Why did Rome tolerate and even respect Judaism?
Rome respected Judaism because it was an ancient religion, and the Romans held ancient religions in high regard, including their own mythologies. Rome even guaranteed safe delivery of Jewish temple offerings and permitted Jewish authorities to execute their own people, a concession not granted to Gentiles.
Les explains that Rome tolerated and respected Judaism because it was an ancient religion. He notes the Romans had a lot of respect for ancient religions, including their own mythologies. Rome even guaranteed safe delivery for Jewish offerings sent back to the temple in Jerusalem and gave Jewish authorities permission to put their own people to death, which they would never have allowed for a Gentile. By contrast, Christianity was new, not ancient, so Rome tried every way to stamp it out, which is why Christians faced massive persecution while Jews did not.
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Why did the Romans tolerate Judaism?
The best explanation for Rome's tolerance of Judaism is that the Romans had great respect for ancient religions, including their own mythologies, and Judaism was an ancient religion.