Religious Revolution of the Hebrews

Theme: The Hebrews develop a new conception of God and of humanity that has a profound influence on Western Civilization

I. The God of Israel

A. Creator God

1. God creates heavens, earth and humans

2. Creation was for the benefit of humanity

3 Contrast with Mesopotamian norm

B. Loving God

1. Hebrews are the chosen people

2. The covenant and the law are gifts of the loving God

3. Contrast with the Mesopotamian norm

C. Story of King David and Bathsheba

1. How does the loving God respond to human sin?

II. Teachings of the prophets

A. four great principles:

1. covenant to written on the hearts of the people

(as opposed to books of law)

2. centrality of ethics

(God insists that humans treat each other with love and justice)

(note: salvation is justice and peace, not life after death)

3. salvation in history

(God is moving Hebrew people, despite their sins, closer to justice and peace over time)

4. universal salvation

(God will save all nations in the end)

B. Story of David and Bathsheba illustrate some of these principles

C. Examples from Isaiah and Jeremiah

III. Legacy of the Religious Revolution of the Hebrews

A. Peoples of the Book of the Loving God

1. Jews, Christians, Muslims

B. Benevolent God and creation

1. potential for humans to know ultimate truth and to prosper accordingly