Our guide is Josephus, the first-century Romano-Jewish historian. In his work Against Apion, he defends Judaism against its detractors. And in doing so, he offers a fascinating, and sometimes unsettling, look at the legal and religious practices of other cultures, particularly the Greeks and Persians.
Josephus starts by taking aim at the Athenians, who, despite their reputation for openness, were remarkably intolerant of dissent. He points to the tragic case of Socrates. Remember him? He wasn’t condemned for treason or sacrilege, but for "swearing certain new oaths" and claiming a daimon (a guiding spirit) gave him signs. As Dr. Hudson notes, these oaths involved swearing by an oak, a goat, and a dog – pretty unconventional stuff! He was also accused of corrupting the youth by encouraging them to question the city's laws. The result? A death sentence by poison.
And Socrates wasn't alone. Anaxagoras narrowly escaped execution for suggesting that the sun, which Athenians considered a god, was merely a ball of fire. Diagoras of Melos faced a death warrant – a talent offered for his head – simply for mocking their mysteries. Even Protagoras, who dared to write something the Athenians deemed untrue about the gods, had to flee for his life.
Josephus even tells of a priestess who was executed for initiating people into the worship of strange gods, a practice forbidden by Athenian law. It reveals a deep-seated belief that their gods were the only true gods, and that introducing foreign deities was a capital offense. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What does it say about a society that feels so threatened by different beliefs?
He then contrasts Athenian intolerance with other cultures. He mentions the Scythians, who enjoyed killing men and seemed to care little for laws. He brings up Anacharsis, admired for his wisdom, who was killed upon returning home for adopting Grecian customs. Even the Persians, admired by some, punished those who strayed from their traditions.
Josephus even throws shade at Apollonius, accusing him of admiring Persian institutions while simultaneously violating basic moral principles. He says that Apollonius "imitated all the Persian institutions, and that by his offering violence to other men's wives, and gelding his own sons." Yikes! Josephus then points out that even harming an animal would be considered a crime in his society.
Then comes the crux of Josephus's argument: the unwavering commitment of the Jewish people to their own laws. He emphasizes that neither fear of rulers nor the allure of other cultures could sway them. They didn't wage wars for wealth, but for the preservation of their laws. They were willing to endure immense suffering rather than compromise their principles. What an incredible statement!
Josephus then turns the tables, questioning why the Jewish people should imitate other nations when those nations themselves fail to uphold their own laws. He criticizes the Lacedemonians for their isolationism and disregard for marriage, and the Eleans and Thebans for their "unnatural and impudent lust," even suggesting that these practices were attributed to the gods themselves as justification.
It’s a powerful critique, isn't it? Josephus uses these examples to highlight the uniqueness and strength of Jewish law and tradition. He paints a picture of a people deeply committed to their beliefs, willing to face any hardship rather than abandon their principles. It’s a message that resonates even today, in a world where cultural and religious identity is constantly being challenged and redefined. It forces us to ask ourselves: What principles are we willing to stand for, no matter the cost?