Christian Heritage Ch 1

Who was the patriarch through whom God established His covenant with the Hebrew people?

Abraham.

What covenant sign did God require of Abraham's descendants?

Circumcision.

Approximately when did Abraham live?

Around 2000 BCE.

Who led the Israelites out of Egypt?

Moses.

Approximately when did the Exodus occur according to the book's timeline?

Around 1500 BCE.

Who conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 720 BCE?

The Assyrians.

Who destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BCE?

King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians.

When was the Second Temple completed?

515 BCE.

Who conquered the Persian Empire and brought Greek influence to Judea?

Alexander the Great.

What was the significance of Alexander's conquest for Christian thought?

It spread Greek language and philosophy

What was the Maccabean Revolt?

A Jewish revolt against Seleucid rule that rededicated the Temple and established the Hasmonean dynasty.

What Jewish holiday commemorates the rededication of the Temple after the Maccabean Revolt?

Hanukkah.

What are the three major Hebrew ideas that shaped Christian thought?

Monotheism

What did Greek philosophy contribute most to early Christian theology?

Rational inquiry

What is the Logos in Greek philosophy and later Christian theology?

Reason or Word; later identified with Christ in Christian theology.

Who was Philo of Alexandria?

A Jewish philosopher who combined Greek philosophy with Judaism and influenced early Christian theology.

What Roman idea later became important in Christian ethics?

Natural law.

Why were Roman roads important for Christianity?

They enabled rapid travel and communication

Who ruled Judea at the time of Jesus' ministry?

The Roman Empire through local rulers including Pontius Pilate

What language became the common language of the early Christian movement?

Greek (the lingua franca of the eastern Roman Empire).