Religious Beliefs of the Ancient Mesopotamians and the Hebrews The ancient Mesopotamians and the Hebrews had significant differences in their religious beliefs and these differences shaped their societies. Religion was the basis of civilization for the ancient Mesopotamians; it dominated every aspect of their lives. The ancient Mesopotamian society was built upon mythopoeic thinking. This way of thinking based on myths, led them to believe in Polytheism, the belief in many gods. These gods controlled …showed first 75 words of 525 total…

…showed last 75 words of 525 total…they could accomplish. The outlook the Hebrews held was that of optimism, they lived happier more fulfilling lives. Their beliefs that Yahweh was a god of mercy, goodness and "was attentive to human needs," (40) and because of this they could live a more individualized life and it gave them a "unique dignity, which cannot be taken away." The Hebrews being optimistic were able to grow and expand in there personal lives and as a society.