Question

Please discuss the impact of Judaism and Christianity on Western Civilization:

How did the Christian views of the world and human nature differ from those of the Greek and Roman societies?

Answer 1

There is immense influence of Judaism in the Christian religion and both Judaism and Christianity greatly influence the philosophy of the life of the people of the Western civilization. Today the Western civilization believes in monotheism and the idea of monotheism was imparted in them through Jewish idea of monotheism. The Jewish religion emphasizes on the importance of individual worth value. It is believed that man is the creation of God and in man there is the shelter of God. Such noble idea is imported in the Western culture from Jewish religion. Therefore the people of the Western culture value the dignity of individual. Besides, the Jewish religion teaches people to the obedience to the law and rule. Now the Western culture also follows the obedience to law and justice. Such concept also generates the idea of fair trial and such idea has been borrowed by the Western people from the Jewish culture. Besides, the Jewish culture believes in Tikkun Olam and this concept says that individual must try to do well for the world.

Similarly, there is massive influence of Christianity in the life of the people of the Western culture. They believe that Christ is the messenger of God. They follow the path of mercy. They follow the Christian idea of vice and virtue. The concept of human right is a product of Christian belief. It is also a belief of the Jewish religion. Christianity does not divide man on the basis of race, religion and caste. The concept of equality is a notion of the Christian religion. Christianity believes in the spread of education and healthcare.

The Christian religion believes in monotheism. But in the Geek and Roman societies there people would believe in many gods like Apollo, Zeus, Cupid etc. In the ancient Greek and Roman society it would be believed that if god is happy, then people would lead happy life. But in the Christian religion it is believed that happiness is based on individual’s good deeds through love, dedication and mercy. There are many rituals in Roman culture. They do so to mitigate the anger of the gods. But the Christian do not believe in such rituals.