by Lewis Loflin
Zoroastrianism (c. 1200 BCE), likely the oldest revealed faith, shaped Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (*Boyce*). Muslim persecution slashed its numbers in Iran/Pakistan (*Frye*). My note: Reason mourns—history’s brutal.
This archive debunks claims Jesus echoes Buddha, Zoroaster, or Mithra—historical bunk (*Beck*). No Christian agenda here, just skepticism. Use your God-given reason. My note: Deism cuts myth—facts rule.
Definitions:
Hellenism: Greek-Middle Eastern hybrid post-Alexander (330 BCE), outlasting his empire (*Hengel*). —Rabbi Ken Spiro. See Syncretism. My note: Reason tracks culture, not gods.
Apocalyptic Literature: 165 BCE–120 CE, Jewish/Christian, promising divine rescue, resurrection, judgment (*Charles*). My note: Reason sees hope, not prophecy.
Apocrypha: 14 Septuagint books (c. 250 BCE), not Hebrew canon; Second Temple thought (*Tov*). My note: Reason values context—texts evolve.
Aramaic: Northwest Semitic, 8th century BCE–early CE; Daniel, Ezra, Talmud; Near East lingua franca (*Fitzmyer*). My note: Reason digs language—key to history.
Babylonian Exile: 586 BCE, Judah falls; synagogue, canon born; Cyrus frees Jews 538 BCE (*Ezra 1*). My note: Reason notes resilience—faith adapts.
Diaspora: Jewish settlements beyond Israel, post-6th century BCE; many stayed (*Josephus*). My note: Reason sees spread—people move.
Essenes: Hasmonean sect (150 BCE–70 CE), ascetic, apocalyptic (*Vermes*). My note: Reason spots variety—belief diversifies.
Pharisees: Post-165 BCE, Written + Oral Law; root of rabbinic Judaism (*Neusner*). My note: Reason respects tradition—living law.
Sadducees: Hasmonean elite, Written Law only, no Oral (*Jewish Encyclopedia*). My note: Reason contrasts—rigidity vs. growth.
