REVIEWM

JUDAISMand

CHRISTIANITY

THE PENTATEUCHThe Pentateuch, which consists of the first five books of

the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), enjoys particular prestige among the Jews as the "Law," or "Torah," the concrete expression of God's will in their regard. It is more than a body of legal doctrine, even though such material occupies many chapters, for it contains the story of the formation of the People of God: Abraham and the Patriarchs, Moses and the oppressed Hebrews in Egypt, the birth of Israel in the Sinai covenant, the journey to the threshold of the Promised Land, and the "discourses" of Moses.

JEDP: Sources in the Pentateuch

The letters JEDP are a designation used by scholars to identify the component parts or sources that they understand were used to compile the first five books of the Old Testament. There have been various opinions as to whether these sources were written or oral traditions, and whether each source represents an independent strand or a stage in the development of an older source.

.• The grandeur of this historic sweep is the result of a

careful and complex joining of several historic traditions, or sources. These are primarily four: the so-called Yahwist (Jehovah), Elohist, Priestly, and Deuteronomic strands that run through the Pentateuch. (They are conveniently abbreviated as J, E, P and D.) Each brings to the Torah its own characteristics, its own theological viewpoint--a rich variety of interpretation that the sensitive reader will take pains to appreciate.

.A superficial difference between two of these sources

is responsible for their names: the Yahwist (J) prefers the name Yahweh (represented in translation as Lord) by which God revealed himself to Israel; the Elohist prefers the generic name for God, Elohim. The Yahwist is concrete, imaginative, using many anthropomorphisms in its theological approach, as seen, e.g., in the narrative of creation in Genesis 2, compared with the Priestly version in Genesis 1.

.

• The Elohist is more sober, moralistic. The Priestly strand, which emphasizes genealogies, is more severely theological in tone. The Deuteronomic approach is characterized by the intense hortatory style of Deuteronomy 5-11, and by certain principles from which it works, such as the centralization of worship in the Jerusalem temple.

Quick Breakdown of JEPD

J = Yahwist ≈ 950 BC Southern Kingdom (Judah)

– Davidic monarchy; worship at Jerusalem

E = Elohist ≈ 750 BC Northern Kingdom (Israel)

– covenant traditions; worship centers outside Jerusalem

P = Priestly ≈ 620 BC Reign of King Josiah

- priestly duties, festivals, geneologies, etc

D = Deut… ≈ 540 BC Return from Babylon exile

– following the laws as response to God’s grace

The Pentateuch (Torah) is largely about Moses, but few scholars today believe that any part of it was written BY Moses (at least not in the current received form).

.• In the nineteenth century scholars carried out stylistic

analyses, and was able to assign J and E to the nature and fertility stage of religion, D to the spiritual and ethical stage, and P to the priestly and legal stage. At the same time, historical analysis suggested that J was very early, E somewhat later, and D and P centuries later than J. The anger of the world was now almost boundless. Not only were there four authors (none of which was Moses) but these men were actually suggesting that the accounts were written at very different times, centuries removed from each other! The entire weight of Catholicism, Protestantism, and Judaism was arrayed against the scholars.

• However, by the twentieth century, the fury had abated. Most mainline Protestants began to see that it really didn't matter who wrote the books; the content was the important part.

Sarah tells Abraham

that Hagar & Ishmaelare to be banished from the

camp (becauseIshmael

was makingfun of &teasing Isaac)

Judaism and Hellenism (333 B.C.E.-70 C.E.)

Judea remained a Persian province from her return from Babylonian exile until Alexander the Great invaded the Middle East. With his victory at Issus in 333 B.C.E. he secured control of Asia and spread Greek culture, government, and language throughout his realm. The Hellenistic period had begun.

.Alexander allowed the Jews to observe their own ritual laws

and traditions and was generally kindly disposed to them. This lenient policy of "live and let live" continued through the period of Ptolemaic control of Judea. This changed when control of Palestine passed from the dynasty of Ptolemy to the dynasty of Seleucus in 198 B.C.E. The Seleucids, especially Antiochus IV Epiphanes, attempted to force Hellenism upon the Jews of Palestine, often with extreme cruelty.

