Understanding Sin and Evil #2 - Cain and Abel: An Oracle of Sin

Understanding Sin and Evil #1: The Origin of Sin that Wasn’t

And we’re back! I appreciate the many of you who reached out. I will be posting more of our discussion series on the Dead Sea Scrolls and Second Temple literature, as well as some podcast-only talks focusing on issues like the history of evil and the forming of the biblical canon. In this episode, join our lively discussion on Enoch and the Book of the Watchers! What biblical texts lie behind the Book of the Watchers?What was the sin of the Watchers? (Hint: it’s more complicated than you think.)How did Jews of the Second Temple period use this story to explain the Flood and the origin of all evil?What does the Book of the Watchers say about the origin of evil and the consequences of sin!Bonus question: What does all this have to do with Camille Pissaro? I look forward to your comments. Please download the source sheet to follow along! Glossary:Gemara = TalmudTanakh = Hebrew Bible Also, a note added after recording – in the Book of the Watchers 8:1, the Greek Syncellus manuscript adds a sentence at the end of the verse: “And the sons of men made (these things) for themselves and their wives, and they transgressed and led astray the holy ones.” This reading reflects a tradition in which knowledge is transmitted by Asael before the Watchers’ sin. This knowledge is then used by women to seduce the Watchers.  The post Dead Sea Scrolls &amp; 2nd Temple Literature #3: Enoch – The Book of the Watchers appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

And we’re back! I appreciate the many of you who reached out. I will be posting more of our discussion series on the Dead Sea Scrolls and Second Temple literature, as well as some podcast-only talks focusing on issues like the history of evil and the forming of the biblical canon. In this episode, join our lively discussion on Enoch and the Book of the Watchers! <ul><li>What biblical texts lie behind the Book of the Watchers?</li><li>What was the sin of the Watchers? (Hint: it’s more complicated than you think.)</li><li>How did Jews of the Second Temple period use this story to explain the Flood and the origin of all evil?</li><li>What does the Book of the Watchers say about the origin of evil and the consequences of sin!</li><li>Bonus question: What does all this have to do with Camille Pissaro?</li></ul> I look forward to your comments. Please<a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Enoch-Book-of-the-Watchers-sources.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> download the source sheet</a> to follow along! Glossary: Gemara = Talmud Tanakh = Hebrew Bible Also, a note added after recording – in the Book of the Watchers 8:1, the Greek Syncellus manuscript adds a sentence at the end of the verse: “And the sons of men made (these things) for themselves and their wives, and they transgressed and led astray the holy ones.” This reading reflects a tradition in which knowledge is transmitted by Asael before the Watchers’ sin. This knowledge is then used by women to seduce the Watchers. The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2020/07/enoch-the-book-of-the-watchers-second-temple-literature/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dead Sea Scrolls &amp; 2nd Temple Literature #3: Enoch – The Book of the Watchers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Enoch: Book of the Watchers (Dead Sea Scrolls and Second Temple Literature #3)

Join us for a discussion of the Book of Jubilees, a prime example of “Rewritten Bible.” Why would an author in antiquity want to believe in demons roaming with God’s permission?How did writers in the Second Temple period attempt to “fix” the biblical text?What biblical topics became a theological problem for Jews of this period? Listen and find out!  You can download the source sheets here.   The post Dead Sea Scrolls &amp; 2nd Temple Literature #2: The Book of Jubilees appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

Join us for a discussion of the Book of Jubilees, a prime example of “Rewritten Bible.” <ul><li>Why would an author in antiquity want to believe in demons roaming with God’s permission?</li><li>How did writers in the Second Temple period attempt to “fix” the biblical text?</li><li>What biblical topics became a theological problem for Jews of this period?</li></ul> Listen and find out! <a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Jubilees-class-handout-Miryam-Brand.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">You can download the source sheets here.</a> <a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Jubilees-class-handout-Miryam-Brand.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank"></a> The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2019/03/dead-sea-scrolls-second-temple-literature-2-jubilees-rewritten-bible/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dead Sea Scrolls &amp; 2nd Temple Literature #2: The Book of Jubilees</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Dead Sea Scrolls & 2nd Temple Literature #2: The Book of Jubilees

