Hebrew legacy

 

 

2. 2. What is the origin of evil and human suffering, according to the explanations given by each of the following: the Hebrew scriptures, the sayings of the Buddha, and Hesiod in Works and Days

Hebrew scriptures

             According to the Hebrew scripture teaching the “evil” is expressed as the state of going against the will of God. This is because God is mainly expressed as the Supreme Being and therefore anything good is usually associated with the God’s character. Considering the narrative story of the war in heaven it is evident that the evil existed even before the Satan. In addition, the Hebrew Scriptures also provide that the misused power of the agency to have caused pain even to God himself. This is demonstrated in the scripture where Enoch witness the weeping of God. Moreover, according to the Hebrew scripture, the man disobedience against God resulted in the sin that in turn led to suffering

Saying of the Budhha

             From the Budhha saying evil is something that we create. This therefore implies that evil is something that affect us. Moreover, according to the Buddha teaching it is evident that greed is the major cause of suffering among the human beings( Hooper,2012). In addition according to the Buddha teaching in order to avoid human suffering one is supposed to mind the others.

Hesiod in Works and Days

            From the Hesiod poem it is evident the that the evil can cause the harm to an entire city. This therefore implies that the evil should be avoided. In addition according to the Hesiod poem it is true that the evil plan harms mostly the planner himself. This implies that the planning of evil may end up causing suffering even to the planner.

8. Heraclitus and Parmenides presented strongly contrasting theories of "the nature of things." Explain fully the scientific thought of both men. Which one of them seems more nearly correct?

Heraclitus thought on nature of men

            From the Heraclitus thought on men it is evident that the human being lacks the knowledge of understanding. He taught that most people usually sleep walk through life and rarely understand what goes around them. In addition according to his teaching most of the men are not unaware of what they do in their dairy activities. He also argues that people must always follow their own judgment when making decision regarding the various issues. 

Parmenides on thought on nature of men

            Parmenides uses the way of truth to describe the nature of human beings. He argued that nothing could come from nothing. This therefore implies that the human being must have come from the somewhere and therefore must have an origin. In addition he also indicates that the human beings are aware of themselves since they are able are able to think and therefore qualify to be called beings.

1. [Answer both parts (a) and (b) if you choose this question]: (a) What are the main similarities and differences between God and humans, according to the Hebrew scriptures? (b) What are the main similarities and differences between the gods and humans, according to the Iliad?

 (a) What are the main similarities and differences between God and humans, according to the Hebrew scriptures

Similarities

            According to the Hebrew teaching man was made in the image of God.  In relation to this God gave man some divine attribute which makes man different from the other animals that were created. Some of the attributes that God gave to man was the ability to have a language to communicate. Most importantly man was given the attribute the freedom to choose between the good and evil. Other attribute that man share with God include love, and creativity.

Differences

            One of the major differences between God and man is the fact that he is infinite while the human beings are finite. Another major difference is that God wisdom is supreme comapared to the human wisdom. In addition God is more powerful than the human being.

What are the main similarities and differences between the gods and humans, according to the Iliad

Similarities

            One of the similarities between the gods and the human is the fact that some gods were considered not to be internal and therefore could die after some time. The gods were also subject to love like the human being. Another important point to note is the fact that the gods were  considered to also be subject to pain like the human beings.

Differences

            The gods were different from the human being in that some of the gods were regarded as just and therefore and holy. Another significance difference between the gods and human is the fact some of the gods were considered to possess wisdom. In addition these gods also have power to choose when to be good.

1. What is the covenant?  How is it unique among the nations of Abraham's day? The Old Testament is a Covenant book.  Which Covenant is the main covenant and why?
   What is a covenant?

            Covenant usually refers to an agreement between two or more parties.  In the Hebrew scripture the covenant refers to the various ways that God used to communicate to his people about the plan of redemption or guarantee of the internal life.

How is it unique among the nations of Abraham's day

            The Abraham covenant was unique since it comprised of three major parts. First, God promised Abraham that his descendant would be numerous.  Second God also gave Abraham a promise that hhe would give his descendant the land of Canaan. This meant that Abraham would migrate from the present land to the Promised Land with his descendants.  The third and the final part that of the covenant is that God promised Abraham that all the nations would be blessed through him.  

            The Old Testament is a Covenant book.  Which Covenant is the main covenant and   why?
The major covenant in the Old Testament is the covenant illustrated in the book of Jeremiah (Lemche, 2008). This is because in this type of covenant involves the establishment of relationship between God and human through the Jesus. This new covenant is available to all people since according to the covenant whoever believes that Jesus dead for him or her is able to receive the everlasting life.

 

 

 

 

 

References

Hooper, R. J. (2012). Jesus, Buddha, Krishna & Lao Tzu: The parallel sayings. Charlottesville, Va: Hampton Roads Pub.

Lemche, N. P. (2008). The Old Testament between theology and history: A critical survey. Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press.