From Sinai to the World

In From Sinai to the World: Eighty Universal Revolutions from the Bible, Professor Amnon Shapira identifies eight foundational transformations that originated in Biblical texts. Spanning thirteen domains—from human dignity to environmental ethics, from democratic principles to social justice—Shapira demonstrates how the Bible radically reimagined existing cultural practices into ethical imperatives that shape modern values.

Drawing on archaeological and historical research, he traces how these revolutions emerged from Biblical sources and evolved through Jewish tradition. From humanity’s creation “in God’s image” to the foundations of limited warfare, from ecological responsibility to universal education, Shapira’s academic scholarship makes substantial contributions to show how these Biblical revolutions transformed Western civilization.

Written for both general readers and scholars, this accessible work presents complex ideas in clear, concise chapters. Shapira argues that these Biblical revolutions continue to offer guidance for contemporary challenges, inviting readers of all backgrounds to engage with the revolutionary text that transformed our moral universe.