.Hellenism fundamentally challenged Jewish culture and religion. The Greek language displaced Aramaic as the language of the Middle East. Greek literature; philosophy; and institutions such as the gymnasium, polis (city), and theater, transformed traditional societies... and threatened Hebrew culture. Many Jews "modernized" and went along with the changes, but others resisted and refused to give up their Jewishness as traditionally defined. The book of Daniel tells of the struggles of Daniel and his friends to remain faithful to Torah the in a Persian culture that sought to assimilate them. Later Jews who accepted the Greek life-style and culture were called “Hellenists.”

.The Maccabean uprising

was one attempt to reverse the progress of Hellenization. Led by Judas the Maccabee, the Jews were able for a time to reestablish home rule. It was effective to the point that an independent Jewish state was created and ruled by the Hasmonean house for almost eighty years, from 142 to 63 B.C.E.

.In 63 B.C.E. the Romans took control of the Middle East. Pompey

captured Jerusalem, and the territories of Palestine were incorporated into the larger Roman empire. Local government was first entrusted to local princes, of whom Herod the Great (37-4 B.C.E.) was one. Herod was the ruler of greater Palestine at the time Jesus was born. Later, procurators appointed by Roman emperors were placed in charge of smaller Palestinian territories.

Jewish society was anything but homogeneous at this time. The Sadducees, a religious-political party, were not opposed to accommodating Greco-Roman forms. While they advocated an exclusively Torah-based form of religion and continued the ritual forms of the priesthood, they tended to cooperate with the occupiers of Palestine, thereby retaining a role in the administration of the province.

.The Essenes, to whom many authorities attribute the Dead Sea Scrolls, were the most conservative Jewish group. They led an ascetic existence in the wilderness, withdrawn from the Jewish religious establishment in Jerusalem which they believed was corrupt. They devoted themselves to the Torah, and in this way prepared themselves for the eagerly expected messiah.

The militant Jewish group called the Zealots sought to rid Judea of Roman occupation. This form of Judaism, traceable to the Maccabees, campaigned for Jewish independence and a resurrection of the great Israelite monarchy. They precipitated a rebellion, called the First Jewish Revolt, which resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.

.• The Pharisees, the religious liberals of their day, practiced

a dynamic faith which actively translated Mosaic and prophetic religion to life in their day. Of all the traditional Jewish groups, not surprisingly it was Pharisaic Judaism that survived the disasters of the first and second Jewish Revolts against the Romans (66-73 C.E. and 132-135 C.E.), along, of course, with the early Christians. In 70 CE, the temple was destroyed (all but the Western Wall); in 135 CE, circumcision, reading the Torah, Sabbath observance was forbidden, Jerusalem was renamed Aelia Capitolina, and Judea renamed Palestine (after the ancient Philistines).

• The Christian sect began as a Jewish religious phenomenon, shaped by the belief that the messianic age had been inaugurated through the life, death, and resurrection of their leader, Jesus of Nazareth. Only later was it altogether distinguished from Judaism.

EARLY JEWISH SECTS

SCRIPTURES

• Tanakh – the 3 divisions of ancient scripture– Torah - first five books; Pentateuch

• Written Torah – give to Moses and recorded• Oral Toral (Mishnah) – given to Moses, memorized, and

recorded about 200 CE (mostly legal teachings)

– Kethuvium – the writings– Nev’ium – the Prophets

• Midrash – interpretation of scriptures– Halakhah – legal decision (proper conduct)– Haggadah – folklore, history, traditions, etc

.

• Kabbalah – Jewish mystical teachings (recorded in the Middle Ages)– Hasidism – the path of ecstatic piety (union

with god through divine visions and love)

• Mitzvot – 613 commandments

• 13 Principles of Faith (written down by Maimonides)

The Thirteen Basic Principles

I hold with complete faith that the Creator whose Name shall be blessed: – 1. is the Creator and Director of all creatures, and that he alone

made, makes and will make everything that exists. – 2. is [the perfect] Unity and there is no Unity like him in any

manner and that he alone, our God, was is and will be. – 3. has no [physical] body, nor can any corporeal effect influence

Him, and that he has no form at all. – 4. is the First and the Last. [is eternal]

.5. the Creator alone is worthy to be the object of prayer, and that it is not fitting to pray to anything other than Him alone.

6. that all the words of the [Jewish] prophets are true. 7. that the prophecy of Moses our teacher, E"H [variously translated

as servant of God, or peace be upon him, but absent in the Arabic version] was truthful, and the he was the root of the prophets who came both before and after him.

8. that all of the Torah which now exists in our hands is that which was given to Moses our teacher

9. that this Torah will not be exchanged [for another, or overturned], and that there will never be another Torah from the Creator whose Name shall be blessed.

