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Chapter Six:

The Rise of the Biblical Tradition

Abraham

Age of Hebrew Patriarchs

Hebrew Bible

Judaism, Christianity, Islam

Biblical History

Biblical tradition + Graeco-Roman Culture

Children of Israel, Israelites, Jews, Hebrews

Period of the Patriarchs

Period of the Exodus

Period of the Conquest

The United Monarchy

Divided Kingdom and Exile

The Return

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6.2 Spoils of Jerusalem (detail from the Arch of Titus), 81ce. Rome, Italy

The Hebrew Bible and Its Message

“Bible” Byblos

The Law, the Prophets, the Writings

Hebrew canon (C.E. 90)

Septuagint

Moral guide, ethical and religious stability

Not a philosophical treatise

Basic Motifs of the Bible

Biblical Monotheism

God exists before the world

God pronounces creation as “good”

Humans are the crown of creation

God deeply involved in the world

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Basic Motifs of the Bible

The Covenant

“I will be your God; you will be my people”

Testament = Promise

Renewed covenant = New Testament

Basic Motifs of the Bible

Ethics

Moral code for individuals and society

Ten Commandments

Prohibitions, positive commands

Prophetic writings

Critics of social injustice, defenders of poor

Reminders of the covenant

Basic Motifs of the Bible

Models and types

Events, stories, characters as models

Book of Job

Contemporary impact of biblical tradition

Literature

Art

Social institutions

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Dura-Europos

Evidence of religious buildings—early Christian meeting house and synagogue

Complex religious existence—pagan temples and homes

Artistic mingling of Eastern and Roman styles

6.6 Fresco of Moses and the Exodus, from the Dura-Europos synagogue. Damascus, Syria

The Beginnings of Christianity

Life of Jesus

Gospels

Prophetic tradition of Jesus

Parables, Beatitudes

Jesus as Christ, the Messiah

Significance of resurrection

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Christianity Spreads Saul of Tarsus (Paul)

Tireless missionary

Theological letters

Early martyrs—Vibia Perpetua

Social, religious factors for growth Peace, facility of travel, koine, audience

Emphasis on salvation, freedom

No class distinction

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Christian Persecution

Nero’s Circus

Claudius, Decius, Valerian, Diocletian

Christians as traitors to the state Refusal to express pietàs

Apologists Tertullian (155/160-225)

Justin Martyr (100-165)

Emperor Constantine

Early Christian Art

Catacombs, underground cemeteries

Frescoes Salvation; Communion; Virgin and Child

Glass and Sculpture Christ as Good Shepherd, glass disks

Carved sarcophagi

Inscriptions Name, date of death, decorative symbol

6.7 The Good Shepherd, early 4th century ce. Catacomb of Saints Pietro and Marcellino, Rome, Italy

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6.10 The Good Shepherd, ca 300 ce. Marble, 3’3” (99 cm)_ high. Museo Pio Cristiano, Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Rome, Italy.

6.9 Chi-rho monogram, 4th century ce. From a wall painting in a Roman villa, Lullingstone, Kent, England. Detail of wall painting, 90 cm, diameter of inner circle. The British Museum, London, United

Kingdom.

6.8 Anchor with entwined fish, 4th century ce. Mosaic from the Catacombs of Hermes, Sousse, Tunisia

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Early Christian Architecture

Basilica-Style Churches

Current site of St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican)

Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem)

Jesus’ burial site

Early Christian Music

From Jewish traditions

Chanting sacred texts

Professional Chorus vs. Single Cantor

Greek doctrine of ethos

Instrumental music = unsuitable

Standardization of vocal music

Responsorial, antiphonal

6.14 The Blind Harper, ca 1340-1330 B.C.E. From the tomb of Paatenemmhib, Saqqara, Egypt. Limestone basalt relief, detail, 11 ½” (29 cm) high. Rijksmuseum van Oudheden Leiden, Netherlands.

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Chapter 6: Discussion Questions

Discuss contemporary examples that illustrate the permeation of the biblical tradition in our culture.

Explain why Nero and other Roman emperors were unwilling to tolerate Christianity. From a political standpoint, was the severity of punishment inflicted on Christians warranted? Why or why not?

Consider the archeological findings of Dura-Europos. In what ways does history over-simplify past events? In two thousand years, what will future generations assume about our culture, religions, and religious tolerance? Explain.