Explain the importance of the Hebrews to the development of western civilization including the ideas of monotheism, the covenant, the Torah and Christianity.
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Can someone briefy explain to me? I am searching through goggle but can not find the right answer to this question.
I lost my textbook so this is the only reason I need help on this question. thanks!
You've lost your textbook this early in the semester? If you don't find it in a couple of days, you must buy a new textbook. You can't go through the semester without it!!
In the meantime, these sites may help you answer this question.
http://voices.yahoo.com/the-legacy-ancient-hebrews-contributions-to-382818.html
http://bigthink.com/videos/is-western-civilization-a-jewish-invention
Of course! The Hebrews, also known as the ancient Israelites, played a crucial role in the development of Western civilization. Here's an explanation of their importance and how their ideas affected the growth of monotheism, the covenant, the Torah, and Christianity:
1. Monotheism: The Hebrews were one of the first civilizations to embrace the concept of monotheism, the belief in a single, all-powerful God. This idea was in contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of many ancient civilizations, and it laid the foundation for the development of Western religious thought.
2. The Covenant: The Hebrews believed in a covenant, a sacred agreement or contract, between God and themselves. According to their belief, God promised to be their guide and protector, while they promised to obey his commandments. This covenant was seen as a binding agreement that formed the basis of the Hebrews' relationship with God.
3. The Torah: The Hebrews' sacred text, the Torah, played a fundamental role in shaping Western civilization. It consists of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), which contain the foundational stories, laws, and teachings of the Hebrew faith. The moral, ethical, and legal principles outlined in the Torah have had a lasting influence on Western culture, shaping concepts of justice, morality, and social order.
4. Christianity: The Hebrews' monotheistic beliefs, the concept of the covenant, and the teachings found in the Torah laid the groundwork for the emergence of Christianity. Christians believe that Jesus Christ, who was a Jew, fulfilled the Hebrew prophecies and became the Messiah, or Savior, promised in the Hebrew scriptures. The Hebrew Bible, known as the Old Testament among Christians, became an essential part of the Christian Bible, alongside the New Testament.
To find more detailed information on this topic, you can refer to reliable sources such as history books, academic articles, or online resources like reputable educational websites and databases. Make sure to cross-reference multiple sources to get a comprehensive understanding.