Should we speak about ancient “Judaism” in the singular or of ancient “Judaisms” in the plural? Given the huge diversities among Jews in antiquity, in their beliefs and practices, from the philosopher and exegete Philo of Alexandria, to the sectarian and puritanical Teacher of Righteousness at Qumran, to the apostle Paul himself, is “Judaism” so broad as to be meaningless? And that is without even exploring whether “Judaism” is a religious, ethnic, social, or geographical marker. Was ancient Judaism so diverse that we cannot really use a singular noun to describe the religious practices of ancient Jews/Judeans?
Good post. Would it be fair to say there were competing sects/denominations within Second Temple Judaism, but still recognize that Judaism was one religion? S. Sandmel has noted that there were “Judaisms” in the first century, but no one “Judaism,” and early Christianity was “a Judaism”. S. Sandmel, Judaism and Christian Beginnings (New York: Oxford University Press, 1978) 4. but this approach can run the risk of becoming overly atomizing. J. Dunn speaks of “a common and unifying core for second Temple Judaism” J. Dunn, The Parting of the Ways (London: SCM Press, 1991) 18. The majority of Jews did not belong to any sect, but held to the basics. They were also recognized by the sects as their pool of potential converts. Everyone knew the difference between a Jew and a Gentile, even as different sects like to view themselves as the "true Israel."
Thanks for this short blog on this subject. Can you share with us your personal reason (s) to use Judaism instead of Judaisms in reference to the Jewish religion of the Second Temple era? Thanks
Good post. Would it be fair to say there were competing sects/denominations within Second Temple Judaism, but still recognize that Judaism was one religion? S. Sandmel has noted that there were “Judaisms” in the first century, but no one “Judaism,” and early Christianity was “a Judaism”. S. Sandmel, Judaism and Christian Beginnings (New York: Oxford University Press, 1978) 4. but this approach can run the risk of becoming overly atomizing. J. Dunn speaks of “a common and unifying core for second Temple Judaism” J. Dunn, The Parting of the Ways (London: SCM Press, 1991) 18. The majority of Jews did not belong to any sect, but held to the basics. They were also recognized by the sects as their pool of potential converts. Everyone knew the difference between a Jew and a Gentile, even as different sects like to view themselves as the "true Israel."
I think we may well have to consider whether we should also refer to "Christianity" or "Christianities" in the 21st century.
Thanks for this short blog on this subject. Can you share with us your personal reason (s) to use Judaism instead of Judaisms in reference to the Jewish religion of the Second Temple era? Thanks