COMPASSION (600BC)
“Worldwide awakening”
The last millennium before Christ is the so-called Axial Age. In those times an enormous ethical revolution occurred. By Zarathustra in Persia but also elsewhere in the world: a.o. by the Buddha in India; by Confucius and Laotze in China; by the prophets in Israel (quite significant for Christians) and also by the philosophers in Greece. This theme describes how the Buddha raises new, crucial questions, even though his answers differ from the Christian tradition. And how Israel’s prophets are searching new ways. The next theme is about the Greek philosophers with their first theories about truth. In summary the Axial Age brings a novel, critical awareness of the self and the ultimate reality.
Around 450BC, the Buddha lived like a prince, lacking nothing. But when confronted with big social differences and injustices, it changed his life. No longer were jewels, power or obedience important. From now one he is concerned with human suffering. The Buddha did not want to be a priest, let alone a god. People were attracted to his teaching because he ignored the caste system. Everybody – irrespective of social position or caste – is responsible for his own destiny. A key element is to respect all forms of life, even though he practiced this in a somewhat passive, meditative way.
In the same period the prophets in Israel began teaching about the needs of the poor instead of ritual sacrifices in the temple. One prophesizes about God like a groom- rather than a ruler of the people. One may safely say that from Genesis to Isaiah barely a word is spoken about Gods love. Nothing is said about God being rejoiced. But from Isaiah onwards – that is after the exile – the tone changes completely: God says “for a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will gather you.” Here God shows his empathetic, almost human side. God has got an emotional relation with people.
And there is something else. After the exile Israel’s prophesies take on an international flavor. In the beginning of the bible the existence of idol gods is acknowledged. You just should not worship them. Yet Isaiah offers no alternative: one worships God or nothing. In the end all nations will worship the One God. Isaiah’s words made significant impact. Soon or later the new monotheism inevitably raises many big questions. Does a universal moral code exist? If the One God is good, where does evil come from? What is God’s will with other nations? Is Israel called to lead in a religious way rather than to win by military force?
The Axial Age changes the view on life. This development can be seen in the bible as most (final) texts – even the books of Moses – are written between 500BC and 100AD. Wealth, success and power are being replaced with ideals of simplicity, temperance and compassion. ‘Don’t steal’ becomes ‘love your neighbor’. The circle of neighbors is widening. Such lofty virtues enlarge the gap between aspiration and reality. And in the later Christian tradition that fosters an awareness of sin and atonement. Spiritual salvation rather than material wealth is now the ultimate purpose.