Exile and Return

Israel and Judah were invaded by the Assyrians and Babylonians. The leading citizens of Jerusalem were forced into exile in Babylon, where they remained for 70 years.

Similarly, when the papacy did not correct its evils despite many warnings and chastisements, it was exiled to Avignon and remained there for 70 years under the control of the French monarchy.

At the end of 70 years of exile in Babylon, Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylonia and permitted the Israelites to return to Palestine. This return was accomplished in three stages over 140 years.

Thus, from the beginning of their exile to the end of their return, 210 years elapsed. When the 70 years of papal captivity were over, the papacy was divided between Rome and Southern France; later, a further subdivision was made. These parties were finally integrated, and the papacy was revived in Rome.

During the period of exile and return from Babylon, the Jewish culture was broadened by its exposure to Babylonian and Persian culture.

The Jews inherited important religious ideas from Zoroastrianism, and much of the Wisdom Literature and later prophetic books in the Bible are thought to have been written during this period.

Similarly, during the period of papal exile and return, the Christian world experienced the Renaissance, giving rise to a renewed interest in classical learning and scientific investigation.

Though the Jews had acquired a broadened view of life through their exile, they also became more worldly. To reestablish their covenant with God, they instituted religious reforms upon their return to Palestine through the work of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Similarly, the Medieval Christians, under the influence of the Renaissance, broadened their outlook and became more humanistic. On the other hand, the popularized learning of Greek enabled more Christians to read the New Testament in the original language.

This brought about a deeper understanding of the life of Jesus. Such popular reading of the New Testament helped the common people to see that the Roman Catholic Church had drifted far from Christian principles.