Greek vs. Jewish ways of thinking?

Question

How much do you know about the difference? And is a materialistic worldview genuinely valid if we're essentially indoctrinated into following a certain way of thinking? Surely it's no different than someone who is indoctrinated into any given religion.

Would be really grateful for your thoughts because words like "logic" and "reason" are bandied about relentlessly nowadays so this is something am pondering a lot at the moment :o) Thanks.

Answer 1

If you're equating Greek thinking with logic and reason, then you're focusing on philosophy. And of course that will be different from religion.



Part of what you're probably noticing is the part of Greek philosophy which elevates 'mind' far above anything physical. (Later incorporated into various Helllenic-influenced religions throughout the Roman Empire, including Christianity.) Judaism really doesn't do that; it doesn't fit with Jewish monotheism, which is far more all-encompassing than a straightforward belief in just one deity.



Mind-body dualism is still so prevalent in the Anglophonic cultures that we accept it as if it were accurate and true. Amongst those who would integrate the two, there's a lot of fluff and silliness, but the basic idea is sound. Judaism has been working on it for over 3500 years, in all that time we've figured a few things out.

Answer 2

I am bringing in one more context here. King Janaka is said to be famous King in Mithila. He had a dream in which he saw himself as a beggar going on begging. When he woke up, he started thinking whether this is right or that is right ? Something like the logic of religion where he himself is portrayed as a beggar or as per reason, he himself as a King is truth ?



As usual to the spirit of Ancient Puranas told in the stories, the sage intervenes and puts in some more sparks. He asked the King, "What was there in the dream ie also here now, sameway, what was it that in the dream ie still here ?".



The King started thinking slightly in a perplexed fashion and the sage answered, "You were there in the dream and also here now too."



And the sage asked smilingly again, "So what could be the Truth ?"



Perhaps at that time King Janka might not have asked the particular Sage regarding a dreamless sleep. Maybe it was left to the turn of Sage Ashtavakra later.

Answer 3

Hi.



I used to make sharp distinctions between ancient Hebrew and Greek thinking. I especially appreciate your open-minded contextualization of reason vis a vis logic - the nature and types of reason are a fascinating topic.



The biggest eye opener on Jewish versus Greek thinking styles was to read Edward Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, chapters 15 and 16. They are amazing, astonishing, remarkable pages. They reveal the moment of impact between Hebrew and Greek thinking - when Christianity hit Rome - and put you in the head and eyes of the pagan seeing the obxonious new cult entering town.



I recommend you read the to see what I mean - they have more of the answer than anything else I can say.



Is it too much to say that the Greeks invented reason? Only if we also say that the Jews invented faith. But more than that we can't say.



Regarding Jewish thinking, the wisdom literature of the bible is still the best primary source for that. Long reflection and rereading would amply reward one in this area!

Answer 4

One only needs to take a single sociology course in college, to know that public education attempts to socially program it's students. However the difference lays within the location, because each society wants it's citizens to think and feel a certain way.

Answer 5

Well, they both stole a lot of things and named it as their own.

Both these nations pay a lot of money to promote their lies through the media. And it's quite amazing how many other nations fall for it.

So when you think about it, they are the same sh*t from a different toilet.