Compare & Contrast: Judaism, Christianity, & Islam Part 2: Religion Unit 4: The Middle East

Goals Understand the historical origins, central beliefs, and diffusion of the three religions. Compare and contrast: identify similarities and differences between the three religions.

Historical Origins Vocabulary Notes Middle East It is not surprising that the three religions share many similarities, because they all began in the Middle East.

Historical Origins Vocabulary Notes Abraham According to Jewish tradition, because of an agreement between Abraham and Yahweh, his descendents would be the “Chosen Ones”. People that practice Judaism are known as Jews. Abraham is an important person to both Christianity and Judaism.

Historical Origins Vocabulary Notes Jesus Jesus was a Jew. Christianity would be base on the life and teachings of Jesus, who was seen as the Messiah. Christianity would really start after Jesus was executed by the Romans. People that practice Christianity are known as Christians.

Historical Origins Vocabulary Notes Muhammad According to Islam, Muhammad was visited by the angel Gabriel, a messenger of Allah. Muhammad is consider to be the last prophet of Allah. People that practice Islam are known as Muslims.

Central Beliefs Vocabulary Notes Monotheism All three religions worship one god. Yahweh is Hebrew for “I am”, and is the name of their god. God is one term used by Christians to refer to Yahweh. Allah is Arabic for God. Muslims belief that they worship the same god as the Jews and Christians.

Central Beliefs Rules/Guidelines All three religions have rules/guidelines that teach how people should live their lives. The Ten Commandments are important to all three religions, and can be found in their sacred text.

Central Beliefs Similarities between the Five Pillars of Islam and in practice/belief of Judaism and Christianity Five Pillars Islam Judaism Christianity Charity X Prayer Belief in One God Fasting The Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca, the Holiest City in Islam)

Central Beliefs Vocabulary Notes Messiah Both Jews and Christians believe in a Messiah, a savior. Christians believe the Messiah is Jesus. Jews believe that the Messiah has not come.

Central Beliefs Vocabulary Notes Jesus Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and the son of God. Jews and Muslims believe that Jesus was a good person. Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet.

Central Beliefs Jerusalem Notes Jerusalem is an important city to all three religions. For Jews, it is the site of the last wall to the Temple of Solomon. For Christians it is the site of where Jesus was executed and crucified. For Muslims, it is the site of the Dome of the Rock, a mosque, and the place where Muhammad ascended to Heaven.

Diffusion Vocabulary Notes Trade Routes During the Roman Empire, Christianity would spread throughout the region surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The Disciples of Jesus, especially Peter, would travel throughout the Roman Empire. Islam would spread on trade routes throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.

Diffusion Vocabulary Notes Migration Judaism primarily spread through the migration of Jews. For example, the Romans forced the Jews from Jerusalem and moved them throughout the Roman Empire.

Diffusion Vocabulary Notes Sacred Text All three religions have a sacred text that contains the teaching of their respective religion. The Torah is the sacred text of Judaism, and is the first five books of the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The Bible is the sacred text of Christianity. The Gospels are a recording of the teachings of Jesus. The Qu’ran is the sacred text of Islam. The Qu’ran was recorded by followers of Muhammad.

Diffusion Vocabulary Notes Teachers Place of Worship Rabbi : Judaism :: Priest : Christianity :: Imam : Islam Synagogue : Judaism :: Church : Christianity :: Mosque : Islam