evolution of judaism

In my readings of the bible, i have noticed a theological shift. towards the earlier books and some other selected texts, Judaism seems a more naturalistic (i hesitate to say pagan) religion with a whole pantheon (God of gods) but one special God who should be worshipped alone. This theological spin seems to show this one special God as the source for all things: good, evil, creation, destruction... the entirety of the universe flowed from His mouth. Also, good and evil really are only rules for man to follow. God can do all things. For example, in 2 Samuel 24, it says that God made David sin so that he could punish Israel. Job seems to follow this particular knowledge (as hasatan is an angel called the tester... man's adversary, but not God's). This knowledge seems more monotheistic to me than the next.Characteristics:
~many lesser gods (ba'al etc. real gods but not right for worship)
~one special God who alone should be worshipped
~hasatan is an angel
~God is source of all, including both good and evil
~'evil' seems to be a quality of man... i.e. a subjective construction of human society. God gave us rules to live by... He does not necessarily have to follow them.In later books (the shift seems to occur just following the Babylonian captivity), God is seen as only the source of good and the religion takes on a more dualistic slant. The 'evil one' comes into existance and becomes God's adversary in addition to man's. For example, the same story of David and his census now lists satan as the cause of the sin (1 Chronicles 21). This theology persists in modern Christianity. It seems uncomfortably polytheistic... that there is a chance that God could lose... And also, the laws of good and evil seem to supercede God Himself and he must follow them. God can only do good things.Characteristics:
~God is the only god
~satan is a warring entity and is God's adversary and man's
~God is only good and the source of only good.
~evil is a rule of all things and above God. God must be good.*EDIT*
caps added for the moose. only for you.This message has been edited by brennakimi, 10-02-2004 02:52 PM*EDIT*
elucidationThis message has been edited by brennakimi, 10-03-2004 02:27 PM

*grumbles*i hate shifting.

better?

i didn't ask about sin. please stay on topic. this isn't about your religion. it's about a broad understanding of all religions and one or two in particular.

of a trinity yet to come? no. the trinity is an attempt by the modern church to comprehend and explain why elohim is plural.can we get back to the topic?

well it is used solely early on, because later god asks for them to use a specific name... of course i view that specific name as a joke... cause it's funny and moses was stupid...Bible Search and Study Tools - Blue Letter Bibleyou can look up the meaning of the hebrew in each verse and it will tell you the tense and number or words as well. very good source but you have to put the work into it.

pretty much.

you will say anything to grasp on to your ideas that dumb down an incredible book won't you?and would you please take this to some other thread. will no one discuss my question? jeeze. i should make a qualifier next time... no fundies allowed.

not if both versions were thought to be sacred. who is this editor that you think he'd think himself worthy to change or delete sacred texts?

thanks. i just kinda did it pretty half-assed though.

thanks for pointing those out. very interesting.