The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind Eastern Origins and Biblical Clash: The West’s Roots in the Ancient Near East
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Sep 24, 2024 Dive into the fascinating roots of civilization as the discussion explores the ancient kingdoms of the Near East. Discover how the Code of Hammurabi propelled societal progress while revealing its critical flaws. Compare its legal principles with those found in the Hebrew Bible, showcasing profound differences in how each values human life. The exploration also highlights the contrasting moral frameworks between Babylonian and Jewish laws, shedding light on class disparities and their impact on social justice.
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Abraham's Radical Mission
- Abraham was commanded to leave Mesopotamia to establish a people with values opposing the entrenched class system.
- The Torah insisted on equal dignity and justice for every individual, unlike the prevailing legal systems.
Hammurabi's Legal Innovations
- The Code of Hammurabi introduced trials with judges and sought truth via witnesses and oaths.
- It marked a shift from personal revenge to structured law with somewhat equal court access, though flawed by class distinctions.
Class-Based Justice vs Equality
- Hammurabi's code enshrined rigid class-based justice where aristocrats received lighter penalties.
- The Torah opposed this, promoting one uniform law treating rich and poor equally.