Trei Asar

Welcome to yet another new series! This class in Hebrew Bible will alternate with the Second Temple literature series. This introductory class will give you a quick overview of what makes the Twelve Minor Prophets — also known as Trei Asar — special.  What is exceptional about the “span” of these prophets?Why are they grouped together?What are their unique ideas?Why are they so central for biblical prophecy? As the class continues, we will learn each of these books in turn.  Please note: the sound quality in this talk is not the best. It will improve in future lectures. Download the source sheets here: Order of the Minor ProphetsTimeline of the Prophetic Books Chazal on Trei Asar – Minor Prophets  The post Minor Prophets #1: Introduction to Minor Prophets – Trei Asar appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

Welcome to yet another new series! This class in Hebrew Bible will alternate with the Second Temple literature series. This introductory class will give you a quick overview of what makes the Twelve Minor Prophets — also known as Trei Asar — special. <ul><li>What is exceptional about the “span” of these prophets?</li><li>Why are they grouped together?</li><li>What are their unique ideas?</li><li>Why are they so central for biblical prophecy?</li></ul> As the class continues, we will learn each of these books in turn. Please note: the sound quality in this talk is not the best. It will improve in future lectures. Download the source sheets here: <ul><li><a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Order-of-the-Minor-Prophets.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Order of the Minor Prophets</a></li><li><a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Timeline-for-Prophetic-Books.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Timeline of the Prophetic Books</a> </li><li><a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Chazal-on-Trei-Asar-Minor-Prophets.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chazal on Trei Asar – Minor Prophets</a> </li></ul> The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2019/03/minor-prophets-1-introduction-to-trei-asar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Minor Prophets #1: Introduction to Minor Prophets – Trei Asar</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Minor Prophets #1: Introduction to Minor Prophets – Trei Asar

Welcome to the beginning of a new lecture series: an overview of Jewish texts of the Second Temple period and the Dead Sea Scrolls. In this first, introductory class, we explore what makes these texts special and why we should learn them. Join us as we discuss the different collections of Jewish works from this period and touch on a wide range of important books, including Judith, Tobit, the books of the Maccabees, 1 Enoch, Jubilees and 4 Ezra. I hope that this talk whets your appetite for the series to come!  Download the class handout here.    The post Dead Sea Scrolls and Second Temple Literature #1: Introduction appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

Welcome to the beginning of a new lecture series: an overview of Jewish texts of the Second Temple period and the Dead Sea Scrolls. In this first, introductory class, we explore what makes these texts special and why we should learn them. Join us as we discuss the different collections of Jewish works from this period and touch on a wide range of important books, including Judith, Tobit, the books of the Maccabees, 1 Enoch, Jubilees and 4 Ezra. I hope that this talk whets your appetite for the series to come! <a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Second-Temple-Literature-and-Dead-Sea-Scrolls-introduction-handout.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Download the class handout here.</a> The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2019/03/dead-sea-scrolls-and-second-temple-literature-1-introduction/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dead Sea Scrolls and Second Temple Literature #1: Introduction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Dead Sea Scrolls and Second Temple Literature #1: Introduction