.that the Creator whose Name shall be blessed: – 10. knows every deed of human beings and all of their thoughts, as it is

written, Who created together their hearts, who understands all their deeds.

– 11. grants good to those who observe His commands and causes those who transgress His commands to be punished.

12. in the coming of the Moshiach [Anointed King], and even though he may tarry, with all this I will wait for him every day that shall come.

13. that there will be a resurrection of the dead at a time which shall arise in the Will of the Creator whose Name is blessed, and consciousness of Him will arise forever and ever.

“Semites” are descendentsof Noah’s son Shem

.Objectives

Chapter 8 examines Judaism beginning with the history of the Jewish people. This section includes central Biblical stories, Return to Jerusalem, Rabbinic Judaism, Judaism in the Middle Ages, Enlightenment, Kabbalah and Hasidism, American Judaism, the Holocaust, and Zionism. The chapter covers religious beliefs and practices in a description of the Torah, sacred practices, holy days, and contemporary Judaism.

After reading this chapter, you should be able to: • Trace the historical basis of Judaism. • Recognize important Biblical figures and their contributions to the religion. • Analyze post-Biblical developments within Judaism. • Describe the major religious beliefs, practices, and holy days. • Identify major groups within contemporary Judaism. • Define important terms and phrases such as Torah, Tanakh, Talmud,

Pentateuch, Semite, Ark of the Covenant, Gentiles, Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots, Messiah, rabbis, synagogues, Midrash, Misnah, diaspora, oral Torah, written Torah, Shekhinah, Kabbalah, Hasidism, tzaddik, Zionism, mitzvot, minyan, Sabbath, kosher, t'fillin, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Purim, Hanukkah, Bar Mitzvah, and Bat Mitzvah.

Judaism can best be defined as

a religious group.a polytheistic religion.an ethnic group.both a religious and an ethnic group.

The most sacred part of the Hebrew scriptures is

the Pentateuch.the Kethuvim.the Prophets.the Nevi'im.

This word is actually an acronym for the three major divisions of the Hebrew Bible.

TanakhKethuvimTorah Nevi'im

Several of the stories presented in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible are similar to earlier Mesopotamian legends. These stories include the Creation, the Garden of Eden, the Great Flood, and

the Abraham story.the Job story.the story of Moses.the Tower of Babel.

The first creation story (located in Genesis 1-2:1-4) is thought by many scholars to be written by _________ after the exile of Jews to Babylon.

RabbisKingsPriestslay people

The first temple was built in Jerusalem by King ___________, giving the Ark of the Covenant a permanent home.

AhabDavidUzziahSolomon

Early prophets such as Elijah focused on the sins of worshipping other gods; later prophets emphasized the impending disastrous results of

social and moral sins.political sins.temple sins.any of these.

The northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed by the ____________ around 722 BCE.

PhilistinesAssyriansEgyptiansBabylonians

In 586 BCE, Solomon's temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the ______________, and most of Judah's inhabitants were taken captive.

EgyptiansBabyloniansPhilistinesAssyrians

In 164 BCE, this family of priests revolted against the Hellenisticrule of Judea and established an independent Jewish nation that lasted until 63 BCE.

PhariseesMaccabeesSadducees Essenes

Jews in exile from their homeland probably encountered Zoroastrians.Some scholars believe that Jewish belief in concepts such as ___________ may be Zoroastrian in origin.

final resurrection of the bodyreward or punishment in an afterlifean immortal soulany of these.

The destruction of the second temple in Jerusalem came in 70 CE at the hands of the

Persians.Greeks. Babylonians.Romans.

Which of the two authorized Talmuds is considered the dominant version in Jewish theology and law?

AssyrianBabylonianJerusalemEgyptian

Jewish mystical traditions are known as

Reform Judaism.Hasidism.Tzaddik.Kabbalah.

According to Jewish beliefs, what is the one essential commandment?

to love all humansto love creationto love Godto love oneself

The Noahide Code as set forth in the book of Genesis prohibits six types of behavior including idolatry, blasphemy, murder, theft, sexual behavior outside of marriage, and

having more than one spouse.cruelty to animals.lust.polluting the environment.

The spiritual new year begins for Jews with a holy day known as

Rosh Hashanah.Purim.Hanukkah.Sukkot.

In the days of temple worship, the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies only during this time of confession and prayer.

