What is difference between Hellenism and Hebraism?

Answer 1

Answer 1

Hellenism and Hebraism are two philosophical perspectives on the question of how human beings can be perfected.

Hellenism means seeing things as they really are in their essence as a grand and precious feat for man to achieve, in their beauty, getting rid of ignorance, thinking clearly. It's defined by the spontaneity of consciousness, figuring things out spontaneously and its aim is man's evolution.

"The best man is he who most tries to perfect himself and the happiest man is he who most feels that he is perfecting himself."(Socrates)

Hellenists think that people can be perfected through an understanding of reality, through a search for the truth. Also, the Greeks' quarrel with the body and its desires is that it gets in the way of right thinking.

In contrast to Hellenism, Hebraism is based on conduct and obedience, on the strictness of conscience, differentiating between good and evil, self-conquest, self-devotion, following the will of God. It speaks of becoming conscious of sin, of awakening to a sense of sin. Its aim is man's salvation and it also says that one should give oneself up to the will of God, be conscious of one's sinfulness, and follow what God has said people should do. The Hebrews' quarrel with the body and its desires is that it gets in the way of right acting.

Answer 2

Hebraism 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

Hellenism

Hebraism

Laws are man-made and thus can be bent and shaped to fit people's needs.

The Law is divinely given and therefore people must bend to fit Divine precepts.

Faith is earned through action and evidence.

Faith is given freely on account of love and hope.

The only way to understand the truths of this world is through Scientific Inquiry.

The only way to know the truths of this world is through Divine Revelation.

Every man and woman must contribute to the growth and flourishing of the society in a political, economic, and social way.

Every man and woman must contribute to the growth and flourishing of the society in a spiritual, helpful, and honest way.

The greatest leader among men is the King, for he issues edicts controlling men, armies, and wealth.

The greatest leader among men is the High Priest, for he best knows the Divine.