Various Forms of Ancient Judaism According to Their Attitude towards Hellenism

Various currents of ancient Judaism could be classified according to their attitude to Hellenism in the spheres of politics, religion and culture. There were six attitudes: 1. Rejection of the Greek world on all levels (e.g. Qumran). 2. Political opposition and religious conservatism, associated with some cultural assimilation (e.g. Maccabees). 3. Armed resistance with a disregard towards religion and culture (e.g. Zealots). 4. Political submission, religious conservatism and cultural isolation (e.g. Pharisees). 5. Political submission, religious conservatism and some degree of cultural assimilation (e.g. Sadducees, diaspora). 6. Full assimilation