School of Historical and Philosophical Studies - Theses
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ItemThe religious aspects of the Jewish rebellions of the 1st century C.E.( 1997)This thesis examines a number of conflicts between the Jews and the Romans during the 1st century C. E.. It attempts to explain the role played by religion in these conflicts. It does not argue that religion was the only aspect of these revolts, but acknowledges that other issues, such as economics, politics and racism, were also important. However, little attempt has been made to examine these other issues. This thesis does not accuse the Romans of religious intolerance - on the contrary, it argues that the Romans allowed the Jews religious autonomy. However, it does argue that some Roman bureaucrats were provocative and insensitive to Jewish beliefs and practices, such as Pilate's use of the Korban in the construction of the aqueduct, or Gaius' attempt to install his statue in the Jerusalem temple. These provocative actions offended the Jews because they were considered to be a violation of their beliefs and practices. When such provocation occurred, the Jews reacted by showing hostility to the Romans in varying degrees. Sometimes their protest was of a passive nature, e,g. when Pilate allowed his soldiers to bring their effigies into Jerusalem, whereas during the years of 66-70 C.E. the Jews rose in armed rebellion. In this thesis I have endeavoured to treat each incident in isolation. While I agree that there is a correlation between some of them, I disagree with the general thrust of Josephus who wrote as if these events steadily escalated into the revolt of 66-70 C.E.. Therefore, I have not proposed causes for the revolt although I do consider aspects related to it. The three main parts of this thesis are an examination of the conflicts that developed over the issues of Monotheism, Messianism, and the Temple.