1. The Semitic Religions Semitic: refers to the people of the Middle East and their languages. There are three Semitic religions; Christianity Judaism and Islam. These religions all trace their beginnings to the Middle east.

2. Christianity Christianity is a monotheistic religion -this is a religion that believes in only one god. Christians believe in the God of Abraham Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God and that he died on the cross( was crucified). Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah (savior) that the Jewish people were waiting for. The primary symbol of Christianity is a cross, representing the crucifixion of Jesus. The Christian holy book is the Bible. Christians worship in a Church

3. Christianity The Christian Bible is divided into two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament deals with the history and traditions of Judaism that led up to the birth of Jesus. The New Testament deals with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Disciples recorded the teachings of Jesus Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead proving an existence of an afterlife with God to those who truly believe. The leader of Christian services is a priest or pastor Branches of Christianity include Catholic, Baptist Methodist, Lutheran,Episcopalian, Church of Christ, etc.

4. Judaism The oldest of the Semitic religions Judaism is a monotheistic religion Jews believe in one god the God of Abraham Jews believe in the eventual arrival of the Messiah (savior), but that this Messiah has not yet arrived. The Jewish people worship in a temple Primary Jewish Holidays include Passover, Chanukah, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.

5. Judaism The Jewish holy book is called the Torah The leader of Jewish services is a Rabbi The Jewish symbol is the Star of David

6. Islam Islam is a monotheistic religion Worshippers of Islam are called Muslims Muslims believe in the God Of Abraham Muslims worship in a Mosque The leader of an Islamic service is called an Imam Muslims call the God of Abraham Allah Muslims believe that Mohammed was the last and greatest prophet of God Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet of God. The Muslim holy book is called the Koran The primary symbol of Islam is a crescent moon and star