Judaism is… “A 4000 year old tradition with ideas about what it means to be human and how to make the world a holy place” (Rabbi Harold Kushner, To Life) A “covenant relationship” between God and the Hebrew people

A 4000 year old tradition… The Patriarchs (Founders) Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (“Israel”) – origins of the Hebrew people (more than 3800 years ago) Enslaved in ancient Egypt and freed by Moses (more than 3300 years ago) Hebrew monarchy in the “Promised Land” (The Land of Israel), ends 6th century BCE

As a faith, Jews Believe… In one God, creator of the universe In prophets of old – especially Moses, through whom Torah was revealed to the Hebrew people In Torah (first five books of the Bible), containing religious, moral and social law which guides the life of a Jew the Hebrew Bible does not include the New Testament

As a people, Jews are… A nation in Diaspora (dispersed) 15 – 16 million in worldwide population

As a way of life, Judaism is based on… 613 commandments found in Torah (“Written Law”) Talmud (“Oral Law”) –how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through: Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher) Dress and other symbols Prayer and devotion to the one God The Temple and Temple rites Observance of Holy days Proper social relations between male and female, in business, judicial rulings, etc.

How is Judaism related to Christianity? Judaism predates Christianity – it is the foundation of Christianity but is not a part of it Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the Apostles Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more than a good and wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah

What are Jews really concerned about? Tikkun Olam - “repairing this world” through justice and righteousness; through “deed, not creed” The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot (“good deeds” based on God’s commandments) Through education and hard work we make our lives, the lives of others, and the world, what God intended it to be – Holy!

THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY / CHRISTIAN BELIEFS 1.Jesus Christ- believed to be the messiah (savior) promised by GOD in the Old Testament -born a Jew and Roman subject in Bethlehem (present-day Israel) -Freed believers from sin and offered resurrection in the afterlife (Resurrection: rise from the dead and enter Heaven) -Age 30, Jesus taught, did good works and performed miracles -Crucified by Jews and Romans at age 33 -Rose from the dead after 3 days

Why did Jesus’ followers think he was the Messiah? After Jesus’ death, his body was placed in a tomb. After 3 days he appeared to his followers. This convinced his followers that he was the Messiah.

Christianity Spreads All of Jesus’ followers spread his ideas. Teachings did not contradict Jewish law; his first followers were Jews. A new religion is born based on the teachings of Jesus.

A New World Religion The widespread appeal of Christianity: Embraced all people Gave hope to the powerless Appealed to those who were against the extravagances of Rome Personal relationship with God Promised eternal life after death.

What Is Christianity? Introduction: Christianity is a major world religion, A“Western” religion (w/ Judaism & Islam) The largest world religion today (ca. 2 billion) It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the “Christ” ( “Messiah”) & the “Son of God.” Like most other major world religions, Christianity has several core aspects: I) History & Development II) Core Beliefs & Practices III) Structures & Regulations

What Is Christianity? History 1)Historical Background: Abraham, Israelites, Hebrews, Jews, OT 2)Historical Foundation: Jesus of Nazareth (crucified ca. AD 30) & his first disciples/apostles 3)Historical Development: Tradition preserved/adapted 2000 years (interplay of both old & new, ancient & modern)

What Is Christianity? Sacred Texts 1)The Bible: official collection of books, in two parts: both Old Testament & New Testament 2)The Creeds: short professions of faith, defined by first two Ecumenical Councils: Nicea & Constantinople 3)Other Writings: writings of Church leaders throughout history, esp. founders of orders & denominations

Core Beliefs 1)One God in Three Persons (Trinity): Father / Almighty / Creator Son / Jesus / Christ / Savior / Lord Holy Spirit / Giver of Life 2)World & Humans: created by God, in God’s image, with free will; originally good, but corrupted by sin/death; 3)Church, Salvation, Eschatology: community of believers; body of Christ; resurrection of the body; eternal life

What Is Christianity? Core Ethical Teachings Foundational Principles: do good & avoid evil; love God, others, self; develop an “informed conscience” Social Ethics: dignity of each person; common good; care of the poor/needy; work, participation, property

Islamic Religion

What is Islam? Second largest religion in the world 1.2 Billion Muslims (20% of earth population) Began in modern day Saudi Arabia Based on beliefs on Jews & Christians Abraham is first important figure Belief in the same, single God Follows the teachings of the prophet Muhammad

What is the Qur’an? Holy Book of Islam Revealed to Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel Contains the words of Allah. Ideally, it should be read and printed in Arabic only. Contains parts of the Torah and Bible

Who is Muhammad? A prophet of God, but not a god himself He is not worshipped Born in Saudi Arabia, in city of Mecca A trader until age 40, when Qur’an revealed to him. His teachings are the foundation of Islam.

Who is Muhammad? Claimed to travel with Angles to Jerusalem one night Given tour of Heaven and Hell Temple built over the site where he went to heaven. He and his followers make polytheists in Mecca angry, move to Medina. (hijra) After a decade, he invades Mecca. Later, he leads some battles himself to “defend the faith.” Dies in Medina at age 63 No male sons Only one daughter

Basic Islamic Beliefs 1. One unique god, without a partner or son. 1. Belief in God’s revealed books: - Torah, Bible, Qur’an 2. Belief in all Gods prophets: - Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad 3. A final day of judgment. 4. Belief in the angels of God.

Other Beliefs Islam Emphasizes: Tolerance, Humility, Justice, generosity, obedience to law, and courage. Islam Forbids the consumption of: Pork (pigs believed to be unclean) Alcohol

The Five Pillars of Islam Muhammad said five pillars held up the building of Islam: 1. Testimony of Faith - “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” 2. Prayer: - 5 times a day 3. Charity: - 2.5% of Muslim income goes to the needy, mosques, etc 4. Fasting - During Ramadan, no eating during the day 5. Hajj: - Travel to Mecca at least once, if physically/financially able.