THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, AND ISLAM

Judeo-Christian Religions

Judaism

The oldest of the Judeo-Christian religionsFirst monotheistic religionStarted in Israel, Lebanon, and JordanThe Exodus

Migrated to Egypt from Israel to escape famine Became enslaved Moses led them out of Egypt and back to the

“promised land” (Israel) During their period of wandering through the desert

they received the Ten Commandments

Key Features of Judaism

Monotheism• Believe in one god.

Holy Books• The Torah - the Old

Testament in the Bible.• The Talmud – a collection of

legal, ritual, and ethical writings, as well as Jewish history and folk stories

The Ten Commandments• The ten laws given to Moses

by God.• They forbade believing in false

gods, stealing, murder, adultery, and other forms of immoral behavior.

Holy Places, People, and Items• Church is called a Synagogue• Their pastor is called a Rabbi• Holiest city is Jerusalem

because it is where the temple of Solomon was built and is where the wailing wall is today.

Judaism Images

Judaism Images

Judaism Images

Judaism Images

Judaism Images

Christianity

Based on the teachings of Jesus Preached forgiveness, mercy, and sympathy for the poor and

helpless Crucified by the Romans for claiming he was the Messiah (savior)

After his death Christianity was spread by his Apostles (followers) They believe he was raised from the dead and ascended into

heavenBecame the major religion of the Roman Empire

Roman Empire split into the western countries and the Byzantine Empire Led to the split between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Later a split in the Roman Catholic church led to Protestant religions

The Divisions in Christianity

Eastern Orthodox Found mainly in Greece and Russia and some areas of the Middle East

Roman Catholic The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church and its headquarters are the Vatican City

located in Rome, Italy Protestant

Reject the Pope’s authority and believe that people should interpret the Bible for themselves.

Many different groups: Assembly of God Adventists Amish Baptist Church of Christ Episcopalian Lutheran Methodist Presbyterian Pentecostal Non-Denominational

Major Beliefs of Christianity

Role of Jesus• He was the son of God• He sacrificed himself to save

humankind from punishment for their sins.

• After his death was resurrected and rose to Heaven

Christian Conduct• They will be saved and will go

to Heaven after death if they have faith in Christ as their savior and treat others with love and respect.

• Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

The Christian Bible• The sacred book of

Christianity• Old Testament (The Torah –

Jewish Bible)• New Testament (describes

the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles)

Christianity Images

Christianity Images

Christianity Images

Christianity Images

Christianity Images

Christianity Images

Islam

Islam means submission to the will of God in ArabicFollowers are called Muslims, one who submits to GodFounded by Mohammed around 600 AD

Had a vision that commanded him to convert Arab tribes to the belief in a single God, Allah (the same god worshipped by Jews and Christians)

Merchants in Mecca grew jealous of Mohammed’s growing influence

Fled to Medina in 622 AD, where he became a religious leader His followers believed that he was God’s last and greatest

prophet. His teachings are contained in the Qur'an (Koran)

Many Muslims live in Arabic-speaking countries. Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are also Muslim nations.

Sunni vs Shiite

Sunni 85% of the Muslim

population Believe that the first

followers (Caliphs) were the successors to Mohammed

Sunnis approach God directly, there are no church leaders

Shiite (Shia) 15% of the Muslim

population Believe that only

Mohammed’s descendents could be successors (Imams)

Imams hold an exalted position. The Ayatollah is the most important Imam.

Sharia Law

The moral and religious law of IslamMost well known law is the “Haram” law

Deals with sexual misconduct Any kind of sexual activity outside of marriage.

Punishment for violating the Haram law is either stoning to death or a severe flogging.

Secular Laws vs. Religious Law If the Haram law is violated by a Muslim in the United

States, should the Muslim community be allowed to stone that person to death or should they have to be required to follow the US Constitution?

The Five Pillars of Islam

Confession of Faith

Prayer Charity Fasting Pilgrimage

Muslims must affirm: “There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet.

Muslims must pray five times a day, while facing east towards the city of Mecca.

Muslims must give money to the poor and pay taxes to the mosque.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims cannot eat or drink during daylight hours.

If physically able, a Muslim must make a pilgrimage (religious trip) to Mecca.

Islam Images

Islam Images

Islam Images

Islam Images

Islam Images

Islam Images

Islam Images