Judeo-Christian Tradition Individual worth, ethical values, and the need to fight injustice

Objectives Summarize how ideas from Judaism and Christianity helped shape democratic traditions. Explain the importance of Judaism’s values Describe how Christianity spread and helped further democratic ideas. Analyze the impact of the Renaissance and Reformation on democratic thinking.

CA State Standard 10.1 Students relate the moral and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, in Judaism, and in Christianity to the development of Western political thought. 1.Analyze the similarities and differences in Judeo- Christian and Greco-Roman views of law, reason and faith, and duties of the individual.

Judaism Beliefs Principles of Judaism Effect on Democracy God Monotheistic (one god) People Made in God’s image Equal Intelligence Free will Holy Book Torah The Ten Commandments Principles of Judaism God exists and is one and unique. Prayer is to be directed to God alone. The words of the prophets are true. Moses was the greatest prophet, and his prophecies are true. The Torah was given to Moses. There will be no other Torah. God knows the thoughts and deeds of men. God will reward the good and punish the wicked. The Messiah will come. The dead will be resurrected. Effect on Democracy Worth of the individual Individual responsibility for morality God: Judaism is a monotheistic religion. Jews believe there is one God who created and rules the world. This God is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (in all places at all times). God is also just and merciful. People: It is believed that each person is created in the image of one God. Therefore, all people are created equal. Furthermore, our likeness to God is in our intellectual ability to understand. Judaism believes that people have freewill and are responsible for the choices made. Judaism is an ethical religion. When the Israelites accepted the Ten Commandments from God at Mount Sinai, they committed themselves to following a code of law which regulates both how they worship God and how they treat other people. Holy Book: The Torah is the primary document of Judaism. Torah, which means "teaching", is God's revealed instructions to the Jewish People. Jews learn from the Torah how to act, think and even feel about life and death. The stories in the Torah teach about God's relationship with the Jewish People. In addition, the Torah contains 613 commandments from God (mitzvot).

Christianity Basic Beliefs One God Jesus as servant and savior Cross - sacrifice Resurrection- redemption Bible Principles of Christianity Humility or faith and trust in God Jesus Christ is God Prayer and self-denial The Word of God Observance of the law The ten commandments + to “Love one another” Atonement –sacrifice Resurrection Second Coming Effect on Democracy Service to others Worth of individual Equality of believers The central figure in Christianity is Jesus (or Christ), a Jew who came into this world by immaculate conception to a virgin named Mary. His birth is celebrated at Christmas with hymns and gift giving. It's believed that Jesus was not only man, but also the son of God and lived his life without sin. Christians believe that the suffering and death upon the cross which this sinless man endured paid for the sins of all mankind, and because of Jesus' actions, salvation can be achieved by anyone who believes in him. This act of sacrifice is remembered during Lent. Christians believe that Jesus rose from the grave (celebrated at Easter) and returned to the earth, appearing to his followers and telling them of the kingdom of God to which he was going. He also promised his disciples that he would return one day to bring all believers with him to that kingdom, to enjoy eternal life in the presence of God. Christians can read of the life of Jesus, as well as his ancestors in the only Christian holy text, the Bible. It consists of the Old Testament (which is also considered sacred to Judaism and Islam) and the New Testament. The Old Testament chronicles the lives of Jews and others who lived before Jesus, who had been promised a savior by God, and were waiting for him. This text contains many stories about people demonstrating faith in God and also provides historical information about the era. The New Testament is unique to Christianity, for it centers around the figure of Jesus and his effect on the world. Christians believe that Jesus is the one that the Old Testament foretold, so instead of looking for a savior, they await the return of Jesus so that he can take them to his kingdom, or heaven. The beliefs of Christianity can be seen in the words of the Apostles' Creed, a document which was written to distinguish Christianity from other religions and show basic Christian doctrine in a concise manner.

Islam

Renaissance Revival of classical ideas Began in Italy, spread throughout Europe Interested in life for it’s own sake Humanism Public service and ethical life Individualism Politics and government What is the best form of government?

Reformation Challenged traditional authority of the church Corruption Started in Germany Martin Luther 95 theses Spread to other countries Protestant religions