Judeo-Christian TraditionJudeo-Christian Tradition

Prologue / Section 2Prologue / Section 2

JudaismJudaism

Much of what is known of early Much of what is known of early history of the Hebrews, (Jews) is history of the Hebrews, (Jews) is contained in the first 5 books of contained in the first 5 books of Hebrew. Hebrew.

In the In the TorahTorah, God chose Abraham to , God chose Abraham to be the “father”, of the Hebrew people.be the “father”, of the Hebrew people.

Hebrew people were Hebrew people were monotheistsmonotheists, , meaning they believed in one god.meaning they believed in one god.

Judaism (cont’d)Judaism (cont’d)

Like the Greeks, Romans, and Like the Greeks, Romans, and other ancient people the Jews had other ancient people the Jews had written code of laws.written code of laws.

The one they followed most was The one they followed most was the the Ten CommandmentsTen Commandments..

Also had Also had prophetsprophets to spread the to spread the word.word.

ChristianityChristianity

As Rome expanded, it took control of As Rome expanded, it took control of the homeland of the Jews.the homeland of the Jews.

This is when This is when Jesus of NazarethJesus of Nazareth was was born (6-4 B.C.), he was both a Jew born (6-4 B.C.), he was both a Jew and Roman subject.and Roman subject.

Ideas similar to that of Hebrews; but Ideas similar to that of Hebrews; but also stress importance of people’s love also stress importance of people’s love for God, neighbors, enemies, and for God, neighbors, enemies, and themselves.themselves.

Christianity (cont’d)Christianity (cont’d)Roman Empire was hostile to beliefs Roman Empire was hostile to beliefs

of Christianity and Judaism in the of Christianity and Judaism in the beginning, yet it spread the ideas.beginning, yet it spread the ideas.

1) When the Romans moved Jews 1) When the Romans moved Jews from homeland, it also forced their from homeland, it also forced their beliefs to move with them.beliefs to move with them.

2)Although they persecuted 2)Although they persecuted Christians, religion took a strong hold Christians, religion took a strong hold becoming official religion. becoming official religion.

IslamIslam

Began in the 600’s, based on Began in the 600’s, based on teachings of teachings of prophetprophet Muhammad. Muhammad.

Also monotheistic religion.Also monotheistic religion.Muslims required by religion to offer Muslims required by religion to offer

charity and help to those in need, charity and help to those in need, rulers also must follow these rules.rulers also must follow these rules.

Renaissance and ReformationRenaissance and Reformation

By the Middle Ages, the By the Middle Ages, the Roman Roman Catholic ChurchCatholic Church had become a had become a powerful institution in Europe.powerful institution in Europe.

Built with authoritarian structure.Built with authoritarian structure.However, two movements start to However, two movements start to

take away this power.take away this power.Renaissance Renaissance and and ReformationReformation..