P.G. Walsh (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- February 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780856687594
- eISBN:
- 9781800342996
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9780856687594.003.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This chapter introduces Augustine's Books III and IV of The City of God. It discusses how Augustine countered ideas that gods must be worshipped in order to ensure prosperity in the present life and ...
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This chapter introduces Augustine's Books III and IV of The City of God. It discusses how Augustine countered ideas that gods must be worshipped in order to ensure prosperity in the present life and criticized beliefs that the hindrance of prosperity is hostile to the Christian name. It also looks at Augustine's books that refute claims on the preservation of earthly life and temporal happiness in human affairs. The chapter analyzes the significance of the recent fall of Rome to the Goths due to the imperial proscription of pagan ritual and the destruction of pagan temples. It examines how Augustine offers guidance to his Christian flock, who had suffered harsh tribulations, by reminding them that their true happiness lay not in the blessedness of the world to come.Less
This chapter introduces Augustine's Books III and IV of The City of God. It discusses how Augustine countered ideas that gods must be worshipped in order to ensure prosperity in the present life and criticized beliefs that the hindrance of prosperity is hostile to the Christian name. It also looks at Augustine's books that refute claims on the preservation of earthly life and temporal happiness in human affairs. The chapter analyzes the significance of the recent fall of Rome to the Goths due to the imperial proscription of pagan ritual and the destruction of pagan temples. It examines how Augustine offers guidance to his Christian flock, who had suffered harsh tribulations, by reminding them that their true happiness lay not in the blessedness of the world to come.
David Novak
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- February 2021
- ISBN:
- 9781906764074
- eISBN:
- 9781800340527
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9781906764074.003.0009
- Subject:
- Religion, Judaism
This chapter assesses the prohibition against tearing a limb from a living animal, which is explicit in Scripture, and the only one of the seven Noahide laws to be found immediately in the Torah. ...
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This chapter assesses the prohibition against tearing a limb from a living animal, which is explicit in Scripture, and the only one of the seven Noahide laws to be found immediately in the Torah. According to the rabbis, tearing a limb from a living animal was part of ancient pagan religious ritual, and thus was a species of idolatry. Clearly, such a practice was to be avoided by Israelites. At first view, this law appears limited in scope, but the chapter argues that it has implications for Jewish–gentile relations extending beyond the immediate purpose of the law. The chapter then demonstrates how Noahide law has directed some innovations within rabbinic law, namely, in reducing double standards in laws that pertain to both Jews and non-Jews. The law of the torn limb also introduces the question of nature in Jewish thought.Less
This chapter assesses the prohibition against tearing a limb from a living animal, which is explicit in Scripture, and the only one of the seven Noahide laws to be found immediately in the Torah. According to the rabbis, tearing a limb from a living animal was part of ancient pagan religious ritual, and thus was a species of idolatry. Clearly, such a practice was to be avoided by Israelites. At first view, this law appears limited in scope, but the chapter argues that it has implications for Jewish–gentile relations extending beyond the immediate purpose of the law. The chapter then demonstrates how Noahide law has directed some innovations within rabbinic law, namely, in reducing double standards in laws that pertain to both Jews and non-Jews. The law of the torn limb also introduces the question of nature in Jewish thought.