Yom KippurPurimHanukkahSukkot

This movement within Judaism modernized the worship, using the vernacular, adding choirs, and revising the liturgy.

ReconstructionismConservativeOrthodoxReform

The largest Jewish movement in the United States is __________, whose recent changes include acceptance of riding to a synagogue for Sabbath services and acceptance of women into rabbinical schools.

Orthodox JudaismReform JudaismConservative JudaismReconstructionism

Torah

Tanakh

Talmud

Pentateuch

Nevi'im

Kethuvim

the Hebrew bible

"the Writings" in the Hebrew bible

the five books of Moses

teachings given to Moses

Jewish law and lore

the books of the prophets in the Hebrew bible

Ark of the Covenant

rabbis

synagogues

minyan

midrash

Mishnah

a quorum of ten adult males required for community worship

teachers, inheritors of the Pharisee tradition

legal teachings of the oral Torah

"meeting places" used for Torah study and worship

the Rabbinical process of studying Hebrew scriptures

a shrine containing the commandments given to Moses

Shekhinah

tzaddik

mitzvot

kosher

Sabbath

t'fillin

small leather boxes containing biblical verses

God's presence in the world, often representing the nurturing aspect of God

commandments

Hasidic saint and teacher

sunset Friday night to sunset Saturday night

ritually acceptable

Sukkot

Bar Mitzvah

Bat Mitzvah

Hanukkah

Purim

Festival of Dedication

coming of age ceremony for girls

fall harvest festival

commemorates the legend of Esther, queen of Persia

coming of age ceremony for boys

.QUESTIONS:

Explain the circumstances that changed Judaism from a priest led temple-centered tradition to a rabbi led Torah-centered religion after the destruction of the temple in 70 CE. What major changes took place in its emphasis, worship, and practices? Search this site: Gates of Jewish Heritage.

What events led to the Holocaust? Review the timeline presented at The History Place. How have Jewish people responded to the devastation brought by that event?

What are the three main branches of Judaism today?

Discuss the concept of "exile" in Judaism beginning with the exile from the Garden of Eden.

Describe and explain the concept of dual Torahs: oral and written.

What does it mean to be created in the "image" of God?

How do the major groupings of contemporary Judaism differ in practice and beliefs?

What is the significance of the Western Wall to Jews?

Three Major Divisions of ChristianityThree Major Divisions of Christianity

ObjectivesChapter 9 examines the Christian religion. Topics covered include the

Christian Bible, the life and teachings of Jesus, the early church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, Medieval Roman Catholicism, the Protestant Reformation, the Roman Catholic Reformation, the impact of the Enlightenment, the Second Vatican Council, central beliefs, sacred practices, and contemporary trends.

After reading this chapter, you should be able to: • Discuss the background of Christianity. • Describe the life and teachings of Jesus. • Recognize major divisions of Christianity and denominations within

Protestantism. • Analyze central religious beliefs, practices, and special events. • Recognize important people in the development of Christianity. • Discuss contemporary trends within Christianity.

Define important terms such as New Testament, Old Testament, gospel, synoptic gospels, "Q," apocalyptic, parable, Christ, Messiah, crucifixion, resurrection, Second Coming, Holy Trinity, Gnosticism, creed, monasticism, pope, synod, icon, excommunication, Inquisition,indulgence, Purgatory, justification, Protestantism, denomination, dogma, transubstantiation, ecumenism, sacrament, liturgy, the Eucharist, mass, penance, baptism, confirmation, evangelicalism, charismatics, and liberation theology.

The gospels of the New Testament were probably first written down in

Greek.Greek and Aramaic. Aramaic and Hebrew.Hebrew.

These gospels are known as the “synoptic” gospels because of their similar views of Jesus' career.

Matthew, John, LukeMatthew, Mark, LukeMatthew, Mark, RomansMatthew, Mark, John

When this former persecutor of Christians converted to Christianity, he changed his name to

Saul.Paul.Matthew.John.

The author of this gospel was probably also responsible for the New Testament book "the Acts of the Apostles.“

MatthewMarkLukeJohn

This Roman Emperor saw a vision of a cross, a symbol that he then used in battle. When that battle was won, he initiated a tolerance of Christianity within the Roman Empire.

Julius Caesar TheodosiusUrban IIConstantine

The early Christian belief that the one God has three aspects---Father, Son, and Holy Spirit---is called the doctrine of the

Trinity.Cross.Holy Eucharist.Three in One.

