Birthplace of three religions Chapter 8, Section 4

Three religions Jews, Christians, and Muslim have lived in Jerusalem for centuries. Share common traits. Got their start in Southwest Asia. Believe there is only one God or monotheism. Each religion was led by a single person and has a set of sacred writings. Remember: Sumerians and Egyptians believed in many gods or polytheism.

Abraham and the origin of Judaism Hebrews were the first monotheists. Believed in a god named Yahweh. According to Hebrew scripture, Yahweh spoke to Abraham. Abraham was from Ur in southeastern Mesopotamia.

Abraham and the origin of Judaism Yahweh told Abraham to leave his native land. Abraham obeyed and eventually settled in Canaan—now Israel. Abraham’s descendants are Jews and their religion is Judaism.

How Judaism Adapted over time 586 BC—the Babylonians from southern Mesopotamia destroyed the First Temple built by the Jews in Jerusalem. Jews were exiled to Babylon. Jews continued to worship by praying from and reading their holy texts.

How Judaism Adapted over time About 536 BC—Persians took control of Mesopotamia. Persian ruler Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Later the Jews were under Roman control.

How Judaism Adapted over time 66 AD—Jews revolted again Rome. Jerusalem and the Second Temple were destroyed in the revolt. Temple was never rebuilt. Jewish teachers and leaders encouraged people to replace worship in the Temple with prayer, study, and good deeds. Jews lived outside Jerusalem for the next 1,800 years. Jews hoped to moved back to Jerusalem.

Jesus and the birth of Christianity A Jewish boy named Jesus was born in Bethlehem between 8 to 4 BC. Jesus’ life story is told in the Bible. His story consists of four Gospels in the New Testament. First written approximately 30 years after his death.

Jesus and the birth of Christianity According to the Gospels, Jesus grew up in Galilee. His father trained him to be a carpenter. When he was about 30, he started traveling around the country preaching a religion of love and forgiveness and performing miracles. People came to hear him speak. Disciplines gathered around him.

Jesus—the early life Jewish people believed that someday a Messiah—or savior—would lead them out of exile. People who believed Jesus was the savior were called Christians. Note: The Greek word for Messiah is Christ.

Jesus—final days Some government and religious leaders considered Jesus’ teachings and large followers a threat to their own power. When Jesus came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish feast of Passover, the authorities decided to get rid of him.

Jesus—final days One of his disciplines, Judas Iscariot, betrayed him to authorities. Jesus was arrested, tried, crucified, died, and was put into a tomb. According to his disciplines, three days later, he was resurrected and went up to heaven.

Beginnings of Christianity Jesus’ disciplines spread his teachings and their belief that he was the Messiah as promised in Jewish scripture. From its roots in Judaism, Christianity was formed. Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Eventually spread to other parts of the world

Muhammad, the prophet of Islam Less than 600 years after Jesus’ death, a third monotheistic religion emerged. Muhammad was born in Mecca about 570 AD. Muhammad is the founder of Islam. Followers of Islam believe in one god and that Muhammad is his prophet. Believers in Islam are called Muslims.

Muhammad, the prophet of Islam About 610 AD—Muhammad was alone and heard a voice commanding him. The voice said: “Recite in the name of your Lord who created! He created man from that which clings. Recite; and thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He who has taught by the pen, taught man what he knew not.”

Muhammad’s Teachings Believed that the command was from the angel Gabriel, who was revealing to him the will of God. For the next 22 years, Gabriel continued to send revelations to Muhammad. Revelations were collected in the Qur’an—the sacred text of Islam. Criticized the wealthy people in Mecca for ignoring the needs of the poor and needy. Encouraged people to reject their wicked ways and worship one true God.

Muhammad’s teachings Meccan leaders thought Muhammad’s teachings threatened their traditions and businesses. People plotted to kill him. 622 AD—Muhammad and a group of followers escaped to the city of Medina; they were welcomed. Muslims date the beginning of their calendar from this important date in their history.

The end—questions?