Religious Studies Paper on Religion in Greco Roman
There is a problem with which is the most suitable book to start reading in the New Testament. However, the book of Mathew is the first book in the New Testament –It is arguably precise, to begin with, the book of 1st Thessalonians or rather starts with books written by Paul when studying the New Testament in the bible. During Paul’s life, many Christians followed, learned and some wrote about Christ. To enhance our understanding of Christ then, we will have to refer to relatively earlier writings. To understand what happened in the past, it must be relatively contrasted with what the audience knows before it is taught.
Significant Birthday
Angels approached the mother of a yet to be born child and made her aware that before the birth of the superior being. The child grew up with excellent knowledge of religion as an adult, the child engaged in teachings of the gospel. He brought good news and cautioned against worry of material wealth but eternal life. He taught how people should forgo their individual concerns and follow him in preaching the Gospel. He had disciples who helped him spread the gospel.
He was reportedly able to cure illnesses and perform miracles. Even though he was all good, not everyone loved him he faced opposition, and he was set on trial and crucified. He died and resurrected in three days, and later others argue he bodily ascended to heaven while others said he appeared to them. His followers, called Christians, spread the news of his miracles and resurrection. A story similar to this one is attached to the life of Apollonius of Tyana, a worshipper of the Roman gods, news of his birth resembled that of Christ, his miracles, he had followers, disciples and resurrection too
Intact this two are not the only ones on Greco-Roman history associated with supernatural power
Greco-Roman Religions
In the ancient religion in Roman Empire, there existed no international or national religious organizations which appointed or elected leaders without knowledge of local cults many people didn’t firmly hold on to life after death, and the thus majority were not o religious (Reinhold, 213).
Polytheism versus monotheism
In the past the belief that there existed only one God was not so much upheld with the majority of the people believing in many gods in charge of various day to day functions, seasons, occurrences, and activities. The belief in many gods traces back to the Greco-roman period. The gods would be decentralized to the One God, The great Gods, local gods, demigods heroes immortals and the last category that of humans
Present life versus afterlife
Today majority of the population are motivated by the promise of life after death. They want for eternal life, and the deeds they do are aimed at equipping them with an everlasting life afterward. In the ancient life, there was no guarantee of life after death, though history has all proof that some people believed in life after death, the majority did not (Donald, 122).
Cultic acts versus doctrines
In the ancient world, people cared most about how much they cared for their Gods and not the doctrines. The gods communicated through various individuals in society and the gods accepted and rejected offerings.Church and ruling governments were also incorporated unlike nowadays where everyone has freedom of worship.
Work Cited
Reinhold Merkelbach. Mystery Religion: Greco-Roman Religion. Encyclopedia Britannica Inc. 2017. Pg. 213
Donald L. Wasson. Roman Religion. Ancient History Encyclopedia. 2013. Pg. 122