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Monotheistic Tendencies
The foundation of the early Mosaic religion was belief in a single transcendent deity who was revealed through the mediation of prophets. This deity was to be honored and obeyed. Various rituals were performed by a priesthood to atone for the sins of the people and to bring about their reconciliation with God. The task of the priests, similar to the brahmins in the Vedic Dharma was to mediate the religious rituals of temple service and animal sacrifices as proscribed in the Mosaic Covenant. Social consequences for disobedience were severe, including being stoned to death by the community and banishment from society. Rewards for loyalty and compliance were extreme as
well.
Alternate Jewish Traditions
In addition to the core Mosaic tradition there arose multiple layers of interpretation and applications made by generations of Hebrew sages. These included the words of various Prophets, who often confronted the injustices and immorality of the rulers, and warned the people about mere external obedience to the
rituals.
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