Themes From The Humanities In Ancient Cultures Essay Sample

This essay explores the theme of religious expression as it relates to ancient cultures through Greece and Rome. A look at the ancient cultures of the Greeks and Romans reveals a variety of similarities and differences in regard to culture and religion. In this essay, we will look at the ancient religious expressions of the Greeks and also explore how ancient religion in Greece and Rome relates to modern times. The Greeks were masters of philosophy and religion in Greece was personal, direct and was seen in all areas of life. The Greeks had many gods known as the 12 Olympians, and they believed that the gods took care of them after they died and that these gods controlled every aspect of their lives (Cartwright, 2013). In Greek mythology, there are many forms of monsters most of which are hybrids of animals and people. Greek philosophers were, however, skeptical about gods and often asked questions about the existence of gods (Cartwright, 2013). Religion was paramount to the Romans, and it had a significant role in their daily lives. Romans gave explanations about all events with relation to the gods they worshipped, and they believed that the gods had much control over their lives (Roman-empire.net, 2015). Romans believed in one God called Jupiter Optimums Maximus along with the worship of deities (Roman-empire.net, 2015). Women in Rome were not allowed to perform animal sacrifices, but their presence was required at rituals with limited participation. Blasphemy against the gods in ancient Roman culture was a sin punishable by death. Romans are often viewed as the authors of Christianity. The perception of having gods and believing in a god has been reflected all through history up to the time of Jesus. For example, Jesus was beaten, crucified and killed because of believing in a religion that the Roman emperor at the time did not worship (Kingjamesbibleonline.org, 2015). Likewise, Stephen from the Bible was stoned to death because of his believe in Christianity. Peter, the apostle of Jesus, was put to death by Nero because of his belief in Christianity (Kingjamesbibleonline.org, 2015). The basic human need to identify with a higher being that controls our lives led to the rise of religion. Currently, there are over 50 religions in the world which associate with the power of a superior being, who control our every move and decision. Most people believe that there is life after death and that this higher being will take care of them after death. Similar to the Greeks, Indians worship many gods and have idols in their temples similar to the twelve gods. Similarly, the Muslims worship only one god, and they believe that every aspect of their life is connected to that god that is much similar to Roman worship. Christians also worship one god like the Roman, but there exists a fraction of individuals in the modern world who do not believe in a higher being similar to the Greek philosophers. In modern society, different religions feel superior to others that create tension and war. In modern times, much of the crisis experienced in the world is due to religion. Christians and Muslims view their religion as superior to each other which relates to how Romans thought of their religion as superior to Greek mythology. Women in Rome were not allowed to participate in a ritual while women in Islam are not permitted to take part in the mosque.

References

Roman-empire.net,. (2015). Religion. Retrieved 10 March 2015, from http://www.roman-
empire.net/religion/religion.html
Cartwright, M. (2013). Greek Religion. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 10 March 2015,
Kingjamesbibleonline.org,. (2015). OFFICIAL KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE: AUTHORIZED
KING JAMES VERSION (KJV). Retrieved 10 March 2015, from http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/