Initially, I could only see distinct differences between the Greco-Roman and Jewish texts and the societies they reflected. However, as I read further I realized that both groups seemed to be dealing with many of the same issues. What distinguished them were the very different ways in which they chose to resolve those problems. Additionally, these values shaped the definition of hero in both societies.
One of the most significant issues in both the Greco-Roman writing and Isaiah was that of immortality. Even in modern society, we can see how the issue is still important and relevant: who hasn’t, at one point or another, thought about what meaning our lives will have once we are dead? This dilemma drove every individual’s actions. For the Greco-Romans, this meant that all were “ready to run all risks greater far than they would have for their children, and to spend money and undergo any sort of toil, and even to die, for the sake of leaving behind them a name which shall be eternal” (Symposium). For the society in Isaiah, this meant that every action is devoted to serving God.
For both, true, perfect immortality becomes about devoting yourself to the most powerful force, the divine power in the universe: to the Greco-Romans, that power is beauty; to Isaiah, that power is God. The Greco-Roman’s pursuit of beauty was manifested in justice, love, the intellect, and art, whereas Isaiah’s devotion to God was played out in helping those in need and walking a righteous path. Even the tone of the different texts reflected the means to the end of immortality. The tone of the Greco-Roman work was very calm and logical, reflecting the values of beauty, reason, and valor. On the other hand, I found the tone of Isaiah to be quite fearful and emphatic, resonating with the simultaneous love and fear of God.
These values are ultimately reflected and encompassed by the society’s heroes. The Greeks define heroes as those who accomplish valiant deeds, understand beauty, and cultivate the intelligent. Isaiah defines heroes as those who “help everyone his neighbour” (Isaiah 63), act for “righteousness’ sake” (65) and who serve God.
Cultivating the intellect versus helping others
Though very different societies, both the Greco-Romans and the society of Isaiah struggled with many of the same issues. The complex dilemma of immortality affected both societies, and both, by guiding actions toward a higher power and defining their heroes by a similar set of values, found a way of making the pursuit meaningful.
