> to the people who want to argue this: show me a body of work which has been more influential on western society.
A potential competitor would be Ancient Greek Philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle). Though it is hard to measure.
> What people seem to identify as 'western' values are largely just judeo christian values.
Nope, 'Judeo-Christian values' is a horrible Christian-Americanism that seems to erase the vast differences in Jewish and Christian experiences.
Judaism is a tribal religion with a huge focus on commandments given to said tribe and understanding the texts. Christianity is a religion concerned with the beliefs of all people, including non-Christians. The structure of their societies are quite different and historically Christian countries did not treat Jews well.
So I would add 'Judeo-Christian values' to the list of absurd and completely ahistoric ideas.
'Judeo-Christian values' is actually phrase coined by George Orwell, but it's clear that you're much better studied on the topic.
Any Christian or Jew will obviously acknowledge the many differences between the faiths, but I'm confused that you seem to be saying there aren't HUGE similarities in their value systems. Do you have many Jewish or Christian friends? I feel as if your understanding of Jewish/Christian culture is much more based on internet comments than lived experience.
If you want to understand, I encourage you to spend some time with devout Jews or devout Catholics and you'll begin to see the similarities.
> 'Judeo-Christian values' is actually phrase coined by George Orwell
I didn't know that, but this phrase seems to be common in the US. I have not encountered it much elsewhere.
> I'm confused that you seem to be saying there aren't HUGE similarities in their value systems
I don't deny there are many similarities, but my lived experience is that the core values and tenets of the two religions are quite different. Maybe you have a different experience.
Judaism also has many similarities with Samaritanism and Islam. So why don't we speak speak of Abrahamic values? My point is I am suspicious of the term 'Judeo-Christian values'.
A potential competitor would be Ancient Greek Philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle). Though it is hard to measure.
> What people seem to identify as 'western' values are largely just judeo christian values.
Nope, 'Judeo-Christian values' is a horrible Christian-Americanism that seems to erase the vast differences in Jewish and Christian experiences.
Judaism is a tribal religion with a huge focus on commandments given to said tribe and understanding the texts. Christianity is a religion concerned with the beliefs of all people, including non-Christians. The structure of their societies are quite different and historically Christian countries did not treat Jews well.
So I would add 'Judeo-Christian values' to the list of absurd and completely ahistoric ideas.
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