Why do some Republicans say Judeo Christian tradition is the foundation for Western civilization?

Question

Is this a "political myth"?

Answer 1

i'm not sure i'd call it a myth exactly. but it is somewhat an incomplete assessment.

for example many would cite the 10 commandments as the basis for our laws, however, when one actually takes the time to learn what they read they quickly come to realize that the 10 commandments are based almost word for word on the code of hammurabi who in turn simply put into writing that which existed for eons prior to his reign.

democratic republics are clearly not a judeo-christian concept. in fact monarchies, theocracies, and oligarchies were the norm throughout the hebrew history. republics are unarguably a concept handed to us by the greeks and romans (or if you prefer pagans).

even our social institutions (e.g., schools, universities, welfare systems, museums, court systems, etc) all come from either the greek or roman empires (and with a distinct eastern influence when it comes to institutions of learning).

in fact other than houses of worship and some of the more "traditional" holidays, there is little present in western culture that can be traced uniquely to anything judeo-christian in origin.

but that's likely because the "judeo-christian" tradition isn't unique in and of itself. monotheism existed prior to judaism and the idea of a self-sacraficing diety is hardly unique to christianity. these facts however do not necessarily belittle the mythos of the jews or christians. in fact quite the contrary the fact that these stories predate any exitsing religion and persist to this day lends credibility to their origin or at the very least to their foundations.

Answer 2

Judeo Christian beliefs and traditions have dominated western politics for over a thousands years. To dispute that fact you'd have to 1) have an agenda and 2) have little to no understanding of Judeo-Christian beliefs.

For instance one of the most sacred Judeo-Christian belief is that Human beings have dignity as they are made in the image of God. It's the foundation for all the rights you have in this country.

Answer 3

Much of our thought on the importance of the individual comes from Christian faith with its stress on your individual soul. In China with confucism or Japan with Shintoism or even India with Hinduism there is a greater stress on harmony and staying within the class you were born into. The individual is part of a greater human chain and individuality is looked down upon because it could disturb the natural order of things.

Of course the Republicans have it wrong when it comes to our governing traditions. Many of those are based on ancient Greeks or the Roman Republic, which occurred long before Christ walked the earth.

Answer 4

Its not only Republicans, it is Christians of all political backgrounds. However you are correct, it is a myth. The foundation of all Western civilization was rooted in the Roman and Greek civilizations. Christianity was a part, but not the "foundation" of Western Civ.

Answer 5

Yes it is a myth... there are so many other religions in Western Civilization

Answer 6

while many of the first settlers were Protestant.... many of the founding fathers were actually Deist. Our nation was founded on Morality by people who believed that no matter the name you called God by.. or by no name at all..... so long as you followed in what was considered "Moral" you can worship as you wish.

Predating the US.. our society was actually based on the Greek city states and their republics.. they would have been considered pagan by judeo Christians.

Answer 7

Put it under and myth category you wish. We always hear about freedom of religion in this country. What I think the founding fathers had more in mind was, freedom from religion. A person's right to believe what they wanted and that includes not following any religion. The founding fathers knew what had been done in the name of religion in the past and saw first hand for themselves in England, an oppressive entity with way too much power. Capitalism would be more accurate of what founded American civilization, Europe is a different animal completely.

Answer 8

because after the fall of the great roman empire there was a political void and the catholic church stepped in and filled that void. they gave order and structure and authored the worst 1,000 years of human history, the dark ages. some consider the catholics to actually BE christian hence the connection.

Answer 9

Think about it - Europe was some form of Jewish or Christian for centuries, and those who founded America were Jewish or Christian. Look at your money - it even references God. No myth.

Answer 10

duhhh only republicants say that? most historians say that....it's a fact...the laws we live under came from the 10 commandments..not the pagan worship a tree commandments....get a clue.