Southwest Asia… birthplace of the three Abrahamic religions.

Judaism and the Hebrew Tribes c. 1400 BCE Torah becomes most sacred book for the Jewish people. Jews are persecuted in Egypt, flee to Palestine (Exodus) Covenant with Yahweh. Arc of the Covenant and Solomon's Temple. Believe that the Messiah has not come yet. Ancient Palestine

Christianity Jesus as Messiah. Jerusalem and Bethlehem holy/sacred. The Romans come to Palestine. Apostles spread the word of Jesus. Romans eventually “believe” and spread Christianity. Add the “New Testament” to the Torah/Old Testament becomes “The Bible”

Islam Sects: Sunni and Shi’a (Shiite) 610 CE Mohammad receives the word of God from the angel Gabriel. His revelations are eventually compiled to become the Qur’an. Allah is the same God as the Christian and Jewish God, in Arabic he is called “Allah” Prophet Mohammad is the last in a line of Prophets which include Jesus, Adam, and Moses. Five Pillars of Faith. Sharia: body of Islamic law to regulate daily living. Three holiest cities in Islam: * Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem. Sects: Sunni and Shi’a (Shiite)

Why was Islam able to spread so quickly? No priesthood. Teaches equality. “Peoples of the Book” (Christians and Jews) were allowed to practice freely. Later, “jihad” or holy war against “non-believers” or “infidels.”

Think-pair-share What commonalities do you see between the three religions? Make a list as a group and be prepared to share one thought.