Why were Hellenism and Judaism so antithetical for their time?

Answer 1

Answer 1

Both were intellectually based.

Judaism considers the physical world to be a resource toward ultimate comprehension of the spiritual world.

Hellenism considered spiritual matters to be a resource toward ultimate comprehension of the physical world.

Answer 2

Jewish traditions reveal the Hellenists as epicureans and also as Universalists. They were a modernizing force; and, at the same time, idolaters. The Torah was unknown to them. All of these traits are antithetical to Judaism.

Answer 2

In Hebrew, the attitude of Hellenist-Jews was classically (and esoterically) known as "Inscribe to you on the horn of the ox that you'll have no part in God's Torah" (Midrash Rabbah 2:4). The deeper meaning is beyond the scope of this answer, but the words include the plain meaning of abandonment of the Torah. Through their anti-religious actions the Hellenizers publicly demonstrated their desire to mingle into Greek society, permanently. Thus, an implicit pact with the Greeks was formed, whether one-sided or mutual. In addition, many people are unaware that the Syrian-Greeks were not the ones who initiated the outlawing of Torah-observances. It was the Hellenizers, who actively petitioned the Syrian-Greeks to create and enforce the anti-religious decrees. The Greeks, for their part, on more than one occasion wondered out loud why they had gotten so entangled in the internal life of the Jews (since simple governance and taxation had until then been the limit of their involvement).See also:

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Answer 3

Judaism is about how to apply Divine Revelation to the Real World. As a result, things have inherent value, purpose, and meaning. The laws of nature and the natural activities of the body need to be directed to accord with these values, purposes, and meanings. Two examples of this worldview are that every human has value regardless of whether that human is disabled and that homosexuality cannot be acted upon since it is considered a violation of the proper nature of a human. Essence precedes existence.

Hellenism is about how to shape an understanding of the world that reflects human desire and perception. Meanings, values, and purposes are only valid so long as the accord with a current perception. The human is central and that which does not build him up, protect him, and defend him is useless. Two examples of this worldview are that humans are only as valuable as their possible contribution to society (Spartans would discard disabled children to be eaten by wolves), but homosexuality when motivated by desire or nature is completely permissible. Essence is fundamentally determined by existence.

Differences - Compare the same numbers.

Greco-Roman Humanist

1. Laws are man-made and thus can be bent and shaped to fit people's needs.
2. Faith is earned through action and evidence.
3. The only way to understand the truths of this world is through Scientific Inquiry.
4. Every man and woman must contribute to the growth and flourishing of the society in a political, economic, and social way.
5. The greatest leader among men is the King, for he issues edicts controlling men, armies, and wealth.

Judeo-Christian Pietist

1. The Law is divinely given and therefore people must bend to fit Divine precepts.
2. Faith is given freely on account of love and hope.
3. The only way to know the truths of this world is through Divine Revelation.
4. Every man and woman must contribute to the growth and flourishing of the society in a spiritual, helpful, and honest way.
5. The greatest leader among men is the High Priest, for he best knows the Divine.

Please see the Discussion Section for my commentary on the Community Answer.