The way in which we choose to live will be affected by whether we live with Greek outlook or a Jewish one. Together, we’ll discover answers to the following questions:

1. According to the pagan mentality, why do people suffer? What does the Bible say about suffering?
2. How did the pagans define good and evil and how does that impact the ways in which they conducted their lives?
3. How does the Greek notion of tragedy give rise to the idea that man should take responsibility for his own life?

Recommended Reading: D’Aulaire, Ingri & D’Aulaire, Edgar. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. New York: Delacorte, 1992.

The concept of sacrifice is one that differs sharply from the pagan to the covenantal setting. Today, Rabbi Rocklin will address the following questions:

1. How does the cult of Dionysus uniquely position Greece—and eventually Rome—to be open to the notion of the covenant?
2. What is the difference between the Jewish and Greek aversion to human sacrifice?
3. Why must the Greek gods follow through on all prophecies in contrast to the God of Bible who can be persuaded to change his mind?

Recommended Reading: D’Aulaire, Ingri & D’Aulaire, Edgar. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. New York: Delacorte, 1992.

The difference between the Jewish and Greek worldviews come into even sharper focus with a careful study of the ancient Greek myths. Together, we’ll explore the following the questions:

1. Why do shepherds feature so prominently in both Jewish and Greek hero-figures?
2. How do the Jews and the Greeks differ in the way they relate to the animating spirits of the world?
3. What is the difference between the Greek notion that man was created in the shape of the gods and the Jewish perception that man was created “in the image of God”?

Recommended Reading: D’Aulaire, Ingri & D’Aulaire, Edgar. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. New York: Delacorte, 1992.