In this class, we discuss the ultimate example of collective punishment gone horribly, horribly wrong: the Concubine of Gibeah, known in Hebrew as Pilegesh BaGive’ah. This story closes the book of Judges (chapters 19-21), and for good reason. Join us as we discover its “Twilight Zone”-style reality and explore the downward spiral begun by legitimate outrage. We will look at the story’s inherent contradictions, its puzzling portrayal of its “protagonists,” contrasts with the Saul story, and more!   The post #31: The Concubine of Gibeah – Pilegesh BaGive’ah appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this class, we discuss the ultimate example of collective punishment gone horribly, horribly wrong: the Concubine of Gibeah, known in Hebrew as Pilegesh BaGive’ah. This story closes the book of Judges (chapters 19-21), and for good reason. Join us as we discover its “Twilight Zone”-style reality and explore the downward spiral begun by legitimate outrage. We will look at the story’s inherent contradictions, its puzzling portrayal of its “protagonists,” contrasts with the Saul story, and more! The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2019/03/concubine-of-gibeah-pilegesh-bagiveah/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#31: The Concubine of Gibeah – Pilegesh BaGive’ah</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

#31: The Concubine of Gibeah – Pilegesh BaGive’ah

We’re back! Join us as we engage in a high-level discussion on the different views of collective and intergenerational punishment in the Bible. What does God and Abraham’s conversation on Sodom tell us about justice?How is the problematic nature of collective punishment portrayed in the Hebrew Bible?What problems does the concept of intergenerational punishment “solve” for its ancient audience?How do Ezekiel and Jeremiah differ in their attitude to the idea that punishment lasts over generations?What are the basic differences in the biblical attitude(s) toward collective and intergenerational punishment? I’m glad to be back with you! Please leave your questions or comments below.  The post #30: Collective and Intergenerational Punishment in the Bible – Review appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

We’re back! Join us as we engage in a high-level discussion on the different views of collective and intergenerational punishment in the Bible. <ul><li>What does God and Abraham’s conversation on Sodom tell us about justice?</li><li>How is the problematic nature of collective punishment portrayed in the Hebrew Bible?</li><li>What problems does the concept of intergenerational punishment “solve” for its ancient audience?</li><li>How do Ezekiel and Jeremiah differ in their attitude to the idea that punishment lasts over generations?</li><li>What are the basic differences in the biblical attitude(s) toward collective and intergenerational punishment?</li></ul> I’m glad to be back with you! Please leave your questions or comments below. The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2019/02/collective-and-intergenerational-punishment-in-the-bible/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#30: Collective and Intergenerational Punishment in the Bible – Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

#30: Collective and Intergenerational Punishment in the Bible – Review

This podcast is a continuation of the previous discussion on the shift of the biblical view and representation of intergenerational punishment. In this podcast, we delve into Ezekiel and his presentation of the “way things work”: there is no intergenerational punishment, and each individual is responsible for him or herself at every moment. Ezekiel is prophesying at the same time as Jeremiah, who presents the same negative attitude towards intergenerational punishment while still considering it a fact of everyday life. According to Jeremiah, it is only in the future age of redemption when intergenerational punishment will no longer exist. Why is there this shift towards individual responsibility, and why is it so important for Ezekiel’s audience? Listen to find out! The post #29: Ezekiel, Intergenerational Punishment &amp; Individual Responsibility appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

This podcast is a continuation of the previous discussion on <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2018/03/intergenerational-punishment-changing-worldviews-in-the-bible/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the shift of the biblical view and representation of intergenerational punishment</a>. In this podcast, we delve into Ezekiel and his presentation of the “way things work”: there is no intergenerational punishment, and each individual is responsible for him or herself at every moment. Ezekiel is prophesying at the same time as Jeremiah, who presents the same negative attitude towards intergenerational punishment while still considering it a fact of everyday life. According to Jeremiah, it is only in the future age of redemption when intergenerational punishment will no longer exist. Why is there this shift towards individual responsibility, and why is it so important for Ezekiel’s audience? Listen to find out! The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2018/07/ezekiel-intergenerational-punishment-individual-responsibility/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#29: Ezekiel, Intergenerational Punishment &amp; Individual Responsibility</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

#29: Ezekiel, Intergenerational Punishment & Individual Responsibility - Understanding Sin and Evil

