Prominent Religions of Southwest Asia Christianity, Judaism, and Islam

Christianity

Founder and Date Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ. Christianity began to be practiced in the middle of the First Century A.D.

HISTORY Spread by Jesus’ disciples or teachers. Began in modern day Israel/Jordan First practiced by Jews and Romans. Early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs.

HISTORY Roman Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire Christianity spread throughout Europe and their colonies all over the world. Between 1.5 and 2 billion Christians world-wide. World’s largest religion

HISTORY There are over 38,000 different Christian denominations. Major Denominations include Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants.

Teachings Christians believe Jesus is God’s son. Ten Commandments Bible (New Testament) Jesus was crucified, died, and was resurrected 3 days later. Faithful Christians will reunite with God in Heaven.

VISUAL Main symbol is the cross. This symbolizes Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection.

ISLAM

FOUNDER AND DATE The prophet Muhammad received the teachings of Islam in the year 622 A.D. in modern day Saudi Arabia. Some Muslims believe Islam started with God’s creation of man.

HISTORY Islam began in Arabia. Spread quickly through trade and conquest. Split into two branches, Shia and Sunni, after Muhammad died in 632.

HISTORY Numerous Islamic Empires ruled over large numbers of people. Some examples include the Mughal Empire, the Safavid Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.

HISTORY Roughly 1.2 billion or 20% of the world’s population practices Islam. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. By the middle of the 21st century, Islam should be the world’s largest religion.

TEACHINGS Muhammad received teachings for Islam from an angel sent by God. Five Pillars of Islam are the main rules for Islam. Pray 5 times a day Fast during Ramadan There is only one god, Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet, Give to the poor Hajj to Mecca

TEACHINGS The Koran (Quran) is a holy book in Islam. The Sunnah is the moral code for all Muslims. The Hadith details the life of Muhammad.

VISUAL The most common symbol for Islam is a star and a crescent moon. Pictures/drawings of Muhammad and most living creatures are forbidden (cannot perfect Allah’s work)

JUDAISM

FOUNDER AND DATE Abraham is considered to be the founder of Judaism. Judaism was founded in the lands known as modern day Israel Judaism was founded around 2000 B.C.E.

HISTORY Judaism started in SW Asia and spread throughout Europe. Jesus Christ was raised a Jew. Diaspora---the spread of Jews around the world Exodus---exile of Jews from Egypt (Moses).

HISTORY Jews have faced discrimination throughout their history. During the Holocaust, Germans killed nearly 6 million Jews. Jewish people were given the state of Israel in 1948. Have fought 6 wars with Arab neighbors since 1948.

HISTORY The majority of people who practice Judaism live in the United States and Israel. Smaller Jewish populations also live in throughout Europe.

TEACHINGS The Ten Commandments are the main rules in Judaism. The Torah is the sacred book of Judaism. The Talmud is a holy book containing commentaries on Jewish law and teachings.

TEACHINGS Judaism is considered to be the first monotheistic religion. Without Judaism, there would be no Christianity or Islam. Abraham, Noah, David, and Jonah were all Jews who practiced Judaism.

VISUAL The most common symbol in Judaism is the Star of David.

Visual Other symbols associated with Judaism include the menorah, the Torah scrolls, a dradle, and the Ten Commandments.