THE LEGACY OF ABRAHAM

ABRAHAM: B.C.

Born in area that is now called Iraq (Mesopotamia – Fertile Crescent – betweenTigris and Euphrates Rivers)

According to Jewish tradition, God instructs Abraham that his descendants will inherit an area called Canaan (Palestine, modern day Israel)

Abraham has no children/heirs (tries to have son with wife Sarah, she didn’t get pregnant – can she?)

Sarah instructs Abraham to father a son with slave (Hagar)

Hagar gives birth to Ishmael

Angels visit Sarah and tells her she will have a son, Isaac (she gets pregnant after all)

Controversy between Hagar/Ishmael and Sarah/Isaac, so Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away

Isaac becomes the “Father of the Hebrews” (which will be Jews)

Ishmael becomes the “Father of the Arabs” (many of which are Muslims today)

Most Hebrews practice Judaism, and some, in time, become Christians.

All three have different opinions about Jesus Christians, he is the Messiah (Christ) Jewish, he is a false prophet Muslims he is a prophet before Mohammed

LASTING EFFECTS Nearly 60 percent of world population are either Christian, Muslim, or Jew All believe in the significance of “the promised land”

Judaism Important person: Moses Sacred text: Torah (Tanakh- 3 parts) Place of worship: synagogue Diet: eat Kosher food don’t eat pork or shellfish

Judaism People are called Jewish Both a religion and ethnicity Practiced by million world wide (most in Israel and US) Sects: Orthodox, Reform and Conservative Sacred language: Hebrew

Christianity Important person: Jesus (Messiah) Sacred text: Bible Place of worship: Church Sects: Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant (many denominations) - Martin Luther

Christianity 2 billion world wide- Largest and found all over the world Belief in the Trinity Sacraments of baptism and communion

Islam Important person: Mohammed Sacred text: Koran Place of worship: mosque Dietary restriction: no pork or alcohol and meat must be prepared a certain way - “halal” Main sects: Sunni and Shi’a (also Sufis)

Islam 2 billion world wide 5 Pillars of Faith – the creed, daily prayers, alms, Ramadan, & the hajj Sacred language: Arabic

What do all three have in common? All tied to Abraham Monotheistic Jerusalem holds significance Caring for the poor