In this episode we discuss the approach to divine intergenerational punishment (the punishment of a future generation for the sins of a past generation) in the Bible, such as in the “Divine Attributes” enumerated in Exodus, and how we can see a distinctive shift in the attitude toward intergenerational punishment in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Why did such a shift occur? What “problems” does the belief in intergenerational punishment solve, and why does the attitude toward this punishment change so drastically at the end of the First Temple period? Listen and post your questions and comments here!   The post #28: Intergenerational Punishment – Changing Worldviews in the Bible appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this episode we discuss the approach to divine intergenerational punishment (the punishment of a future generation for the sins of a past generation) in the Bible, such as in the “Divine Attributes” enumerated in Exodus, and how we can see a distinctive shift in the attitude toward intergenerational punishment in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Why did such a shift occur? What “problems” does the belief in intergenerational punishment solve, and why does the attitude toward this punishment change so drastically at the end of the First Temple period? Listen and post your questions and comments here! The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2018/07/intergenerational-punishment-changing-worldviews-in-the-bible/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#28: Intergenerational Punishment – Changing Worldviews in the Bible</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Intergenerational Punishment - Changing Worldviews in the Bible

Dr. Miryam Brand on Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Ancient World

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Miryam Brand

Understanding Sin and Evil

 Why is the War Scroll more “universal” than other Qumran texts? Why does the attitude of the Qumran Community toward outsiders “change” in the different Scrolls? And where does Belial come in?  Tune in to the conclusion of the “demonic” section of the podcast to hear the answers! Special thanks to my “unheard” guest questioner, Melissa Kantor. As always, please send me your comments below, and tune in next time when we finally discuss the evil inclination! The post #15: Demons at War: Belial in the War Scroll appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

<ol> <li>Why is the War Scroll more “universal” than other Qumran texts?</li> <li>Why does the attitude of the Qumran Community toward outsiders “change” in the different Scrolls?</li> <li>And where does Belial come in?</li> </ol> Tune in to the conclusion of the “demonic” section of the podcast to hear the answers! Special thanks to my “unheard” guest questioner, Melissa Kantor. As always, please send me your comments below, and tune in next time when we finally discuss the evil inclination! The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2017/03/demons-war-belial-war-scroll-qumran/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#15: Demons at War: Belial in the War Scroll</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Demons at War: Belial in the War Scroll

What was behind Antiochus’s decrees? Was Hanukkah really the end of the fight for independence? And what was the difference between Judean and Diaspora views of the Hanukkah story and the Hasmonean revolt? I  explored these questions through a talk  on the First and Second Books of the Maccabees – two books written in different languages, one in Judea and one in the Diaspora. And here is the recording! Be sure to download the source sheets. Keep in mind that this is an informal lecture, so you’ll hear discussion and some background noise. If you would like to read the entire books, I recommend the New English Translation of the Septuagint for 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees, available free online through the University of Pennsylvania NETS site, Clarification of some important points:  When I talked about the “Return to Zion” as a defining time period for the Hebrew Bible, I meant the entire period, not the very beginning of the return to Jerusalem following the Babylonian Exile. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi were considered the last true prophets, and Malachi speaks of a functioning Temple, so any book traditionally considered to date to the period of the Return to Zion up to the beginning of a functioning Second Temple could “make it in” to the Hebrew Bible. Second Maccabees has two defining dates: the Alexandrian work seems to have been finished shortly after the Battle of Nicanor in 161 BCE and was not long afterwards abridged by a Diaspora author who put his own stamp on the work. At that stage, 2 Maccabees explained the importance of the Day of Nicanor.  Afterwards, probably shortly after 142, the abridged version was repurposed by someone in Judah to “sell” Chanukah to the Diaspora. This is the person wrote the introductory letter and who inserted the story of Chanukah, i.e. the purification of the Temple, into 2 Maccabees. 1 Maccabees, on the other hand, could not have been written before the final event it records: the murder of Shimon and Yohanan Hyrkanus’ ascension to the throne in 134 BCE.  The post Behind the Scenes of the Hanukkah Story: The Books of the Maccabees appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

