HIST 288 : 1 - Ancient Religions, Jewish Legacy.docx
28 Mar 2014
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Ancient religions (3,500-jesus: dealing with areas such as. When christianity came to be, the romans themselves had many gods and were incorporating gods from all their conquered territories. There was a context of tolerance to other religions, or at least syncretism. Common and defining features of ancient religions: polytheistic. They were designed to help you in specific areas if worshipped accordingly. Followers were known as pagans : anthropomorphic (in human likeness) Also acted like humans and misbehaved like humans (needed to be fed and clothed) Many begin as humans, like some roman emperors: linked to the state. Civic festivals were the same as religious festivals: focus on present life vs. afterlife. Afterlife not at the center of many religions. Focus on improving the quality of life: worship (the correct observation of ritual) Rituals (prayer, processions and festivals) might get the gods to help you, but they are also very fickle.
