Judaism, Christianity, and Islam World Studies

Southwest Asia and Religion Southwest Asia is the hearth for THREE of the world’s major religions. Judaism (Canaan, which is Israel today) Christianity (In and around Jerusalem, Israel) Islam (Saudi Arabia, with holy sites in Jerusalem) Because of this, all 3 religions consider parts of the region as holy. Historically, this has led to conflict between these different groups.

Jerusalem

Holy Sites in Jerusalem

What is an Abrahamic religion? A monotheistic faith whose spiritual tradition identifies with Abraham. Refers to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Approx. 3.8 billion people follow these religions worldwide.

Major similarities between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Monotheistic Similar stories in holy texts (Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses) Belief in prophets Struggle of good vs. evil Origins in the Southwest Asia Both Christianity and Islam are founded on the Jewish faith.

Judaism Judaism began about 4000 years ago in the year 2000 B.C. It is among the oldest religious traditions still being practiced today, and it is the originator of the Abrahamic Religions. Followers of Judaism are called Jews…there are about 13.2 million Jews in the world.

Major Beliefs of Judaism There is one all powerful God (Yahweh) who created and controls everything. Pray to no one but God. Moses is the chief of the prophets and the words of the prophets are true. The words of the Torah are from God. God rewards those who follow his commandments and punishes those who don’t. A Messiah is coming.

Major Jewish Holy Days Shabbat- weekly day of rest (Sabbath) Three pilgrimage festivals- celebrate landmark events in Jewish history. Passover- a week-long holiday that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. Shavuot- celebrates the revelation of the Torah to the Israelites on Mount Sinai Sukkot- commemorates the Israelites' forty years of wandering through the desert on their way to the Promised Land High Holy Days Rosh Hashanah- the Jewish New Year Yom Kippur- is the most solemn day of the Jewish year. It is a day of communal fasting and praying for forgiveness for one's sins. Other holidays Hanukah- Jewish festival of lights…not too important.

Jewish Denominations Orthodox Conservative Reform

Orthodox Jews

Christianity Christianity was born out of Judaism and centers around the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Christianity began with the death of Jesus (30 A.D.) and spread globally over the next 1,500 years. Between 1.5 and 2.1 billion Christians worldwide.

Major Beliefs of Christianity Shares many core beliefs with Judaism (Jewish Torah is the Christian Old Testament) Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and died for the sins of all men (Jews, Muslims do not believe this!) Jews believe Jesus is a false prophet Muslims believe Jesus is a minor prophet Those who accept the teachings of Jesus will be saved. The life and teachings of Jesus are found in the four Gospels, which are a part of the New Testament.

Christian Holy Days Easter- celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Lent- 40 days of fasting leading up to Easter. Christmas- celebration of the birth of Jesus Advent- Four weeks of fasting leading up to Christmas.

Christian Denominations Roman Catholic Protestant Lutheran Baptist Methodist Evangelical Pentecostal Eastern Orthodox

Christian Denominations