ABSTRACT

The centralization of the cult in Jerusalem would lead to the destruction of the competing temples of biblical inspiration, notably the one erected by the Samaritans on Mount Gerizim. It generates an organization of the priestly class in two levels: the priests properly said and the Levites. The papacy has become at certain times, like the temple of Jerusalem, one of the greatest financial powers of the world, attracting the most influential bankers: the Medicis, Fugger, and Rothschild, to mention only the most prominent names. Worship of the gods is usually proportionate to the benefits that people expect to gain from them or to avoiding the miseries that the gods can cause. If need be, people can change gods. The love of God' for humanity is a concept that is difficult to imagine in polytheism. It is almost inseparable from monotheism. The single and almighty god cannot not be " merciful, " except to condemn humanity to despair.