Introduction to the Monotheistic Religions of the Middle East

The Three Religions 1.Judaism, Jew 2.Christianity, Christian 3.Islam, Muslim Star of David The Cross Crescent Moon and Star

Religion JudaismChristianityIslam Diety God Yahweh, Elohim God Allah Holy Book “People of the book” Torah (Old Test.) Bible (Old and New Test.) Qur’an (Koran) Religious Law HalakhahCanon LawSharia Place of Worship SynagogueChurch Chapel Cathedral Mosque Clergy RabbisPriest, Minister, PastorImam

Some Similarities 1.Monotheistic 2.Abrahamic – Recognize Abraham as Patriarch (father) 3.Consider city of Jerusalem to be Holy 4.All connected to parts of the Bible.

Origins of the Three Monotheistic Religions

Abraham Believed to be the world’s first monotheist Appears in the holy scriptures of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Lived sometime between 2100 and 1500 BC Born in the country we now know as Iraq and journeyed to Canaan, which we know now as Israel He made this journey because God told him to “Go forth from your land and your birthplace and your father’s house to the land I will show you. I will make you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great.”

Abraham Once settled in Canaan after a lengthy journey over many years, Abraham still did not have any children with his wife Sarah. At the age of 90, Sarah persuaded Abraham to have a child with her servant Hagar. The child of Abraham and Hagar was called Ishmael. Then Sarah became pregnant by Abraham, and that child was named Isaac. With Isaac’s birth, Abraham banished Hagar and Ishmael. Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the desert until they found a sacred well at the site of present-day Mecca.

Descendants of Abraham For Jews, Abraham is the first of the Patriarchs, a direct ancestor of the “Children of Israel” in the Hebrew Bible and of the Jewish People to the present day. Christians trace the family tree of Jesus back to Abraham through both Mary and Joseph who are the descendants of Isaac. While Muslims trace the ancestry of the Prophet Muhammad through Abraham’s (Ibrahim in Arabic) eldest son, Ishmael (Isma’il in Arabic). This is why all three religions accept the Old Testament as part of their religious texts.

ABRAHAM SARAH HAGAR Isaac Esau Jacob/Israel 12 Tribes of Israel Ishmael 12 Arabian Tribes Islam-Quran Other 10 tribes- (Israelites) (Hebrews) Judaism-Torah Abraham’s Genealogy 2 Tribes - (Jews) of Judah Jesus Christ (son of God) The Hebrew Bible - Old Testament in the Christian Bible Mecca (Muslims ) Muhammad (the last prophet) Quran and the Five Pillars of Islam 4000–550 BC All 3 Religions are linked by Abraham—He is the patriarch of all 3

Brief History on Origins Judaism- The Hebrew leader Abraham founded Judaism around 2000 B.C. Judaism is the oldest of the monotheistic faiths (religions with one God). Christianity - Founded by Jesus Christ, who was crucified around A.D. 30 in Jerusalem After his death his followers came to believe in him as the Christ, the Messiah. Islam - Founded in Arabia by Muhammad between A.D. 610 and A.D. 632

Monotheistic Beliefs

Monotheistic Beliefs----One God Judaism: One God called Yahweh and Elohim Christianity: Trinity (God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) Islam: One God called Allah 12

Divine Revelation---God’s Words How do we know about God? Judaism: through prophets in Old Testament; recorded in the Hebrew Bible Christianity: through prophets in Old Testament and Jesus as recorded in the Old and New Testament Islam: through God’s final prophet Muhammad; recorded in the Qur’an 13

Views on Jesus

Identity of Jesus Judaism: False prophet---Still waiting for the Messiah from the Old Testament Christianity: Son of God, the Messiah, Savior Islam: prophet of God; Not the Messiah or Son of God 15

Death of Jesus Judaism: death by Crucifixion Christianity: death by Crucifixion Islam: Did not die, but ascended into heaven (a disciple took his place) 16

Resurrection of Jesus Judaism: Denied Christianity: Affirmed Islam: Denied; since he did not die 17

Means to Salvation and Afterlife

Means of Salvation Judaism: Belief in one God; good deeds; follow the Ten Commandments Christianity: correct belief, good deeds; by faith accept Christ as Savior (Protestants); follow the Ten Commandments Islam: Belief in one God; good deeds; follow the Ten Commandments; and follow Five Pillars of Faith 19

Afterlife Judaism: eternal heaven Christianity: eternal heaven/ eternal hell Islam: eternal paradise (heaven)/ eternal hell 20