Religion

Monotheism This area is home to 3 major monotheist world religions. They are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Star of David

Judaism The most recognized symbol of Judaism is the six pointed Star of David. Jewish legend says that a Hebrew king named David went into battle with the hexagram on his shield. Later, when Jews were minorities in Christian and Muslim nations, they were forced to wear the star on their clothing to identify themselves.

Judaism Judaism is the oldest of the three religions, influencing the other two. Today, there are about 15 million Jews. Jews trace their ancestry back to the Hebrews. The Hebrews in turn trace their ancestry all the way back to Abraham.

Judaism The Hebrews believed they were God's “chosen people”. The Hebrew moral code is based on the 10 Commandments given to Moses by God.

Ten Commandments Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Thou shalt not bow down before graven images. Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Honor thy father and thy mother. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not committ adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear fault witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet.

Judaism Jewish worship leader: Rabbi, which means “master”. Holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, Passover. Holy Books: Torah, which is included as the old testament to the Bible in Christianity and Talmud, a collection of laws and customs.

Cross

Christianity Christians believe that Jesus Christ was both a man and the son of God. They believe God sent Jesus as a messiah, or messenger. The Jewish leaders executed Jesus by nailing him to a cross.

Christianity Today the cross is Christianity's most important icon. Most Christians have crosses in and on top of their churches. Some Christians wear a cross as a necklace. The cross symbolizes a Christian's connection with Jesus.

Christianity Based upon the teachings of Jesus, he is often referred to as the Christ, or “chosen one”. Main philosophy: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Christianity The holy book of Christianity is the Bible, which is divided up into two books. Old Testament: consists of the sacred writings of the Jewish people long before Jesus.

Christianity New Testament: includes the Gospels, or stories about Jesus, and letters by Christians. The Bible has been translated into over 1,500 languages.

Christianity Christianity is divided into many sects, or smaller groups. Most Christians are Roman Catholic, headed by the Pope in Rome. Most Christian churches are headed by priests or ministers. Major Holidays: Easter, Christmas, Lent

Crescent and Star

Islam The crescent, star, and the color green are symbols often associated with Islam. The star represents knowledge and light, and the crescent represents progress. You will find these symbols on the flags of many Muslim nations.

Islam Islamic art includes calligraphy, or decorative penmanship, but no images of people. The Quran forbids recreating any living thing because no one should copy what Allah has made. This is why you will not find a picture of Muhammad in Islamic literature.

Islam Islam in Arabic means “surrender to God”. Believers of Islam believe that Muhammad was the last in a series of prophets that included Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

Islam Muhammad was visited in a cave by an angel. Muhammad repeated these words and people learned what the angel said.

Islam The holy book of Islam is the Quran (Koran), which contains the teachings of Muhammed. Muslim places of worship are called mosques. Muslims are taught to pray 5 times a day.

Islam The holy city of Islam is Mecca, which contains the Kabba. Every Muslim is required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. It was said the Kabba was once white, but has turned black absorbing all the sins of Muslims. The Islamic sacred month is Ramadan.

Kabba

In Review... What are the three major religions that are a part of North Africa and the Middle East? What is the holy book of Christianity? What is the holy book of Islam? Which of these three religions is the oldest?