The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind Thucydides: The History of the Peloponnesian Wars
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Dec 10, 2024 Explore Thucydides' unique historical methodology and his departure from myth-based storytelling. Delve into the contrasting cultural priorities of Athenian boldness versus Jewish family loyalty. Reflect on the fickleness of Athenian democracy and moral dilemmas during wartime, uncovering the complexities of civic duty. The discussion highlights the consequences of democratic ideals and the influential sway of leaders amidst crises. Lastly, examine the fundamental differences between republicanism and democracy in Greek and Roman thought.
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Athens: Bold, Restless, Polis-Centered
- Thucydides describes Athenians as bold, innovative, and dedicated to the polis above personal ties.
- Their restless pursuit of excellence and risk-taking distinguished Greek civic identity.
Greek Polis Vs Jewish Covenant
- Alan Bloom argues Greeks prioritized loyalty to the polis while Jews prioritized family and covenantal loyalty to God.
- That difference made Jewish acceptance of Greek political devotion problematic.
Rest Reflects Competing Worldviews
- Greeks valorized continual work and progress without a Sabbath rhythm, seeing rest as wasteful.
- Jews saw regular rest as a covenantal affirmation that work participates with God's creation.
