What Role has religion played in the history of Isreal and it's neighborhors?
Read all about it:
http://www.bing.com/search?q=religious+conflict+in+the+middle+east&form=EDGNTC&qs=PF&cvid=ab135a4ca6cc487ca25b9975955d86f5&pq=religious%20conflict%20in%20the%20middle%20east
Religion has played a significant role in the history of Israel and its neighboring countries. To understand this, we can look at the historical and cultural context.
1. Ancient Israel: The history of Israel begins with the Hebrew Bible, which narrates the emergence of ancient Israelites as a distinct religious group. The religion of ancient Israel was primarily based on monotheism, with a focus on worshiping Yahweh as the one true God. This religious identity played a crucial role in shaping the social, political, and legal frameworks of the ancient Israelite society.
2. Judaism: Judaism emerged as the primary religion of the Israelites and continued to be a central aspect of Jewish identity across history. It encompasses religious teachings, rituals, laws, and traditions, binding the Jewish people together. Judaism has had a profound influence on Jewish history, culture, and ideology, including their interactions with neighboring nations.
3. Kingdoms and Empires: Throughout history, Israel and its neighboring regions witnessed the rise and fall of several kingdoms and empires. These empires, such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, brought different religious influences and sometimes sought to impose their beliefs on the region's inhabitants. This led to clashes among various religious systems and the assimilation or resistance of different communities.
4. Christianity: Christianity originated in the neighboring region of Roman Judea around the 1st century CE. It spread throughout the Mediterranean, including the land of Israel, becoming a major religious force. Christian beliefs, teachings, and institutions have significantly impacted the social, cultural, and political dynamics of Israel and its neighbors.
5. Islam: The rise of Islam in the 7th century brought another major religious influence to the region. Islamic conquests resulted in the establishment of Islamic empires and the introduction of Islamic beliefs and practices. Islam became the dominant religion in many Arab and non-Arab territories, including what is now Israel and Palestine. This led to a complex interplay of religious, cultural, and political interactions between Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
It's important to note that the interplay of religious factors in the region has been complex and subject to historical fluctuations, including shifts in political power, conquests, and conflicts. Religion has often acted as a unifying or dividing force in different historical contexts, shaping both coexistence and conflicts among the various religious communities in Israel and its neighboring nations.