When Judaism began, how was it different from other religions in the ancient world?
(1 point)
Responses
Judaism had sacred texts.
Judaism had sacred texts.
Judaism did not instruct its followers about how to lead their daily lives.
Judaism did not instruct its followers about how to lead their daily lives.
Judaism held that there was one God who set down laws about right and wrong.
Judaism held that there was one God who set down laws about right and wrong.
Judaism held that there was good and evil in the universe.
Judaism held that there was good and evil in the universe.
Judaism was different from other religions in the ancient world in several ways:
1. Judaism had sacred texts: Unlike many other religions of the time, Judaism had sacred texts, primarily the Torah (first five books of the Hebrew Bible), which provided guidelines and laws for the Jewish people.
2. Judaism did not instruct its followers about how to lead their daily lives: While other religions often prescribed specific rituals and practices for their followers to follow in their everyday lives, Judaism focused more on ethical and moral principles rather than detailed instructions for daily life.
3. Judaism held that there was one God who set down laws about right and wrong: In a polytheistic ancient world, where multiple gods were worshipped, Judaism stood out by proclaiming the belief in one God who had given commandments and laws for the people to follow, establishing a framework of moral and ethical behavior.
4. Judaism held that there was good and evil in the universe: While the existence of good and evil was not unique to Judaism, the belief in a dualistic worldview where good and evil coexisted and had to be acknowledged and confronted was one of the distinctive features of Judaism. It recognized the presence of evil in the world and emphasized the importance of choosing righteousness and fighting against injustice.
The correct answer is:
Judaism held that there was one God who set down laws about right and wrong.
To understand how Judaism was different from other religions in the ancient world, we need to consider its key beliefs and practices. At the time when Judaism began, many ancient religions were polytheistic, meaning they believed in multiple gods. However, Judaism stood out by introducing the concept of monotheism, the belief in only one God.
This belief in one God who created the universe and established moral laws was a fundamental aspect of Judaism. The Jewish people believed that God revealed these laws through sacred texts, such as the Torah, which contains the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. These sacred texts acted as a guide for their religious practices and provided a framework for their ethical behavior.
Furthermore, unlike other religions in the ancient world, Judaism placed a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and individual choice. While some ancient religions had detailed instructions on how to lead one's daily life, Judaism focused more on principles and values rather than prescribing specific actions for every aspect of life. Individuals were encouraged to interpret and apply these principles in their own lives, making Judaism a religion that allowed for personal reflection and moral autonomy.
In addition to the belief in one God and the emphasis on personal responsibility, Judaism also acknowledged the existence of good and evil in the universe. This belief contributed to the development of Jewish ethical teachings, emphasizing the importance of leading a righteous and just life.
So, in summary, what sets Judaism apart from other ancient religions is its belief in one God who established moral laws, the focus on personal responsibility and individual choice, and the recognition of good and evil in the universe.