1. List the four factions that emerged in response to foreign influences on Hebrew ways at the time of the Second Temple. Describe in detail the thinking of one of the factions.
The four factions include:
The Pharisees were one of the factions under the leadership of the rabbis and Sanhedrin which served as the rabbinical court. They carefully observed ritual purity, and alienated themselves from everyone who failed to strictly adhere to the laws.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The Sadducees were another faction that rejected the leadership of the rabbis and the Oral Torah. Majority of them had wealth and affluence which enabled them to gain control of the priesthood (Schiffman, 1991).
The Zealots were the third faction. These comprised of ardent nationalists who separated from the Pharisees since they sought to rise against the Romans at all costs, as opposed to the hesitant Pharisees.
The fourth faction was the Sicarii. This group stood against any system of government totally. They applied violence and stealth to realize their aims (Schiffman, 1991). They often carried daggers beneath their robes and used them for stabbing the Romans as well as Roman supporters.
2. Briefly summarize the development and practice of Reform Judaism.
Reform Judaism was an endeavor by the Jews to abandon the ghettos and integrate themselves into the conventional European culture with the anticipation of perpetuating Judaism. During the late 1700s, Moses Mendelssohn called for religious forbearance, as well as the approval of the European Enlightenment. Reform Judaism resulted in embracing practices such as individual liberty, equality, secular education, and scientific development (Steinberg, 1965). This caused a modification in the manner of practicing Judaism. Notably, men and women began gathering together in worship, less emphasis on traditional dress, and use of both the native and Hebrew language in conducting services which increased its approval. A significant change resulting from Reform Judaism was the shift in the traditional gender roles towards embracing gender equality. For instance, girls gained a coming-of age ritual, which deems them “daughters of the commandment.” Furthermore, Reform Judaism made open the position of rabbi for both male and female members.
3. Explain how a historian would be likely to view the accounts contained in the four Gospels.
A historian may assert that since the origin of the gospels remains largely disputed, it makes their historical documentation unreliable. While a historian may find reasons for doubting some information in the Gospel accounts, they would accept them as worthy historical sources concerning Jesus (Vermes, 1981). In fact, by taking the Gospels as historical accounts of the largely Jewish community and the followers of Jesus Christ, it provides basis for determining their credibility. As such, considering that they agree with all the archeological and geographical facts that have been historically established, it raises their credibility. That they present accurate reports on the Jewish practices, Scriptures and the religious customs of the stated places during the given time period (Vermes, 1981). Since they reflect accurately the ethnic and political circumstances in the stated places during the recounted time period, they make a perfect fit on established facts from the place in a detailed manner that could only be through eyewitnesses, a historian may find reason to trust their accounts of historicity.
4. Select one of the nontraditional Christian sects. Summarize its history and key teachings. In what way is it broadening (or challenging) traditional Christianity?
One of the nontraditional Christian sects is ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’, also known as Mormons. This group took ground in Utah in the early 19 th century under the guidance of Joseph Smith, who sought to create a Zion for the righteous. Their practice revolve around baptism, diet, sacraments, personal care, and care of their dead. The Sacraments, mainly anointing the sick and the Holy Communion have to be executed by the priesthood members. Regarding diet, they abstain from the use of tobacco, caffeinated beverages, alcohol and other substances seen as detrimental. Mormons consume meat but advocate the consumption of grains, fruits, and herbs. It challenges traditional Christianity by encouraging healthy lifestyles and opposing abortion except in situations that endanger the mother’s life.
References
Schiffman, L. H. (1991). From Text to Tradition: A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism. KTAV Publishing House, Inc.
Steinberg, S. (1965). Reform Judaism: The Origin and Evolution of a" Church Movement". Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion , 5(1), 117-129.
Vermes, G. (1981). Jesus the Jew: a historian's reading of the Gospels . Fortress Press.
