Religions of the West Zorasterism Monotheistic God Ahura

Religions of the West

Zorasterism • Monotheistic • God – Ahura Mazda • Good vs evil • Last judgment • Resurrection of bodies with eternal life • Paradise for followers • Eternal torture for non believers • Messiah and resurrected rule the world at the end of time

The Origins of Judaism

Background • Phoenicians at Eastern end of Mediterranean • Land called Palestine • Also called Canaan and shared with the Hebrews • Cultural crossroads

Search for a Promised Land • History from the Torah • Abraham and the founder: • Migrate and made a great nation • 1800 BC - Canaan • 1650 BC - Egypt

A Roaming People’s God Monotheists • ‘Yahweh’ was not physical – no images • promise obedience for protection

Exodus • Slavery in Egypt • 1300 -1200 BC left lead by Moses • Festival of Passover commemorates

Horus

Horus • Horus is the son of the god Osiris • Born of a virgin • Baptized in a river by Anup the Baptizer • Who was later beheaded • Horus was tempted while alone in a desert • Healed the sick and the blind • Cast out demons

Horus continued • Walked on water • Resurrected “Asar” from the dead. • This translates to “Lazurus” • Had 12 disciples • Was crucified • After 3 days two women announced that Horus, the savior of humanity has risen from the dead

The New Covenant • Moses on Mt Sinai • 10 Commandments • Base for civil and religious laws • Obedience for protection

40 Years in the Desert

From Nomads to Settlers • Herders, farmers, city dwellers • Technology from Phoenicians • 12 self governing tribes • Combine for mutual defense

Kingdom of Israel • • • Judah largest tribe Judaism and Jews Tribes unite to drive out Philistines Saul first king Son-In-Law, David next: very popular

Solomon • David’s son – dynasty • Powerful and rich trading kingdom • Great Temple is home to Ark of the Covenant • Huge beautiful palace

Kingdom Divides • High taxes strain finances • Forced labor on buildings • North revolts when Solomon dies • Israel in south • Judah in north

Babylonian Captivity • Tribute to Assyria • 722 BC conquered by Assyrians • 150 yrs later south conquered by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar • Temple destroyed • Most exiled

The Return • Nebuchadnezzar drives Egyptians out of Palestine • 539 BC, Cyrus the Persian defeats Babylon • Permits 40, 000 exiles to return • Temple rebuilt and new walls

Part III The Rise of Christianity

Christianity

What is Christianity? • a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior

Jesus – Birth to preaching • Jesus – Born roughly in the yr. 6 A. D. • Mary – Mother of Jesus was according to Christian beliefs a virgin • Joseph – Mary’s husband • Very little is known about Jesus’ childhood

Teachings of Jesus • He begins preaching at age 30 • Sermon on the mound – best example of Jesus teachings. • God of love not anger • Pacifism

Death of Jesus • Teachings anger the general public (Zealots) • Judea (Israel) was controlled by Romans.

Death of Jesus • • Romans cared little about local religions Romans only wanted local govt. to run smoothly. Jesus is arrested and crucified. (33 AD) Rome destroys Jerusalem and starts the Jewish Diaspora in 70 AD