What was behind Antiochus’s decrees? Was Hanukkah really the end of the fight for independence? And what was the difference between Judean and Diaspora views of the Hanukkah story and the Hasmonean revolt? I  explored these questions through a talk  on the First and Second Books of the Maccabees – two books written in different languages, one in Judea and one in the Diaspora. And here is the recording! <a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Behind-the-Scenes-of-the-Hanukkah-Story-The-Books-of-the-Maccabees.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Be sure to download the source sheets.</a> Keep in mind that this is an informal lecture, so you’ll hear discussion and some background noise. If you would like to read the entire books, I recommend the New English Translation of the Septuagint for <a href="http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/nets/edition/20-1makk-nets.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">1 Maccabees</a> and <a href="http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/nets/edition/21-2makk-nets.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">2 Maccabees</a>, available free online through the University of Pennsylvania <a href="http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/nets/edition/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">NETS site</a>, Clarification of some important points: <ol> <li>When I talked about the “Return to Zion” as a defining time period for the Hebrew Bible, I meant the entire period, not the very beginning of the return to Jerusalem following the Babylonian Exile. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi were considered the last true prophets, and Malachi speaks of a functioning Temple, so any book traditionally considered to date to the period of the Return to Zion up to the beginning of a functioning Second Temple could “make it in” to the Hebrew Bible.</li> <li>Second Maccabees has two defining dates: the Alexandrian work seems to have been finished shortly after the Battle of Nicanor in 161 BCE and was not long afterwards abridged by a Diaspora author who put his own stamp on the work. At that stage, 2 Maccabees explained the importance of the Day of Nicanor.  Afterwards, probably shortly after 142, the abridged version was repurposed by someone in Judah to “sell” Chanukah to the Diaspora. This is the person wrote the introductory letter and who inserted the story of Chanukah, i.e. the purification of the Temple, into 2 Maccabees.</li> <li>1 Maccabees, on the other hand, could not have been written before the final event it records: the murder of Shimon and Yohanan Hyrkanus’ ascension to the throne in 134 BCE.</li> </ol> The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2017/12/behind-the-scenes-of-the-hanukkah-story-the-books-of-the-maccabees/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Behind the Scenes of the Hanukkah Story: The Books of the Maccabees</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Behind the Scenes of the Hanukkah Story: The Books of the Maccabees

In this episode, I discuss:  The different biblical texts discovered at Qumran The nature of “Scripture” during the Second Temple period The process of canonization and why “canon” can mean something different for Jews and for Christians The importance of interpretation for a “Scripturized” Bible And as a special bonus, learn about the Masoretes! (Who were they, and what did they do?)  As always, I look forward to your questions and comments! The post #9: What Bible? Scripture, Canonization &amp; Interpretation in the Second Temple Period appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this episode, I discuss: <ul> <li>The different biblical texts discovered at Qumran</li> <li>The nature of “Scripture” during the Second Temple period</li> <li>The process of canonization and why “canon” can mean something different for Jews and for Christians</li> <li>The importance of interpretation for a “Scripturized” Bible</li> <li>And as a special bonus, learn about the Masoretes! (Who were they, and what did they do?)</li> </ul> As always, I look forward to your questions and comments! The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2016/03/9-bible-scripture-canonization-interpretation-second-temple-period/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#9: What Bible? Scripture, Canonization &amp; Interpretation in the Second Temple Period</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

What Bible? Scripture, Canonization & Interpretation in the Second Temple Period

In this episode, we will discuss the beginning of what is later known as the “Watchers myth”: the story of the mating of “bnei ‘elohim” with human women in Genesis 6:1-4. What is the original biblical story actually about? Who were the nephilim? Tune in and find out! Don’t forget to leave your comments and questions below. The post Understanding Sin and Evil #4: Who Watches the Watchers? appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this episode, we will discuss the beginning of what is later known as the “Watchers myth”: the story of the mating of “bnei ‘elohim” with human women in Genesis 6:1-4. What is the original biblical story actually about? Who were the nephilim? Tune in and find out! Don’t forget to leave your comments and questions below. The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2016/01/who-watches-the-watchers-genesis-6/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil #4: Who Watches the Watchers?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Who Watches the Watchers? Genesis 6 and the Nephilim

