As the most important abstract in the lives of both the Hebrews and Greeks, Gods also had the greatest impact. Both the Greek and Hebrew entities demanded a great deal of recognition and played dominating roles in the people's lives. When comparing and contrasting, it is obvious to note the major differences between the deities, but it is also important to note the subtle similarities between them Comparing the roles that the gods played in both cultures, the most blatant variation to note is that the Hebrew God is singular, while the Greek's Gods are plural with each divinity holding a specific role in Greek life. While the Greek mythological system has a God created for a plethora of situations, the Hebrew Bible clearly maintains the idea that God is one. "A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one" (Ga 3:20).
Branching from the number of Gods in each culture, differences in the human interaction become apparent.
As Greek as it gets
Greek Easter Dinner Plate
Greek Blogger Camp Day 1Because there must be a definition between each God in mythology, there is no omnipresence for the Greek Gods. Any contact between mortal and God must actually consist of a physical meeting: "But one in bitter tears and one perplexed in thought, found wandering. Who clutched the only remedy that came: to send the son of Monoeceus, Creon- my own Jocasta's brother- to the place Apollo haunts at Pythia to learn what act or covenant of mine could still redeem the state" (Sophocles 7).
This, however, does not apply to the Hebrew God in the Bible. With his singularity, God takes the role of the omnipresent being that watches over everyone with an aura. "The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise...