We only briefly discussed our actual discussion question this class, as we got a little bit carried away talking about our own religious beliefs (or feelings on that topic, anyway), sparked by some of the conversation in class pertaining to another group's discussion question that was posted on the blog from last class (the 9/11 question). That, and making sure we were all on the same page about being respectful of our group member's beliefs so that nothing ever gets heated.
As far as the Hebrews go, we talked and speculated about how we think Judaism came about when so many other cultures during that time still believed in and worshiped many Gods (although the Hebrews were not the first to adopt a monotheistic belief system). One theory we touched on as to why the idea of a single God may have been appealing, is that the human mind is always seeking some sort of explanation as to why the world is the way it is, and attempting to relate that to the our own human minds. The idea of one single, omnipotent God correlates to the sense of the individual that all humans experience. Also, the belief in one God as all-powerful and loving, and yet still fallible and wrathful, easily explains away the misfortunes the Hebrew people experienced.
Factual Question: What were the three key concepts in Hebrew Philosophy?
A:
- The belief in a single God.
- The sense of being favored or "chosen" by that God.
- The importance of the God-given law.
Group Members:
Kenya
Sarah
D'Juan
Cameron
Nayeli
Alexa
We also had a new group member for this class, but I didn't catch his name! Just comment and I'll update the list of members. Also, I apologize for the formatting of the subject - if Dr. Oliver posts how he wanted the title to be formatted, I'll change that too.
C'mon you guys! :(
ReplyDeleteI believe the Hebrews wanted to be different than some of the surrounding religions. They came up with a figure much like themselves but better in every way; someone they could trust but could never get to know personally, and thus never be able to judge him by the same standards. They put all of the power in the world into one god's hands and made him into a father figure who knew all.
ReplyDeleteFor a factual question for next week: What is ontology?
A: The study of being
And a discussion question: Which of the main Greek philosophers would you agree with most and why?
I think that the Hebrews adopted the idea of a single God from the Egypcians, since they were their slaves at a time. But I also agree with what we discussed in class, that as humans we like to put things in terms we can understand. That is why the Hebrews think of God as a person that they cannot see, but they know is there. I also believe that they wanted to be different from everybody around them, since they saw themselves as the chosen people. Thus, they wanted to be different from the religions that surrounded the.
ReplyDeleteFactual Question: Who were three materialists?
A: Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes.
Discussion Question: Do you believe that we have a soul and that there is an afterlife? And do you think that the idea of an afterlife influences people’s behavior?
Completely coincidental that our Fact Questions are pretty much the SAME thing ha.
DeleteThough we do not "know" the exact reasons of what had turned the Hebrews from their traditional view of polytheism, to monotheism; I trust that it was because the Hebrew people as a whole realized that to receive the full benefit of a God's grace, then they must solely and whole-heartedly ascribe to one true God alone. Only then would they be assisted in thier walk of life, and faith for that matter. There had to be some realization that living with the intent of serving many Gods was paganistic would eventually only lead to be perilous; the actions more fit of a hethen clan of individuals, not of those who would now have the title of "God's Chosen People". Also there is strength in numbers as an entire race of people would all have reason to be brought together under one cause, and also to push forward with the help of God The Father behind their efforts. I also believe that the Hebrew people joined as one, to serve as the first example, that no matter where you had been before, or how you had believed before, there is always a chance for redemption and salvation in accepting an Alpha Father in Heaven, if one just first chooses to break their ties with what they have originally been so strongly established in, with such short notice, and in such blind faith. It serves symbolically that God will protect and continue to provide furthermore. We see this as even in times of disaster, the Hebrew people still chose to remain faithful to Jesus as being the one and only God.
ReplyDeleteFact Question: Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes were all considered to be what?
A: Materialists
Discussion Question: Why do you think Anaxamenes would say that air 'is' the most important of elements despite all of the various things it can do; of what importance do you think this is? What is your view on his claim?
My name is Ryan by the way :) Im the newest member of the group.
I agree with Nayell because the Hebrew were slaves they believed that their God could deliver them through it all. That's is not a problem because they believed that one God was all they needed and that they had to abide by that God to believe and be delivered
ReplyDelete