Civilization was greatly enhanced by five major contributions from the Hebrew culture: monotheism, cultic worship ceremonies, the principles of the Torah, the idea of history and morality. These core beliefs provided the Hebrews with a self-contained culture that was unchanged by outside influences and provided for its longevity. The Hebrews were monotheistic. They believed in one God as opposed to the polytheistic belief systems of other near eastern societies. Two of the religious ceremonies of the ancient Hebrews could be considered cultish. The first would be the circumcision requirement for male babies. The second would be the sacrificing of animals so as to receive God’s forgiveness. One of the covenants of this religion stated
