World Religion

Summary

Summary

Despite the often violent disagreements between the three Abrahamic faiths, they have many similarities.

They all believe in one God, though the Christian version differs significantly from the Jewish and Islamic version.

While there are many differences, they follow a fundamentally similar moral code; what Jews consider wrong, Christians and Jews usually do as well, and what Muslims consider wrong, etc.

Relations

The religions are closely related. Christianity is clearly a “daughter” of Judaism, and began as a Jewish sect. The Hebrew Scriptures are part of the Christian Bible, and Jesus is considered the fulfilment of “Old Testament” prophecy.

The Koran refers to many stories from the Hebrew Scriptures, and considers Jesus a prophet. The Koran is considered by Muslims to be the corrected form of God’s word.

Judaism and Islamic practice are often rather similar, as is the process of interpretation of the sacred writings of each faith.

Islamic food regulations are often so close to Judaism that many Muslims believe kosher meat is halal.

Differences I Nonetheless, there are major differences. The Christian belief that Jesus is God results in the doctrine of the Trinity, which Judaism and

Islam reject. Nonetheless, Christians argue that they believe in one God, but he is tripartine in nature.

Differences II

Judaism and Islam have many more restrictions than Christianity. Christians may eat just about anything, while Jews and Muslims have restricted diets. Both Jews and Muslims engage in formal prayer several times a day; for most Christians, there is no such requirement.

Muslims, especially, believe that images of the deity and the great men of their faith should not be made, while Christians make many images of Jesus and God.

There is no instrumental music in traditional Jewish services, and Muslims are restricted as to music; there are no such restrictions in Christianity.

Summary and Conclusions

The three faiths have many differences, and differing histories. They have persecuted and fought with each other, and there has often been great enmity between the three faiths.

It would be foolish to deny or forget that.

However, despite their great differences, they have many similarities.

They all look back to the time of the early patriarchs, Abraham in particular, and his great faith.

They all believe in one God, though they conceive of Him differently.

Their moral codes are clearly related.

They all believe in life after death.

They all believe that one of God’s greatest gifts is peace—in fact, Islam’s name is related to the Arabic word for peace.

They have all tried to cope in differing ways with the challenges of modernity.

Despite their great differences, they have much in common.

It is hoped that in the future they will follow their differing paths to God in peace.

December 24, 2016.