make our lives, the lives of others, and the world, what God intended it to be – Holy!

How is Judaism related to Christianity? Judaism predates Christianity – it is the

foundation of Christianity but is not a part of it Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the

Apostles Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more

than a good and wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah

The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He would be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on Earth

Jews are not concerned about salvation and the “world to come”

The Semitic religious hearth About 2,000 years later,

Christianity arose as a child of Judaism from this same area

Islam arose about seven centuries later in western Arabia, partly from Jewish and Christian roots

Religions spread by both relocation and expansion diffusion Expansion diffusion can be divided

into hierarchical and contagious subtypes

Hierarchical diffusion — ideas are implanted at top of a society, leapfrogging across the map taking root in cities

Use of missionaries involves relocation diffusion

The Semitic religious hearth Christianity spread through the Roman Empire using the

existing splendid road system Clearly reflected hierarchical expansion diffusion Early congregations were established in cities and towns Temporarily established a pattern of Christianized urban centers

and pagan rural areas

The Rise of Christianity

Religious Diversity in the Early Empire

Many polytheistic ideas

Mystery religions Cult of Isis Mithraism

Rome tolerated religions as long as they remained loyal to Rome & worshiped the Roman gods too

Jewish Most info comes from the

“Gospels” Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John

Born about 4 B.C. A descendant of King David Virgin birth of Mary Started preaching in Galilee

at age 30 12 apostles, …Peter Based on Judaism – 1 g-d,

law of Moses, and new beliefs

Many believed he was the messiah

Emphasized God’s love, service, & forgiveness

Jesus and His Message

Some Jews welcomed him

Jewish leaders thought he was challenging them

Roman authorities thought that he was a revolutionary who might lead Jews into rebellion

Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples

He was arrested, tried and condemned to be crucified

Although there were guards at the tomb, his body disappeared & Christians believe he was resurrected

Jesus and His Message

Following His death, the apostles spread the message of Jesus, or the Christ (anointed one)

Peter established it in Rome itself

Paul, a Jew from Asia Minor most important in spreading…

Spread of Christianity

Paul had persecuted Christians, but had a vision

Traveled widely preaching the gospel & setting up churches

Wrote most of the New Testament

Taught that those who believe in Jesus, would achieve salvation

Spread of Christianity

Persecution C’s refused to honor

Roman gods Many were

persecuted & became martyrs

Roman rulers like Nero scapegoated them

Both Peter & Paul were killed during Nero’s reign Nero – The burning of Christians

Spread of Christianity

Jesus welcomed all people Paul was educated Missionary travel was fast in

the R Empire Martyrs inspired people to

joinPersecution ended in 313 A.D.

when emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan – freedom of worship

- Constantine’s mother was Christian

- Emperor Theodosius made it the official religion of the empire

Christianity’s appeal

Sins forgiven through baptism

Bread & wine Women served in

leadership roles Each community had

a bishop that served in an area (diocese)

The bishops of major cities – patriarchs

The patriarch of Rome started taking more power & called pope.

In the east, 5 shared power Both areas started

addressing heresies

The Early Christian Church