Although emphasis on Jesus' imminent return diminished as time went by, there is still a belief that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. This article of faith is called the

Second Coming.Second Baptism.Judgment Day.Return of Christ.

The split between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church occurred in ______CE.

105492210221597

The highest officials in Eastern Orthodox churches are known as

popes.monarchs.priests.patriarchs.

Eastern Orthodox worshippers honor writings of the saints in addition to the Bible. The most important of these is a collection called the

Revelation of John.Philokalia.Tanakh.Apocrypha.

The bishop of this city eventually became known as the pope.

GenevaNaples RomeConstantinople

Excommunication from the church meant that a person could not

participate in church activities.go to heaven.participate in the sacraments.any of these.

The theology behind the Inquisition was partly based on the teachings of ___________, who felt that heretics should be coerced to convert to Christianity for the sake of their own salvation.

Martin LutherSt. Francis of AssisiAugustineany of these.

Roman Catholic financial activities criticized by Martin Luther as being unbiblical included

indulgences.purchases of masses for the dead.sale of relics.any of these.

Ulrich Zwingli was a reformer who also rejected many of the practices of the Roman Catholic churches including

abstaining from meat during Lent.celibacy for monks and priests.veneration of relics and saints.any of these.

John Calvin developed a major seat of Protestantism in Geneva that emphasized the doctrine of predestination. According to Calvinist theology, although a person could do nothing about being chosen for salvation, a person’s behavior would reveal whether or not the person was saved. This behavior included an upright life, participation in the sacraments, and wealth.

contributions to the church.profession of faith.sinlessness.

Followers of John Wesley's denomination are known as

Methodists.Baptists.Quakers.Congregationalists.

Around the time of the Protestant Reformation, Roman Catholics experienced a reformation of their own. The Council of Trent reaffirmed the doctrine of

transubstantiation.original sin.goods works as well as faith.any of these.

Vatican II established several major changes in public worship within Catholicism. These changes included using the vernacular rather than Latin in the liturgy, simplification of rites, and

substitution of grape juice for wine.greater use of sacred music in nontraditional formats.communion offered by female priests.any of these.

The major celebrations of the Christian calendar are

Christmas and Easter.Christmas and Pentecost.Easter and Lent.the Annunciation and the Epiphany.

New Testament

Gospel

synoptic gospels

"Q"

Hermeneutics

apocalyptic

27 books written after Jesus' death

pertaining to the end of the current age

Matthew, Mark, and Luke

"good news"

field of theology study involved with interpretation of scriptures

hypothetical source of sayings used in the gospels

parables

"Christ" or "Messiah"

Gnosticism

Second Coming

Holy Trinity

creeds

Father, Son, Holy Spirit

mystical perception of knowledge

stories told by Jesus to illustrate spiritual truths

professions of faith

Jesus' return to judge and usher in new world

"anointed one"

Indulgences

Purgatory

Justification

Dogma

Transubstantiation

Sacrament

remission of the punishment for sin by the clergy in return for services or payments

sacred rites

intermediate place of purifying suffering for those not quite deserving heaven

transformation of bread and wine into body and blood of Christ

being found righteous in God's eyes

authorized truth

Liturgy

Holy Eucharist

Mass

Penance

Baptism

confirmation

reconciliation

ceremony of commitment to Christian life usually in early adolescence

sacrament involving immersing of person in water or pouring water over the person's head

communion service

ritual of public worship

central sacrament using bread and wine or grape juice

QUESTIONS:

Explain the development of monasticism within Christianity.

What conflicts or disagreements led to the split of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church?

What basic characteristics distinguish all Protestant denominations from Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches?

Describe these contemporary trends in Christianity: evangelicalism, charismatics, cultural broadening, liberation theology, feminist theology, creation-centered Christianity, and ecumenical movement.

.Explain the significance of the following events in Jesus' life to Christian

theology (how are these events interpreted theologically or symbolically?):

a. Jesus' birth in Bethlehemb. the virgin birth c. the visit from the Magid. Jesus' visit to the temple at age 12e. Jesus' baptism by John the Baptistf. the miracles of Jesusg. the temptations of Jesush. Jesus' association with women and with sinnersi. Jesus' transfiguration, which included the presence of Moses and Elijahj. the resurrection of Jesus

Explain Paul's contribution to Christian theology. What did his writings emphasize?

ANYQUESTIONS?