In this episode, we discuss Belial’s role in the Damascus Document, an important rule text in the Dead Sea Scrolls.  What are the “traps” of Belial? How did Belial (at least in the Damascus Document) “help” Qumran community members be more sympathetic towards outsiders? And what happens when a Qumran member is “ruled by the spirits of Belial”?  Listen to find out!   The post #14: A Kinder, Gentler Belial? The Damascus Document &amp; Belial’s “Traps” appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this episode, we discuss Belial’s role in the Damascus Document, an important rule text in the Dead Sea Scrolls. <ol> <li>What are the “traps” of Belial?</li> <li>How did Belial (at least in the Damascus Document) “help” Qumran community members be more sympathetic towards outsiders?</li> <li>And what happens when a Qumran member is “ruled by the spirits of Belial”?</li> </ol> Listen to find out! The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2016/07/14-kinder-gentler-belial-belial-damascus-document/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#14: A Kinder, Gentler Belial? The Damascus Document &amp; Belial’s “Traps”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

A Kinder, Gentler Belial? Belial in the Damascus Document

As we continue our series on the idea of an “evil inclination” in Second Temple literature, we return to Fourth Ezra (4 Ezra/2 Esdras) and Second Baruch, and how these books, written in the wake of the destruction of the Second Temple, deal with a belief in an “evil heart” inherited from Adam. Why is Ezra in Fourth Ezra so pessimistic about the human tendency toward evil? How is the pessimism of Fourth Ezra more tragic than the similar approach we saw in Philo? Why would anyone want to believe in an unavoidable tendency toward evil inherited since the first human? This episode looks closely not only at how Jews understood the evil inclination in response to the Temple’s destruction, but also at ways to examine an ancient belief that seems puzzling to us. The post #20: Fourth Ezra and the Tragedy of the Evil Heart appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

As we continue our series on the idea of an “evil inclination” in Second Temple literature, we return to Fourth Ezra (4 Ezra/2 Esdras) and Second Baruch, and how these books, written in the wake of the destruction of the Second Temple, deal with a belief in an “evil heart” inherited from Adam. Why is Ezra in Fourth Ezra so pessimistic about the human tendency toward evil? How is the pessimism of Fourth Ezra more tragic than the similar approach we saw in Philo? Why would anyone want to believe in an unavoidable tendency toward evil inherited since the first human? This episode looks closely not only at how Jews understood the evil inclination in response to the Temple’s destruction, but also at ways to examine an ancient belief that seems puzzling to us. The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2017/07/fourth-ezra-evil-heart-evil-inclination/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#20: Fourth Ezra and the Tragedy of the Evil Heart</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Fourth Ezra and the Tragedy of the Evil Heart

In this episode, we will continue our exploration of satanic figures in Second Temple texts. After recapping our last episode, we will discuss the varied role of Mastema in the Book of Jubilees, both as the head of the Watchers and as the “Satan stand-in” for most of the book. Why did the author of Jubilees bring Mastema into the story? What problems does he “solve”? And how powerful is he supposed to be? Along the way, we discuss the nature of ancient literature and the concept of the “new generation,” both in the ancient world and today. To learn more, just press “play”! And as always, please leave me your questions and comments below. The post #11: The Demon in Charge? Mastema in the Book of Jubilees appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this episode, we will continue our exploration of satanic figures in Second Temple texts. After recapping our last episode, we will discuss the varied role of Mastema in the Book of Jubilees, both as the head of the Watchers and as the “Satan stand-in” for most of the book. Why did the author of Jubilees bring Mastema into the story? What problems does he “solve”? And how powerful is he supposed to be? Along the way, we discuss the nature of ancient literature and the concept of the “new generation,” both in the ancient world and today. To learn more, just press “play”! And as always, please leave me your questions and comments below. The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2016/05/11-demon-charge-mastema-book-jubilees/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#11: The Demon in Charge? Mastema in the Book of Jubilees</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

