Judaism and Christianity

1. Judaism and Christianity

2. 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

3. The Origins of Judaism 2000 B.C. 1300 B.C. 1200 B.C. 1020-922 B.C. Abraham:Father of Jewish people Moses:Led Hebrews out of slavery Deborah:A prominent judge Saul, David, Solomon:Kings under whom Hebrews united

4. Divisions in Judea • 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.

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

6. 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…

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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”)

11. What are Jews really concerned about? • TikkunOlam - “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!

12. 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”

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Jesus and His Message • 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

17. 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

18. Spread of Christianity • 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…

19. 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

20. 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

21. Christianity’s appeal • Jesus welcomed all people • Paul was educated • Missionary travel was fast in the R Empire • Martyrs inspired people to join Persecution 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

22. The Early Christian Church • 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