As the title indicates, this treatise explores the field of Jewish sexual ethics. It is not intended to research all the areas associated with this topic, but to select those realms which best explain the concrete negative attitudes of Jewish society, particularly in the first century CE, towards sexuality. While a very brief introduction provides an interesting background about the pagan (i.e. Greek/Roman) views on Jews, Judaism and Jewish sexuality – as far as the few sources allow – the main chapters are dealing with the following different perspectives:
(1) Jewish profane literature
(2) Different Jewish sects (schools), including the early Christian “sect”
(3) Jewish Holy Scripture, including the later rabbinic (Mishnaic) legislations
These differing views on that important topic allow to differentiate between some Jewish “mainstream” practice or understanding and the various facets in different groups or authors. The early Christian “sect” as given in the NT scriptures is included as well as the Mishnaic legislation in order to demonstrate the two most lasting and durable streams of perception. Both survived until nowadays in the Jewish and Christian communities, which differ quite a lot in legal regulations but still have the same basis as given in the Hebrew Scriptures.
By researching, combining, and commenting the numerous Jewish Scriptures, this thesis finally explains what is to be understood by the term “sexual sin” supported by some basic principles, although it has not been possible to investigate every aspect of that huge field. Thus, the goal of providing a well based reasonable argumentation as a foundation of understanding Jewish thinking and practice, especially in the most interesting and “restless” first century CE, is reached quite comprehensively.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- ABSTRACT
- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- THEMATIC CONCEPT
- METHODOLOGICAL CONCEPT
- PAGANS ABOUT JEWISH THEOLOGY AND SEXUALITY
- ORIGIN OF JEWS AND JUDAISM
- JEWISH RELIGION
- JEWS AS INDIVIDUALS
- ASPECTS OF JEWISH SEXUALITY
- Hecataeus of Abdera
- Cornelius Tacitus
- Strabo
- Pliny the Elder
- SUMMARY
- JEWISH PROFANE LITERATURE ABOUT SEXUAL ETHICS
- FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS
- PHILO OF ALEXANDRIA
- SUMMARY
- PERCEPTIONS OF DIFFERENT JEWISH "SECTS"
- ESSENES AND THERAPEUTAE
- SADDUCEES
- ZEALOTS
- THE EARLY CHRISTIAN "SECT"
- Basic Implications of Jewish Holy Scripture
- Purity and Loyalty
- Permanence and Exclusivity
- Sexual Apostasy and the Church's Intervention
- SUMMARY
- JEWISH HOLY SCRIPTURE ON ILLICIT SEXUALITY
- THE OLD TESTAMENT
- THE MISHNAH
- ILLICIT SEXUALITY
- Bestiality
- Homosexuality
- Adultery
- Incest
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Marriages with Gentiles
- Premarital Intercourse
- Illegitimate Children
- SPECIAL CURSES
- SUMMARY
- CONCLUSIONS
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This treatise examines Jewish sexual ethics, focusing on the negative attitudes towards sexuality prevalent in Jewish society during the first century CE. The work aims to explore these attitudes through diverse perspectives, including Jewish profane literature, different Jewish sects, and the interpretations of Jewish Holy Scripture.- The complex and multifaceted nature of Jewish sexual ethics
- The influence of different Jewish sects and schools on sexual norms
- The role of Jewish Holy Scripture in shaping sexual morality
- The impact of the early Christian “sect” on the understanding of Jewish sexual ethics
- The enduring legacy of Jewish and Christian traditions concerning sexual sin
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the thematic and methodological framework of the study, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Jewish sexual ethics. It outlines the diverse perspectives and sources that will be analyzed, including Jewish profane literature, various Jewish sects, and the interpretations of Jewish Holy Scripture. The chapter "Pagans About Jewish Theology and Sexuality" delves into the views of non-Jewish writers about Jews and their sexuality, shedding light on the broader context in which Jewish sexual ethics developed. This chapter examines the views of prominent figures like Hecataeus of Abdera, Cornelius Tacitus, Strabo, and Pliny the Elder, revealing their perceptions of Jewish customs and beliefs. The chapter "Jewish Profane Literature About Sexual Ethics" explores the insights provided by Jewish authors who wrote outside of the traditional religious texts. This chapter examines the works of Flavius Josephus and Philo of Alexandria, highlighting their perspectives on sexual ethics, their interpretations of Jewish laws, and their understanding of sexual sin. The chapter "Perceptions of Different Jewish "Sects"" focuses on the diverse interpretations of Jewish sexual ethics held by different groups within Judaism. It explores the views of the Essenes, Sadducees, Zealots, and early Christians, highlighting their distinctive beliefs and practices related to sexuality. This chapter delves into the interplay of Jewish tradition, religious interpretation, and societal norms in shaping these diverse views. The chapter "Jewish Holy Scripture on Illicit Sexuality" delves into the biblical and rabbinic sources that provided the foundation for Jewish sexual ethics. This chapter examines the Old Testament and the Mishnah, exploring the various laws and prohibitions related to sexual conduct. It analyzes the interpretations of these texts, shedding light on the evolution of Jewish thought and practice concerning sexual sin.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This study centers on Jewish sexual ethics, examining a range of topics related to sexual behavior, including illicit sexual relationships, sin, and divine law. Key themes include the interplay of religious, cultural, and social factors in shaping Jewish sexual morality, the diversity of perspectives within Judaism, and the historical and ongoing influence of Jewish traditions on contemporary understandings of sexual behavior.- Quote paper
- Mag. phil. B. phil. René Gehring (Author), 2009, “Evil Desires” and the Kingdom of God, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/126328
