Theological Essay: The Effect of Hellenism on Judaism ③

6) “Hellification” as a matter of philosophy, religion, literature and language excluding Judaism

The problem of “Hellification” in the Hellenistic period had very strong political elements, as well as philosophical, literary, and religious elements. The Greeks tried to make Epicurus a philosopher of “true Hellenism” by comparing it to the universalist Stoic philosophy. However, Stoa's global citizenship eventually became more influential as the time passed. This is because the World Citizenship fits well with the needs of the Hellenistic monarchs, that is, the need to continually integrate people of various faces.

The interest in universal religion grew stronger as the Hellenistic monarchs collapsed. Dionysus was the most important Greek god outside Greece at the time. It spread to Asia through art and literature. Ptolemy IV was an admirer of this religion. He has also long been associated with the Jewish gods of Jerusalem along with all the ancient gods. Greek-speaking Judaism saw this as a dangerous rival, and in the 70s, writers tried to interpret the Canaanite priests they hated with a concept derived from Dionysus religion.

From B.C. 2C, attempts have been made to combine the two cultures, which can be seen in the literature of Judaism and Hellenism, or the reformation of Jerusalem. It wasn't until the Roman era that the actual completion of “comprehension” was reached. There were social barriers to Greekization in B.C. 4C and 3C, but by the time of B.C. 2C and the century it began to ease.

A new era of spirit appeared in Hebrew wisdom literature, and it was found to be directly influenced by Greek thought. This idea is, above all, a controversial book of Ecclesiastes, which seems to have been formed under the influence of Greek philosophy in Jerusalem under the rule of B.C. The prosperity of apocalyptic Judaism spread rapidly from the B.C. 2C to the diaspora world and continued in parallel with the reformation of revelation religion in the Hellenistic world [4].

The first and most important advance for Greekization was for individuals to overcome language barriers and master the Greek language perfectly. The final foundation for the Hellenistic culture was not a political power that had to split and struggle with each other, but a common language. Thus, the Greeks did not see the end of the “barbarian” Romans and the Parthians after the victory over the Hellenistic monarchy, but rather remained and saw its completion under the protection of Roman peace.

3. Judaism became the midwife of Christianity

Judaism was formed, but eventually the nation of Israel was destroyed and scattered around the world. How should we interpret this? The first question raised here is to return to the question, "Why did God allow Judaism until the 400-year period of silence?"

Judaism, which was outlined in the return to captivity, was formed and developed while resisting Hellenism on the one hand and fusion on the other. The doctrine was formed, developed, and divided into sects according to how the Jews lived in the Greek Empire and accepted Hellenism. However, the formation of this sect was not a separate philosophy or religion, but a divergence of factions in Judaism, and those who tried to stick to the law, except in special cases of apostates or no interest at all. Although some of the Sadducees had an inner heart, they all had apocalyptic ambitions and nationalist enthusiasm. The difference between each sect was only how to interpret the law, how much to emphasize the eschatology, and how the future hopes of the nation, including the Messiah, were fulfilled.

Judaism did not save the community of law by eschatological salvation. The Sadducees were turned away in pursuit of secularized pro-hellenism, and the militarism of the Esensane or Zealot was not the answer. Because of this, the nation was ruined, and the end they expected was not coming. Therefore, the only thing that really survived Judaism is the Pharisee's normative Judaism, the law. This, of course, does not mean legalism. In this way, the Old Testament's hopes remain unfulfilled. They simply wait indefinitely for the “king of the Jews” while keeping the law. However, when they accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, a great reversal occurred. Most Jews remain on the border of Judaism, but there are saved Jews who continue to turn to Christianity since then. Also, Jews still in Judaism may have hope.

Christianity is still beyond the influence of Judaism, not only in the Old Testament, but also through other Hebrew writings. Judaism was a failed religion in its own right, but it was a midwife and continued after-care in that it made a decisive contribution to the birth of Christianity. As a result, the Old Testament was a failed redemption history for the Jews, but for our believers who believe in the Savior, the failed redemption history is “a redemption history that has already been accomplished in Christ.” The apostle Paul teaches the salvation of faith in place of the law in various parts of the New Testament, including Romans and Galatians. For believers who accepted Christ Jesus as Savior, such as Peter's confession (Matthew 16:16 “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”) This is given. Amen.

 

[4] Martin Hengel, New and Old Testament History, Im Jin-suk, 118

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