Why was religion important for the Hebrews?

Answer 1

The ancient Hebrews' religious beliefs were historically significant because they eventually abandoned polytheism and adopted a strongly monotheistic belief in one God. This is believed to have occurred during the seventh-century BCE reign of King Josiah, although some scholars say that some adherence to polytheism coninued up to the time of the Babylonian Exile and possibly later.

Answer 2

Religion was important to all the ancients and many people even today believe religion to be important. Every city-state or nation had its own patron god, as well as the pantheon of gods around them. The patron god looked after the nation and gave its people a sense of security in an uncertain world. Religion explained how the world was created, why we are here and why disasters occur. It offered hope for better times.

After the destruction of Israel and the influx of refugees into Judah, there was a need to create a sense of national pride for the tiny nation and to unite the peopleunder one king. Religion provided that.

After the Babylonian destruction of Judah, the Jews no longer had a king and needed a force to hold them together, maintain the rule of law and encourage them in the hope of an eventual return to Jerusalem. Religion provided the priests who would provide a unifying theocracy, and psalms and scriptural records of their struggles and hopes.

Answer 3

I'm assuming you are asking about the ancient Hebrews. Although the ancient Hebrews had periods of not following God, they generally viewed religion as a central part of life. The Hebrew worldview is holistic, so instead of viewing God as a part of their life which they must keep in good 'balance', they viewed God as a relationship that should embrace all their life. They believed that God should be a part of everything they do. Worship was not just a time once a week to sing to God, it was something which encompassed all of life. Even putting out the washing was an act of worship.

Think of it like this: if you are putting out the washing, why are you doing it? If you are doing it because it's God's will for people to work diligently - then that's worship. If you are doing it because you want to help you're family, then you are loving and serving others, which is part of the Torah (Biblical law), and therefore worship.

In addition, the Hebrews (after being lead into the Promised Land of Israel) had the Torah (Biblical law) which many/most followed very passionately.

So generally speaking, God and religion was a very cenral part of ancient Hebrew life that impacted almost everything they did.

Answer 4

It was important because it was part of their culture.

Answer 5

Religion was so important to the ancient Egyptians because it was the way people explained the workings of nature.