Thomas Cahill argues that the Jews greatly affected Western society. Although the Jews are small in number, their contributions affect the way all people - both Jewish and non-Jewish behave. Firstly, Judaism introduced the concept of democracy to the world. In the book of Shmot, when G-d defeats the demi-god Pharoah, He proves no political figure can be a god. Furthermore, the 10 plagues are a direct attack against Egyptian gods: the transformation of the Nile river into blood an affront to the Nile-god, while the impenetrable darkness offended Ancient Egypt’s central god, the Sun-god (Ra). Absolute rulers may continue to exist and be accepted by their subjects, but Judaism took the first step in rejecting religious figures as politicians.
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A day’s rest from creative work allows the human mind to reflect and recuperate, allowing them to be much more productive and creative workers the other six days. In fact, studies have shown those who schedule rest time for themselves to be much more productive than those who work around the clock. Even science proves a day of rest to be for everyone - not only Jews. In fact, as preposterous as it sounds, Judaism even made way for modern science. Many feel religion and science cannot coexist, yet, Judaism only affirms science’s validity. The Sh’ma says: “G-d is one”. How could multiple - or no - beings have successfully created or controlled the universe? Multiple gods would come into too much conflict to sustain life, while logically, it makes little sense for the universe to have been created from nothing. Monotheism solves both problems, proving only one G-d can create a balanced universe. If only one being - with one motivation - created everything, it is much easier to understand how science’s laws intersect. Monotheists, atheists, and pagans alike have all been strongly influenced by Judaism’s effect on modern politics, productivity, and
A day’s rest from creative work allows the human mind to reflect and recuperate, allowing them to be much more productive and creative workers the other six days. In fact, studies have shown those who schedule rest time for themselves to be much more productive than those who work around the clock. Even science proves a day of rest to be for everyone - not only Jews. In fact, as preposterous as it sounds, Judaism even made way for modern science. Many feel religion and science cannot coexist, yet, Judaism only affirms science’s validity. The Sh’ma says: “G-d is one”. How could multiple - or no - beings have successfully created or controlled the universe? Multiple gods would come into too much conflict to sustain life, while logically, it makes little sense for the universe to have been created from nothing. Monotheism solves both problems, proving only one G-d can create a balanced universe. If only one being - with one motivation - created everything, it is much easier to understand how science’s laws intersect. Monotheists, atheists, and pagans alike have all been strongly influenced by Judaism’s effect on modern politics, productivity, and