1. Judeo-Christian Religions
The Main Differences between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

2. Judaism The oldest of the Judeo-Christian religions
First monotheistic religion
Started in Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan
The Exodus
Migrated to Egypt from Israel to escape famine
Became enslaved
Moses led them out of Egypt and back to the “promised land” (Israel)
During their period of wandering through the desert they received the Ten Commandments

3. Key Features of Judaism
Monotheism
Believe in one god.
Holy Books
The Torah - the Old Testament in the Bible.
The Talmud – a collection of legal, ritual, and ethical writings, as well as Jewish history and folk stories
The Ten Commandments
The ten laws given to Moses by God.
They forbade believing in false gods, stealing, murder, adultery, and other forms of immoral behavior.
Holy Places, People, and Items
Church is called a Synagogue
Their pastor is called a Rabbi
Holiest city is Jerusalem because it is where the temple of Solomon was built and is where the wailing wall is today.

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9. Christianity Based on the teachings of Jesus
Preached forgiveness, mercy, and sympathy for the poor and helpless
Crucified by the Romans for claiming he was the Messiah (savior)
After his death Christianity was spread by his Apostles (followers)
They believe he was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven
Became the major religion of the Roman Empire
Roman Empire split into the western countries and the Byzantine Empire
Led to the split between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox
Later a split in the Roman Catholic church led to Protestant religions

10. The Divisions in Christianity
Eastern Orthodox
Found mainly in Greece and Russia and some areas of the Middle East
Roman Catholic
The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church and its headquarters are the Vatican City located in Rome, Italy
Protestant
Reject the Pope’s authority and believe that people should interpret the Bible for themselves.
Many different groups:
Assembly of God
Adventists
Amish
Baptist
Church of Christ
Episcopalian
Lutheran
Methodist
Presbyterian
Pentecostal
Non-Denominational

11. Major Beliefs of Christianity
Role of Jesus
He was the son of God
He sacrificed himself to save humankind from punishment for their sins.
After his death was resurrected and rose to Heaven
Christian Conduct
They will be saved and will go to Heaven after death if they have faith in Christ as their savior and treat others with love and respect.
Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
The Christian Bible
The sacred book of Christianity
Old Testament (The Torah – Jewish Bible)
New Testament (describes the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles)

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18. Islam Islam means submission to the will of God in Arabic
Followers are called Muslims, one who submits to God
Founded by Mohammed around 600 AD
Had a vision that commanded him to convert Arab tribes to the belief in a single God, Allah (the same god worshipped by Jews and Christians)
Merchants in Mecca grew jealous of Mohammed’s growing influence
Fled to Medina in 622 AD, where he became a religious leader
His followers believed that he was God’s last and greatest prophet.
His teachings are contained in the Qur'an (Koran)
Many Muslims live in Arabic-speaking countries.
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are also Muslim nations.

19. Sunni vs Shiite Sunni Shiite (Shia) 85% of the Muslim population
Believe that the first followers (Caliphs) were the successors to Mohammed
Sunnis approach God directly, there are no church leaders
Shiite (Shia)
15% of the Muslim population
Believe that only Mohammed’s descendents could be successors (Imams)
Imams hold an exalted position. The Ayatollah is the most important Imam.

20. Sharia Law The moral and religious law of Islam
Most well known law is the “Haram” law
Deals with sexual misconduct
Any kind of sexual activity outside of marriage.
Punishment for violating the Haram law is either stoning to death or a severe flogging.
Secular Laws vs. Religious Law
If the Haram law is violated by a Muslim in the United States, should the Muslim community be allowed to stone that person to death or should they have to be required to follow the US Constitution?

21. The Five Pillars of Islam
Confession of Faith
Prayer
Charity
Fasting
Pilgrimage
Muslims must affirm: “There is no God but Allah and Mohamme d is his prophet.
Muslims must pray five times a day, while facing east towards the city of Mecca.
Muslims must give money to the poor and pay taxes to the mosque.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims cannot eat or drink during daylight hours.
If physically able, a Muslim must make a pilgrimage (religious trip) to Mecca.

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