Question

Jewish monotheism A) was spread actively by Jewish missionaries throughout the Middle East. B) emphasized the power and abstraction of God. C) included worship of various lesser gods. D) emerged at the high point of Sumerian civilization. E) rejected the idea that people were ethically responsible for their behaviour.

Answer 1

Jewish monotheism started with a covenant between Abraham and Yahweh and was solidified by Moses, who received laws from Yahweh that outlined the worship of Yahweh only. It emphasized ethical responsibility and the power and abstraction of Yahweh, rejecting the worship of lesser gods.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jewish monotheism, a key characteristic of Hebrew culture, began developing around 2100 BCE with the covenant made by Abraham with Yahweh. This monotheism took a more solid form with Moses, who received laws directly from Yahweh, this included the command that only Yahweh should be worshipped. Over time, this practice evolved, becoming the religion we know as Judaism. It emphasized the power and abstraction of Yahweh, demanding absolute obedience to His many laws, and radically rejecting the worship of lesser gods. The worship of Yahweh was centralized in the temple at Jerusalem.

One defining aspect was its distinct ethical responsibility, where the followers were required to adhere strictly to moral and ethical behavior. Hence, Hebrew monotheism rejected the idea that people were not ethically responsible for their behavior. However, it should be clear that Jewish monotheism did not arise during the peak of Sumerian civilization or spread actively by Jewish missionaries throughout the Middle East. Instead, it developed over centuries and under unique circumstances and geopolitical pressures.

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