The Demon in Charge? Mastema in the Book of Jubilees

In this action-packed episode, we will discuss:  The status of Enoch and the Book of Enoch in Second Temple Judaism The popularity of the solar calendar in the Second Temple period and at Qumran The traditions of the Watchers in the Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1-36) The retelling of the Watchers story in the Animal Apocalypse  There are at least 3 versions of the Watchers story: the Asael tradition, the Shemihaza tradition, and an interwoven tradition regarding the teaching of magic. Listen to learn more! As we explore the Book of the Watchers, I will pay particular attention to the following questions for each thread of the Watchers tradition:  What was the Watchers’ sin? Did the Watchers’ actions cause human sin, or “just” physical destruction (in the form of the giants and their violence)? Did the Watchers’ actions lead to the Flood? Did the Watchers’ actions have repercussions after the Flood?  Note: I am not asking these questions regarding the biblical account — only regarding the way this account is interpreted in the Book of Enoch. The post Understanding Sin and Evil #5: Enoch and the Watchers Traditions appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this action-packed episode, we will discuss: <ol> <li>The status of Enoch and the Book of Enoch in Second Temple Judaism</li> <li>The popularity of the solar calendar in the Second Temple period and at Qumran</li> <li>The traditions of the Watchers in the Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1-36)</li> <li>The retelling of the Watchers story in the Animal Apocalypse</li> </ol> There are at least 3 versions of the Watchers story: the Asael tradition, the Shemihaza tradition, and an interwoven tradition regarding the teaching of magic. Listen to learn more! As we explore the Book of the Watchers, I will pay particular attention to the following questions for each thread of the Watchers tradition: <ol> <li>What was the Watchers’ sin?</li> <li>Did the Watchers’ actions cause human sin, or “just” physical destruction (in the form of the giants and their violence)?</li> <li>Did the Watchers’ actions lead to the Flood?</li> <li>Did the Watchers’ actions have repercussions after the Flood?</li> </ol> Note: I am not asking these questions regarding the biblical account — only regarding the way this account is interpreted in the Book of Enoch. The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2016/01/understanding-sin-and-evil-5-enoch-and-the-watchers-tradition-asael-shemihaza-and-the-giants/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil #5: Enoch and the Watchers Traditions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Enoch and the Watchers Tradition - Asael, Shemihaza, and the Giants

How did the author of Jubilees try to solve the “problem” of evil? In this episode we will explore how the story of the Watchers developed through the book of Jubilees and how the author of Jubilees used this “later” interpretation (compared to the Book of the Watchers in Enoch) to explain evil in his own age. We will also discuss the introduction of the satanic angel Mastema in Jubilees, and his purpose as a bridge between the divine and the demonic. Finally, we will look at the two different “prescriptions” the author offers for fighting demonic influence, each with its own implications for human free will. The post Understanding Sin and Evil #6: The Evil that Remains – Jubilees, the Watchers and Mastema appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

How did the author of Jubilees try to solve the “problem” of evil? In this episode we will explore how the story of the Watchers developed through the book of Jubilees and how the author of Jubilees used this “later” interpretation (compared to the Book of the Watchers in Enoch) to explain evil in his own age. We will also discuss the introduction of the satanic angel Mastema in Jubilees, and his purpose as a bridge between the divine and the demonic. Finally, we will look at the two different “prescriptions” the author offers for fighting demonic influence, each with its own implications for human free will. The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2016/02/jubilees-watchers-mastema/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil #6: The Evil that Remains – Jubilees, the Watchers and Mastema</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

