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Class
#1: Mark 1.4-8; 6.14-29;
8:27-30 *
Cultural
Comparisons and Contrasts:
Politics
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1st
Century Palestine |
21st
Century USA |
| Is
governed
indirectly by the
emperor, who controls
the direct rulers,
either client-kings
and governors (the Herodians) or prefects
and procurators (such
as Pontius
Pilate). None of
the rulers are
elected. |
Is
governed
by hundreds of people
from local, state, and
national governments.
All rulers are elected. |
| None
of these exist. |
Political
parties, elections,
conventions,
referenda, lobbyists,
and political action
committees are normal. |
| Roman
emperors and the Senate
control executive,
legislative, and
judicial functions.
The Sanhedrin has limited
control over parts of Jewish
life in the province
of Judea. |
Power
is equally divided among the
executive,
legislative, and
judicial branches. |
| Political
leaders typically die
in office (by natural
death, suicide, or
violent rebellion), or
are recalled to Rome
by the emperor. |
Political
leaders leave office
when their term ends. A
few die in office, are
recalled by voters, or
are impeached. |
| Ordinary
people participate in
political life by
paying taxes, tolls,
and tribute. Voting
and representation do
not exist, and
criticism is swiftly
punished by
assassination or
forced suicide. |
Ordinary
people participate in
political life by
voting, donating
money, writing
letters, forming
interest groups,
lobbying, open
criticism, and paying
taxes. |
*
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