Ep 5. Ancient Jews Who Were Gods

As Christianity began to spread, many Jews were grappling with the new belief that Jesus was not just a prophet, but also the son of God. But this idea was not entirely foreign to Judaism, as there were many Jewish communities who already believed in other humans being divine.

In episode 5 of season 1 of How Jesus Became God, titled "Ancient Jews Who Were Gods," historians and religious scholars explore the various beliefs and practices of these ancient Jewish communities. They delve into the legends surrounding figures like Enoch and Melchizedek, who were believed to have ascended to heaven and become divine, as well as the cult of the angel Metatron.

The episode also explores the concept of "divine mediation," in which certain figures were believed to be intermediaries between humanity and God. This idea was present in both Jewish and Christian traditions, with figures like Moses and the Virgin Mary being revered as powerful intercessors.

But while some of these Jewish beliefs may seem similar to Christian ideas about Jesus, the show emphasizes that there were also key differences. For example, while Jewish ideas of divine mediation often centered on angels, Christians believed that Jesus was uniquely qualified to mediate between God and humanity due to his divine nature as the son of God.

Throughout the episode, scholars and experts weigh in on the ways in which these ancient Jewish beliefs may have influenced early Christian theology, and how Jesus' elevation to divine status fit into the broader religious context of the time. They also discuss how these beliefs and practices continue to evolve and impact various religious traditions today.

Overall, "Ancient Jews Who Were Gods" provides a fascinating look at the complex and varied religious landscape of the ancient Middle East, and how these beliefs shaped the development of Christianity as we know it today.