The Evil that Remains: Jubilees, the Watchers and Mastema

In this episode, we read the Dead Sea Scrolls — specifically, the Community Rule — closely and examine the Qumran community’s view of Belial and sin.  How was Belial used to define the sect and others? Did the Qumran community really think that people were born into the lot of Belial or the lot of God? How deterministic was the Qumran community? What about free will?  Learn the answers to these questions and more! And keep your questions and comments coming… The post #13: The Lot of Belial in the Community Rule – Born that Way? appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this episode, we read the Dead Sea Scrolls — specifically, the Community Rule — closely and examine the Qumran community’s view of Belial and sin. <ul> <li>How was Belial used to define the sect and others?</li> <li>Did the Qumran community really think that people were born into the lot of Belial or the lot of God?</li> <li>How deterministic was the Qumran community? What about free will?</li> </ul> Learn the answers to these questions and more! And keep your questions and comments coming… The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2016/06/14-lot-belial-community-rule-born-way/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#13: The Lot of Belial in the Community Rule – Born that Way?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

The Lot of Belial in the Community Rule - Born that Way?

In this episode we discuss Ben Sira, and how his approach to the evil inclination is a predecessor of a prominent modern understanding of the “problem” of sin. What does it mean to believe in a God who created humans and hates sin, while acknowledging that people still “like” to sin? Ben Sira presents a solution that still resonates with many today. Download the source sheet here. The post #17: Between Fire and Water: The Evil Inclination and Free Will in Ben Sira appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this episode we discuss Ben Sira, and how his approach to the evil inclination is a predecessor of a prominent modern understanding of the “problem” of sin. What does it mean to believe in a God who created humans and hates sin, while acknowledging that people still “like” to sin? Ben Sira presents a solution that still resonates with many today. <a href="https://understandingsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Between-Fire-and-Water-Evil-Inclination-and-Free-Will-in-Ben-Sira-15-Source-Sheet.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Download the source sheet here.</a> The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2017/05/evil-inclination-free-will-ben-sira/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#17: Between Fire and Water: The Evil Inclination and Free Will in Ben Sira</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

Between Fire and Water: The Evil Inclination and Free Will in Ben Sira

In this podcast, we discuss the first place an “evil inclination” is mentioned in the Bible: the description of the state of humanity before and after the Flood, seen through divine eyes. Unlike the defined “yetzer hara” in later Rabbinic literature, the human “evil inclination” of the Bible is closer to what we will see in future episodes in Second Temple literature: it describes the human tendency toward evil. Listen to this episode to learn:  How does the evil inclination attempt to solve the problem of theodicy (justifying God in the face of evil)? How can we understand the decision after the Flood despite the “unchanging” human inclination? How did Second Temple Jews relate to this story?  Thanks again to Melissa Kantor, who joins me as my trusty interlocutor. As always, I look forward to your comments and questions! Please comment below. The post #16: The Inevitability of Evil? The Evil Inclination and the Flood appeared first on Understanding Sin and Evil.

In this podcast, we discuss the first place an “evil inclination” is mentioned in the Bible: the description of the state of humanity before and after the Flood, seen through divine eyes. Unlike the defined “yetzer hara” in later Rabbinic literature, the human “evil inclination” of the Bible is closer to what we will see in future episodes in Second Temple literature: it describes the human tendency toward evil. Listen to this episode to learn: <ul> <li>How does the evil inclination attempt to solve the problem of theodicy (justifying God in the face of evil)?</li> <li>How can we understand the decision after the Flood despite the “unchanging” human inclination?</li> <li>How did Second Temple Jews relate to this story?</li> </ul> Thanks again to Melissa Kantor, who joins me as my trusty interlocutor. As always, I look forward to your comments and questions! Please comment below. The post <a href="https://understandingsin.com/2017/04/inevitability-evil-inclination-flood/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#16: The Inevitability of Evil? The Evil Inclination and the Flood</a> appeared first on <a href="https://understandingsin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understanding Sin and Evil</a>.

The Inevitability of Evil? The Evil Inclination and the Flood

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