Christianity, Paganism, Judaism: The Fury of Practice

Abstract

This chapter traces the Renaissance revolution back to the interlacing of the two roots Christianity’s roots: the Jewish and the pagan. Judaism and paganism oppose each other on the basis of monotheism and polytheism. This frontal opposition may be understood as an opposition between ultimately theoretical and practical approaches of life. The Christian theology of perfection mixes theoretical and practical approaches to life, or contemplation-oriented and action-oriented attitudes. This theology sooner or later makes room for humans claiming to control their lives and world by controlling nature.