Joodse religieuse uitbreiding in die Nuwe-Testamentiese tydvak: was die Judaisme 'n missionere godsdiens? (deel II)

Abstract

Jewish religious expansion in the New Testament era: was Judaism a missionary religion? (part II) In the first part of this article five factors were identified which would have contributed to the significant numerical increase of Jews towards the end of the Second Temple period. Here six others are discussed: Jewish slaves in non-Jewish households, adoption of children, the universalistic tendency in certain circles, the role of the synagogue, the attractiveness of Judaism in spite of a negative cross-current and the influence of apologetic-propagandistic literature. In weighing the evidence for a full-scale centrifugal missionary movement a mostly negative conclusion is reached. In this sense first century Judaism cannot be described as a missionary religion. We could, however, speak of an indirect mission in the sense that non-Jews were attracted to Judaism mainly through the quality of Jewish belief and life-style and that they were encouraged to do so.

In die eerste aflewering van hierdie artikel is eerstens 'n paar inleidende opmerkings gemaak. Onder 'n tweede punt is 'n aantal definisies en omskrywings aangebied. Derdens is demografiese gegewens verskaf wat dui op die besonder sterk bevolkingsaanwas van die Jodedom rondom die eerste eeu. En vierdens is vyf faktore vermeld wat vermoedelik tot hierdie besondere demografiese beeld bygedra het. Vervolgens word nog 'n aantal ander bydraende faktore vermeld.