Make sure you have a thesis—that is answer the question specifically as an argument and you support that argument referring to historical texts and figures. (About 5-6 paragraphs)
1. The Hebrew Revolution: ethical monotheism vs. myth
Although the Hebrews were a tiny tribe compared to the much larger civilizations of Greece and Rome they are considered one of the “pillars” of Western Civilization. What is so revolutionary about the monotheism that was revealed to Abraham and later Moses that makes the ancient Hebrews such an important influence on the Western tradition? (Note that some would argue that the Persian religion of Zoroastrianism could also claim to be the transformational moment here). Write an essay in which you discuss the tenets of the arguably first monotheistic religion which would later be called Judaism and explain how and WHY it is considered such a turning point AWAY from the belief systems of the ancient Near East (namely ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt). Make sure you refer to the readings to make your case. If your answer is simply that this is the transition from polytheism to monotheism you will not do very well. You must go deeper.
