In Judaism, the Seven Laws of Noah, also known as Sheva Mitzvot B'nei Noach, Noahide Laws, or Noachian Laws (from the Hebrew pronunciation of "Noah"), are universal moral directives. According to the Talmud, these laws were given by God as a covenant with Noah and all humanity. They include prohibitions against idolatry, blasphemy, murder, adultery, theft, and the consumption of flesh from a living animal, as well as the mandate to establish courts of justice. Jewish tradition holds that non-Jews are not required to convert to Judaism but must observe these laws to secure a place in the World to Come (Olam Ha-Ba), the ultimate reward for the righteous. Those non-Jews who adhere to these laws are considered "Righteous Gentiles" (Chassiddei Umot ha-Olam: "Pious People of the World").
The notion of "Righteous Gentiles" (gerim toshavim) has historical precedents in Judaism, notably during Biblical times and under Roman rule. The Hebrew Bible mentions that the status of ger toshav (literally 'resident alien') was given to Gentiles in the Land of Israel who chose not to convert to Judaism but agreed to follow the Seven Laws of Noah. Another example from antiquity is the Sebomenoi or God-fearers of the Roman Empire, who were recognized within the Jewish community without undergoing conversion.
Of particular interest to me is the first Law of Noah: The prohibition against worshipping idols. This would be a pretty big deal, especially prior to the birth of Christianity since iconism was fairly big part of most religions in the middle east and mediterranean at the time. Knowing this, I would like to ask you this; How would a community of non-abrahmic peoples avoid breaking the first law of Noah? Like, if a community of non-abrahamics were ruled over by abrahamics who enforced the laws of noah on them, (for example if a roman emperor or a surviving Palmerene empire converted to Noachide Judaism), how would this community get around these laws, short of being converted themselves? Would the reformation of their belief system to a more aniconic form be enough?
The notion of "Righteous Gentiles" (gerim toshavim) has historical precedents in Judaism, notably during Biblical times and under Roman rule. The Hebrew Bible mentions that the status of ger toshav (literally 'resident alien') was given to Gentiles in the Land of Israel who chose not to convert to Judaism but agreed to follow the Seven Laws of Noah. Another example from antiquity is the Sebomenoi or God-fearers of the Roman Empire, who were recognized within the Jewish community without undergoing conversion.
Of particular interest to me is the first Law of Noah: The prohibition against worshipping idols. This would be a pretty big deal, especially prior to the birth of Christianity since iconism was fairly big part of most religions in the middle east and mediterranean at the time. Knowing this, I would like to ask you this; How would a community of non-abrahmic peoples avoid breaking the first law of Noah? Like, if a community of non-abrahamics were ruled over by abrahamics who enforced the laws of noah on them, (for example if a roman emperor or a surviving Palmerene empire converted to Noachide Judaism), how would this community get around these laws, short of being converted themselves? Would the reformation of their belief system to a more aniconic form be enough?
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