Gospels

Compare and contrast the religious, political, and social views of the Samaritans, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes

The Samaritans were a sect largely opposed to mainstream Judaism, hence Jesus' use of a Samaritan as an example of someone who was surprisingly compassionate, despite being of an ostracized sect; the Pharisees were the priestly, institutionalized ruling class; the Sadducees emphasized the rule of the Torah, versus the oral law endorsed by the Pharisees; the Essenes were a mystical sect largely credited with bringing forth many of the ideas reflected in the gospels.

Describe some features of Greco-Roman religion. In what ways did religion function differently than it does for people today?

Greco-Roman religion was a social construct: it meant honoring the gods of the city through sacrifices and public rituals. Religion was linked to the state's leaders and social institutions rather than something that satisfied personal, religious needs. However, separate 'cult'...
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